1-Aryl-3-(1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-imidazol-1-yl)propan-1-ol esters: synthesis,anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida</Emphasis>potential and molecular modeling studies

Background

An increased incidence of fungal infections, both invasive and superficial, has been witnessed over the last two decades. Candida species seem to be the main etiology of nosocomial fungal infections worldwide with Candida albicans, which is commensal in healthy individuals, accounting for the majority of invasive Candida infections with about 30-40% of mortality.

Results

New aromatic and heterocyclic esters 5a-k of 1-aryl-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propan-1-ols 4a-d were successfully synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Candida potential. Compound 5a emerged as the most active congener among the newly synthesized compounds 5a-k with MIC value of 0.0833 μmol/mL as compared with fluconazole (MIC value >1.6325 μmol/mL). Additionally, molecular modeling studies were conducted on a set of anti-Candida albicans compounds.

Conclusion

The newly synthesized esters 5a-k showed more potent anti-Candida activities than fluconazole. Compounds 7 and 8 revealed significant anti-Candida albicans activity and were able to effectively satisfy the proposed pharmacophore geometry, using the energy accessible conformers (E_conf?<?20 kcal/mol).

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Alkyl glycosides as potential anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida albicans</Emphasis> growth agents

Candida infections are becoming increasingly prevalent and many clinical isolates are resistant to common azole derivatives treatment. Accordingly, the capacity of a series of 19 alkyl glycosides, mainly mannosides and glucosides but also a cellobioside with aglycone chain-length from C-6 to C-20, to inhibit the growth of laboratory and clinically isolated strains of Candida albicans, was investigated. The study showed that only glycosides with the C-10 and C-12 aglycones were effective growth inhibitors of both types of Candida, strains, whose metabolic activity was also significantly reduced as revealed by an XTT assay.     

A comparison of energy changes accompanying growth processes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis>

Calculations are made using the equations Δ_r G = Δ_r H ? TΔ_r S and Δ_r X = Δ_r H ? Δ_r Q where Δ_r X represents the free energy change when the exchange of absorbed thermal energy with the environment is represented by Δ_r Q. The symbol Q has traditionally represented absorbed heat. However, here it is used specifically to represent the enthalpy listed in tabulations of thermodynamic properties as (H _T  ? H ₀) at T = 298.15 K, the reason being that for a given substance TS equals 2.0 Q for solid substances, with the difference being greater for liquids, and especially gases. Since Δ_r H can be measured, and is tangibly the same no matter what thermodynamics are used to describe a reaction equation, a change in the absorbed heat of a biochemical growth process system as represented by either Δ_r Q or TΔ_r S would be expected to result in a different calculated value for the free energy change. Calculations of changes in thermodynamic properties are made which accompany anabolism; the formation of anabolic, organic by-products; catabolism; metabolism; and their respective non-conservative reactions; for the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using four growth process systems. The result is that there is only about a 1% difference in the average quantity of free energy conserved during growth using either Eq. 1 or 2. This is because although values of TΔ_r S and Δ_r Q can be markedly different when compared to one another, these differences are small when compared to the value for Δ_r G or Δ_r X.     

4-Aryl-3-(methanesulfonyl)pyrazolo[5,1-<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>][1,2,4]triazines and their transformations

Coupling of 3-alkyl-4-aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-diazonium chlorides with methylene-active methyl phenacyl sulfones afforded new pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine derivatives via cyclization of the corresponding intermediate 1-aryl-2-(hetarylhydrazinylidene)-2-(methanesulfonyl)ethanones. The reactivity of the methanesulfonyl group on C³ of pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazines toward some nucleophiles was studied.     

Stability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>-, <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-element diphosphates in water

The mean atomic Gibbs energies of formation of (Δ _f ? _at ⁰ ) of s-, p-, and d-element diphosphates have been calculated using ion increments of the Gibbs energy (Δ _f G ⁰). The diphosphate hydrolysis kinetics is considered, and a correlation between the Δ _f ? _at ⁰ values and the hydrolysis rate constants is presented.     

Theoretical Study of Substituent Effect in Aryl Group Migration in (<Emphasis Type="Italic">para</Emphasis>-C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>4</Subscript>X)Mn(CO)5 Complexes

In this study, we report substituent effect on aryl group migration in (para-C₆H₄X)Mn(CO)₅ complexes using mpw1pw91 quantum chemical calculations. These calculations reveal good linear relationships between barrier energy (ΔE), activation energy (ΔH^?), activation free energy (ΔG^?) values and rate constants with Hammett constants of X-substituents. The occupancy values of Mn–CO_cis and Mn–C(O)-(para-C₆H₄X) bonds in reactant, transition state and product were calculated by Natural bond orbital (NBO) method.     

