Sequential enzymatic epoxidation involved in polyether lasalocid biosynthesis

Enantioselective epoxidation followed by regioselective epoxide opening reaction are the key processes in construction of the polyether skeleton. Recent genetic analysis of ionophore polyether biosynthetic gene clusters suggested that flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) could be involved in the oxidation steps. In vivo and in vitro analyses of Lsd18, an FMO involved in the biosynthesis of polyether lasalocid, using simple olefin or truncated diene of a putative substrate as substrate mimics demonstrated that enantioselective epoxidation affords natural type mono- or bis-epoxide in a stepwise manner. These findings allow us to figure out enzymatic polyether construction in lasalocid biosynthesis.     

Side-chain conformation of the M2 transmembrane peptide proton channel of influenza a virus from 19F solid-state NMR

The M2 transmembrane peptide (M2TMP) of the influenza A virus forms a tetrameric helical bundle that acts as a proton-selective channel important in the viral life cycle. The side-chain conformation of the peptide is largely unknown and is important for elucidating the proton-conducting mechanism and the channel stability. Using a 19F spin diffusion NMR technique called CODEX, we have measured the oligomeric states and interhelical side chain-side chain 19F-19F distances at several residues using singly fluorinated M2TMP bound to DMPC bilayers. 19F CODEX data at a key residue of the proton channel, Trp41, confirm the tetrameric state of the peptide and yield a nearest-neighbor interhelical distance of approximately 11 A under both neutral and acidic pH. Since the helix orientation is precisely known from previous 15N NMR experiments and the backbone channel diameter has a narrow allowed range, this 19F distance constrains the Trp41 side-chain conformation to t90 (chi1 approximately 180 degrees , chi2 approximately 90 degrees ). This Trp41 rotamer, combined with a previously measured 15N-13C distance between His37 and Trp411, suggests that the His37 rotamer is t-160. The implication of the proposed (His37, Trp41) rotamers to the gating mechanism of the M2 proton channel is discussed. Binding of the antiviral drug amantadine to the peptide does not affect the F-F distance at Trp41. Interhelical 19F-19F distances are also measured at residues 27 and 38, each mutated to 4-19F-Phe. For V27F-M2TMP, the 19F-19F distances suggest a mixture of dimers and tetramers, whereas the L38F-M2TMP data indicate two tetramers of different sizes, suggesting side chain conformational heterogeneity at this lipid-facing residue. This work shows that 19F spin diffusion NMR is a valuable tool for determining long-range intermolecular distances that shed light on the mechanism of action and conformational heterogeneity of membrane protein oligomers.     

Systematic study of protein detection mechanism of self-assembling 19F NMR/MRI nanoprobes toward rational design and improved sensitivity

(19)F NMR/MRI probe is expected to be a powerful tool for selective sensing of biologically active agents owing to its high sensitivity and no background signals in live bodies. We have recently reported a unique supramolecular strategy for specific protein detection using a protein ligand-tethered self-assembling (19)F probe. This method is based on a recognition-driven disassembly of the nanoprobes, which induced a clear turn-on signal of (19)F NMR/MRI. In the present study, we conducted a systematic investigation of the relationship between structure and properties of the probe to elucidate the mechanism of this turn-on (19)F NMR sensing in detail. Newly synthesized (19)F probes showed three distinct behaviors in response to the target protein: off/on, always-on, and always-off modes. We clearly demonstrated that these differences in protein response could be explained by differences in the stability of the probe aggregates and that "moderate stability" of the aggregates produced an ideal turn-on response in protein detection. We also successfully controlled the aggregate stability by changing the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance of the probes. The detailed understanding of the detection mechanism allowed us to rationally design a turn-on (19)F NMR probe with improved sensitivity, giving a higher image intensity for the target protein in (19)F MRI.     

Intermolecular cycloaddition of N-boranonitrone with alkenes

Ethyl glyoxylate O-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxime (8), on treatment with 2.2 equiv of BF3 x OEt2, generated N-boranonitrone E, which underwent intermolecular cycloaddition with alkenes 18 to afford isoxazolidines 19 in moderate to high yields. The cycloaddition of N-boranonitrone E with most of the alkenes gave 3,5-trans isoxazolidines as the major isomers via a concerted mechanism. However, in the case of 1-methylated cyclic alkenes (18j and 18l), the cycloaddition surprisingly furnished the 3,3a-cis-cycloadducts (19j and 19l) as major isomers. A possible explanation is that the reaction of 1-methylated cyclic alkenes proceeds mainly via a stepwise mechanism. This reaction of terminal alkenes is very useful for synthesis of 1,3-anti aminoalcohol derivatives by reductive cleavage of an N-O bond.     