The synthesis of substituted 5-aminopyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>]isoquinolines and their sulfinyl and sulfonyl derivatives

5-Aminopyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2-c]isoquinolines were synthesized via alkylation of 3-cyanopyridine-2(1H)-thiones with 2-(chloromethyl)benzonitrile followed by treatment of the products with potassium tert-butoxide. The oxidation of the alkylated products to corresponding sulfoxides or sulfones followed by treatment with potassium tert-butoxide provided the corresponding 11-oxides or 11,11-dioxides.     

Thermal deformation thermodynamics of a smectite mineral

A method has been purposed to calculate some of the thermodynamic quantities for the thermal deformation of a smectite without using any basic thermodynamic data. The Hanç?l? (Keskin, Ankara, Turkey) bentonite containing a smectite of 88% by volume was taken as material. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) curves of the sample were obtained. Bentonite samples were heated at various temperatures between 25–900°C for the sufficient time (2 h) until to establish the thermal deformation equilibrium.Cation-exchange capacity (CEC) of heated samples was determined by using the methylene blue standard method. The CEC was used as a variable of the equilibrium. An arbitrary equilibrium constant (K _a) was defined similar to chemical equilibrium constant and calculated for each temperature by using the corresponding CEC-value. The arbitrary changes in Gibbs energy (ΔG _a ⁰ ) were calculated from K _a-values. The real change in enthalpy (ΔH ⁰) and entropy (ΔS ⁰) was calculated from the slopes of the lnK vs. 1/T and ΔG vs. T plots, respectively. The real changes in Gibbs energy (ΔG ⁰) and real equilibrium constant (K) were calculated by using the ΔH ⁰ and ΔS ⁰ values. The results at the two different temperature intervals are summarized as below: ΔG ₁ ⁰ =ΔH ₁ ⁰ ?ΔS ₁ ⁰ T=?RTlnK ₁=47000?53t, (200–450°C), and ΔG ₂ ⁰ =ΔH ₂ ⁰ -ΔS ₂ ⁰ T=?RTlnK ₂=132000?164T, (500–800°C).     

Synthesis and structure elucidation of some new azo dye from hydroxyquinolin-2(<Emphasis Type="Italic">1H</Emphasis>)-one derivatives and their antimicrobial evaluation

The aim of the work is synthesis of some novel azo dye from 1,2-dihydro-4-hydroxy-2-oxoquinoline-6-sulfonic acid (3), 4-hydroxy-6-methoxyquinolin-2(1H)-one (4), and 4-hydroxy-6-nitroquinolin-2(1H)-one (5). The prepared compounds were screened for antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and antifungal activity against Candida sp., Aspergillus multi and Aspergillus niger. The structure of newly compounds was characterized by ¹H-NMR, IR and elemental analysis.     

Cre/loxP-Mediated Multicopy Integration of the Mevalonate Operon into the Genome of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Methylobacterium extorquens</Emphasis> AM1

Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 is the model strain for methylotrophic bacteria that metabolize methanol as the sole carbon and energy source. Genetically modified M. extorquens AM1 is used as a methylotrophic cell factory (MeCF) for high value-added chemical production. We tested the Cre-loxP recombination system for its ability to mediate multicopy gene integration of the mvt3 operon (mvt3) in M. extorquens AM1. mvt3 controls the expression of the first three enzymes of the mevalonate synthesis pathway. We assayed for Cre-mediated multigene integration by screening for multicopy mutants via their survival in culture with a high kanamycin concentration (600 μg/mL). We identified mutant strains in which the mevalonate titer was increased by up to 1.9-fold compared with M2 (M. extorquens AM1ΔcelABCΔattTn7::mvt3::loxP) and confirmed mvt3 integration at 2–3 copies per genome. This result demonstrates the feasibility of multicopy integration in M. extorquens AM1 mediated by Cre-loxP recombination and its potential for improving the output of M. extorquens AM1 metabolic pathways, e.g., optimization of terpenoid synthesis.     

A Systematic Search for Structures and Stabilities of Asymmetric Clusters (HfInN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1-6)

In order to find single source precursors (SSP), the structures, relative stabilities, and IR spectra of small asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) are systematically investigated by means of the density functional theory at the B3LYP level. The obtained geometries show that the frameworks of clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) prefer to be 2n-membered ring with alternating indium and α-nitrogen atoms. The averaged binding energies reveal that all of asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) can continue to gain energy as the cluster size n increasing. The second-order difference of energy (Δ₂E) and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (E_gap) as a function of the cluster size n both exhibit a pronounced even-odd alternation phenomenon. The influences of cluster size n and temperature T on the thermodynamic properties of clusters are discussed. Judged by enthalpies and Gibbs free energies, the formations of the most stable clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) from the monomer are thermodynamically favorable in the range of 200–800 K.     