基于特征值分析的骨架机理获取方法

基于特征值分析法,建立了一套复杂化学反应动力学模型简化方法,并采用该方法对甲烷空气燃烧的详细化学反应动力学模型进行了简化.从GRI1.2得到了21个组分,83个反应的骨架机理.该机理与详细的GRI1.2机理和DRM19机理在不同化学计量比和不同压力下对比了点火延迟时间,结果表明简化机理能有效地再现详细反应动力学模型的反应机理,并具有更高的计算精度.从GRI3.0简化得到两种骨架机理分别为26个组分、120个反应和30个组分、140个反应.这两个机理都能很好地对火焰传播速度以及主要组分和NO浓度分布进行反应动力学模拟.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of AV 19: mechanistic aspects involving primary oxidizing species

Photocatalytic degradation of Acid violet 19 (AV 19) under UV radiation followed first-order kinetics and obeyed Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism. The oxidants involved were identified as positive hole, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Oxalate/hydrogen peroxide chemiluminescence reaction. A 19F NMR probe of the reaction mechanism

The mechanism of the oxalate/hydrogen peroxide chemiluminescence reaction has been examined by magnetic resonance techniques. Investigation of the reactive intermediates involved in chemiluminescence was carried out with bis(2,6-difluorophenyl)oxalate (DFPO) using 19F NMR to probe its reactions with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Formation and reactions of the intermediate hydroperoxy oxalate ester B along with the formation of the half ester product C and difluorophenol D were monitored by 19F NMR. When the reaction of DFPO and aqueous hydrogen peroxide was carried out in the presence of dansylphenylalanine, a typical fluorescent analyte, the intensity of the resonance due to the intermediate B was diminished in direct proportion to the concentration of the analyte. Comparison of the time/intensity profile of the chemiluminescence emission with that of the 19F NMR transient suggests that the hydroperoxy oxalate ester B is the likely 'reactive' intermediate, capable of participating in a chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence mechanism.     

Mechanistic Insights into the Regio- and Stereoselectivities of Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Hydroxylation Catalyzed by CYP3A4 and CYP19A1

The hydroxylation of nonreactive C−H bonds can be easily catalyzed by a variety of metalloenzymes, especially cytochrome P450s (P450s). The mechanism of P450 mediated hydroxylation has been intensively studied, both experimentally and theoretically. However, understanding the regio- and stereoselectivities of substrates hydroxylated by P450s remains a great challenge. Herein, we use a multi-scale modeling approach to investigate the selectivity of testosterone (TES) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hydroxylation catalyzed by two important P450s, CYP3A4 and CYP19A1. For CYP3A4, two distinct binding modes for TES/DHT were predicted by dockings and molecular dynamics simulations, in which the experimentally identified sites of metabolism of TES/DHT can access to the catalytic center. The regio- and stereoselectivities of TES/DHT hydroxylation were further evaluated by quantum mechanical and ONIOM calculations. For CYP19A1, we found that sites 1β, 2β and 19 can access the catalytic center, with the intrinsic reactivity 2β>1β>19. However, our ONIOM calculations indicate that the hydroxylation is favored at site 19 for both TES and DHT, which is consistent with the experiments and reflects the importance of the catalytic environment in determining the selectivity. Our study unravels the mechanism underlying the selectivity of TES/DHT hydroxylation mediated by CYP3A4 and CYP19A1 and is helpful for understanding the selectivity of other substrates that are hydroxylated by P450s.     

均匀共沉淀法制备钛酸钡-钡铁氧体核-壳结构粒子

用均匀共沉淀法制备了钛酸钡-钡铁氧体核-壳粒子, 研究了沉淀反应温度、尿素/金属离子摩尔比值(R)和BaTiO₃浓度对核-壳粒子形貌和结构的影响, 探讨了钛酸钡-钡铁氧体核-壳粒子在焙烧时的形成过程及其磁性能. 采用透射电子显微镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)分析仪对钛酸钡-钡铁氧体前驱物核-壳粒子及钛酸钡-钡铁氧体核-壳粒子的形貌和结构进行了表征, 采用振动样品磁强计(VSM)研究了钛酸钡-钡铁氧体核-壳粒子的磁性能. 结果表明: 当沉淀反应温度为100 °C, R为180, BaTiO₃浓度为2.5 g·L^-1时, 金属离子沉淀完全, 得到的钛酸钡-钡铁氧体前驱物核-壳粒子包覆层均匀、完整、光滑, 厚度约为10 nm. 过高的温度和R值都会导致大量独立颗粒杂质的生成; 随着BaTiO₃浓度的增大, 包覆层厚度有减小的趋势. 当焙烧温度为900 °C时, 壳层中开始形成BaFe₁₂O₁₉相, 其形成过程为晶态的α-Fe₂O₃和BaCO₃首先生成中间相BaFe₂O₄, 然后由BaFe₂O₄和α-Fe₂O₃反应得到最终的BaFe₁₂O₁₉. 当焙烧温度为1000 °C时, 壳层完全转化为BaFe₁₂O₁₉相. 随着焙烧温度从900 °C升高到1000 °C, 所得BaTiO₃-BaFe₁₂O₁₉核-壳粒子的饱和磁化强度从16.5 A·m²·kg^-1增加到39.5 A·m²·kg^-1, 矫顽力从340 kA·m^-1略微降低到316 kA·m^-1.     

Design of chemical shift-switching 19F magnetic resonance imaging probe for specific detection of human monoamine oxidase A

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) A is a flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of biologically important monoamines and is thought to be associated with psychiatric disorders. Here, we report a strategy for rationally designing a (19)F magnetic resonance imaging probe for the specific detection of human MAO-A (hMAO-A) activity. Our designed (19)F probe was oxidized expeditiously by hMAO-A to produce 2-fluoro-4-nitrophenol via a spontaneous β-elimination mechanism. Concomitant with the structural change of the probe to the product, the (19)F chemical shift changed by 4.2 ppm, which was enough to visualize the probe and enzymatic product separately. Importantly, our probe achieved excellent discrimination of hMAO-A from its isoform hMAO-B.     

Brief survey on phytochemicals to prevent COVID-19

BackgroundThe recent pandemic by COVID-19 is a global threat to human health. The disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the infection rate is increased more quickly than MERS and SARS as their rapid adaptation to varied climatic conditions through rapid mutations. It becomes more severe due to the lack of proper therapeutic drugs, insufficient diagnostic tool, scarcity of appropriate drug, life supporting medical facility and mostly lack of awareness. Therefore, preventive measure is one of the important strategies to control. In this context, herbal medicinal plants received a noticeable attention to treat COVID-19 in Indian subcontinent. Here, 44 Indian traditional plants have been discussed with their novel phytochemicals that prevent the novel corona virus. The basic of SARS-CoV-2, their common way of transmission including their effect on immune and nervous system have been discussed. We have analysed their mechanism of action against COVID-19 following in-silico analysis. Their probable mechanism and therapeutic approaches behind the activity of phytochemicals to stimulate immune response as well as inhibition of viral multiplication discussed rationally. Thus, mixtures of active secondary metabolites/phytochemicals are the only choice to prevent the disease in countries where vaccination will take long time due to overcrowded population density.     

The role of odd-electron intermediates and in-cage electron transfer in ultrafast photochemical disproportionation reactions in Lewis bases

Femtosecond visible pump-IR probe studies of Cp2W2(CO)6 in P(OMe)3 and CH2Cl2 have allowed direct observation of a 19-electron intermediate and of disproportionation into CpW(CO)3- and CpW(CO)3P(OMe)3+ on the ultrafast time scale. A new disproportionation mechanism involving in-cage electron transfer between a 19-electron intermediate and a 17-electron radical has been proposed.     

烯烃不对称氢氰化的研究进展

综述了近十五年来烯烃的不对称氢氰化反应的研究进展。主要介绍了烯烃不对称氢氰化反应的应用、催化剂配体、影响对映体选择性的因素及反应机理。参考文献19篇。     

Berry pseudorotation mechanism for the interpretation of the 19F NMR spectrum in PF5 by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.

For the first time, theoretical evidence that confirms the importance of the Berry pseudorotation process in the interpretation of the 19F NMR spectrum of phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5) is presented. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to generate a large number of configurations used for NMR parameter computations at the density functional theory level. Two different temperatures were set to highlight the effect of pseudorotation process on the NMR spectrum. Average 19F chemical shifts and spin-spin coupling constants calculated for the five fluorine atoms converge towards the NMR equivalence of the five atoms when the Berry pseudorotation mechanism is accounted for.     

Structural and Electronic Properties of Lutetium Doped Germanium Clusters LuGen(+/0/-)(n=6～19):A Density Functional Theory Investigation

Structural growth mechanism,energetics,and electronic properties of cationic,neutral,and anionic lutetium doped germanium cluster LuGen(+/0/-)(n=6～19)were compr...     

Nonconventional methods for obtaining hexaferrites

Small particles of PbFe₁₂O₁₉ have been synthesized. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and magnetic investigations have been conducted in order to obtain information on the mechanism of lead hexaferrite formation.Dedicated to Prof. Menachem Steinberg on the occasion of his 65th birthday     

离子液体中微波合成纳米结构的Bi2S3和Bi19Br3S27

在不同咪唑基离子液体中, 利用微波辅助法快速合成了不同形貌的Bi2S3纳米粒子和Bi19Br3S27纳米棒. 利用XRD, TEM和SEM对合成产物进行了结构和形貌的表征. 实验结果表明离子液体在合成过程中对产物的相结构和形貌发挥了重要的作用. 实验中还进一步考察了不同实验条件对产物形貌的影响. 对实验的合成机理进行了初步探讨. 对不同形貌和纳米结构的Bi2S3和Bi19Br3S27进行了UV-Vis光谱分析.     

Oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases: the individual and collective importance of supernumerary cysteines at the proximal Fe-S cluster

An important clue to the mechanism for O(2) tolerance of certain [NiFe]-hydrogenases is the conserved presence of a modified environment around the iron-sulfur cluster that is proximal to the active site. The O(2)-tolerant enzymes contain two cysteines, located at opposite ends of this cluster, which are glycines in their O(2)-sensitive counterparts. The strong correlation highlights special importance for electron-transfer activity in the protection mechanism used to combat O(2). Site-directed mutagenesis has been carried out on Escherichia coli hydrogenase-1 to substitute these cysteines (C19 and C120) individually and collectively for glycines, and the effects of each replacement have been determined using protein film electrochemistry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The "split" iron-sulfur cluster EPR signal thus far observed when oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases are subjected to oxidizing potentials is found not to provide any simple, reliable correlation with oxygen tolerance. Oxygen tolerance is largely conferred by a single cysteine (C19), replacement of which by glycine removes the ability to function even in 1% O(2).     

用于糖链抗原CA19-9实时动态活检的免疫双光子荧光标记试剂盒

采用双光子荧光标记探针LP制备了免疫双光子荧光抗体LP-Ab,以特异性识别肿瘤标志物CA19-9(Ag)形成抗原-抗体复合物(LP-Ab·Ag),基于双光子诱导荧光机制用近红外激光(740 nm)激发LP-Ab·Ag,利用LP-Ab·Ag的双光子荧光实现了CA19-9的高清晰度、高灵敏度及高分辨率的量化检测和实时动态成像,并制成用于糖链抗原CA19-9检测的简单便捷的双光子荧光标记试剂盒.     

Specific CLK inhibitors from a novel chemotype for regulation of alternative splicing

There is a growing recognition of the importance of protein kinases in the control of alternative splicing. To define the underlying regulatory mechanisms, highly selective inhibitors are needed. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of the dichloroindolyl enaminonitrile KH-CB19, a potent and highly specific inhibitor of the CDC2-like kinase isoforms 1 and 4 (CLK1/CLK4). Cocrystal structures of KH-CB19 with CLK1 and CLK3 revealed a non-ATP mimetic binding mode, conformational changes in helix αC and the phosphate binding loop and halogen bonding to the kinase hinge region. KH-CB19 effectively suppressed phosphorylation of SR (serine/arginine) proteins in cells, consistent with its expected mechanism of action. Chemical inhibition of CLK1/CLK4 generated a unique pattern of splicing factor dephosphorylation and had at low nM concentration a profound effect on splicing of the two tissue factor isoforms flTF (full-length TF) and asHTF (alternatively spliced human TF).