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 3-substituted imidazo[1,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>][1,2,4,5]tetrazines

A number of new 3-substituted imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines containing azolyl, aminopyridyl, and alkoxyl substituents was synthesized. These compounds were studied for the biological activity against mycelial anthropophilic and zoophilous dermatophyte fungi (Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton), causing diseases of skin and its appendages (hair, nails), and yeast-like fungi Candida.     

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of bis(2-arylcarbonylamino-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-benzimidazol-5-yl) sulfones

A procedure has been developed for the synthesis of bis(2-arylcarbonylamino-1H-benzimidazol-5-yl) sulfones by reaction of the corresponding substituted benzoyl chloride with sodium cyanamide and subsequent treatment of the N-cyanobenzamide thus formed with 3,3′,4,4′-tetraaminodiphenyl sulfone in acid medium. The products were tested for fungicidal activity.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ab initio</Emphasis> study of scandium fluoride molecules: ScF,ScF<Subscript>2</Subscript>, AND ScF<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Equilibrium geometric parameters, normal mode frequencies and intensities in IR spectra, atomization enthalpy, and relative energies of low-lying electronic states of scandium fluoride molecules (ScF, ScF₂, and ScF₃) are calculated by the coupled-cluster method (CCSD(T)) in triple-, quadruple, and quintuple-zeta basis sets with the subsequent extrapolation of the calculation results to the complete basis set limit. The ScF molecule is also studied by the CCSDT technique. The error in the approximate calculation of triple excitations in the CCSD(T) method does not exceed 0.002 Å for the equilibrium internuclear distance R _e, 4 cm^?1 for the vibrational frequency, and 0.2 kcal/mol for the dissociation energy of the molecule. In the ground electronic state \(\tilde X^2 \) A ₁(C _2ν ) of ScF₂ molecules, R _e(Sc-F) = 1.827 Å and α_e(F-Sc-F) = 124.2°; the energy barrier to bending (linearization) h = E _min(D _g8h ) ? E _min(C_2ν) = 1652 cm^?1. The relative energies of Ã²Δ _g and \(\tilde B^2 \)Π _g electronic states are 3522 cm^?1 and 14633 cm^?1 respectively. The bond distance in the ScF₃ molecule (\(\tilde X^1 \) A′₁, D _3h ) is refined: R _e(Sc-F) = 1.842 Å. The atomization enthalpies Δ_at H ₂₉₈ ⁰ of ScF _k molecules are 139.9 kcal/mol, 289.0 kcal/mol, and 444.8 kcal/mol for k = 1, 2, 3 respectively.     

Enhanced Production of Xylitol from Poplar Wood Hydrolysates Through a Sustainable Process Using Immobilized New Strain <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida tropicalis</Emphasis> UFMG BX 12-a

A new strain, Candida tropicalis UFMG BX 12-a, was found to produce higher yields of xylitol on poplar wood hemicellulose hydrolysate. The hemicellulose hydrolysate liquor was detoxified using a novel method we developed, involving vacuum evaporation and solvent separation of inhibitors which made the hydrolysate free of toxins while retaining high concentrations of fermentable sugars. The effect of the detoxification method on the fermentation was also reported and compared to well-known methods reported in literature. In this study, the new strain C. tropicalis UFMG BX 12-a was used on the detoxified hydrolysate to produce xylitol. It was also compared to Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037, which has been reported to be one of the best strains for fermentative production of xylitol. To further improve the efficiency of the fermentation process, these strains were immobilized in calcium alginate beads. The yield (0.92 g g^?1) and productivity (0.88 g L^?1 h^?1) obtained by fermenting the wood hydrolysate detoxified by our new detoxification technique using an immobilized new Candida strain were found to be higher than the values reported in literature.     

Induction of radiative forbidden transitions in an oxygen molecule in O<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O collision complexes

By the DFT/B3LYP method the equilibrium structures of oxygen complexes with water are calculated in various geometric conformations with symmetries C _2v and C _s . By the MRCI/CASSCF method potential energy surface cross-sections of the ^1.3[O₂–H₂O] complexation reaction are constructed. With taking into account the spin-orbit coupling, the forbidden transition moments a ¹Δ _g –X ³Σ _g ^?, b ¹Σ _g ⁺–a ¹Δ _g , c ¹Σ _u ^?–a ¹Δ _g , A ³Σ _u ⁺–X ³Σ _g ^? of the complexes are calculated and changes in their intensities at different geometric configurations of the complex are revealed.     

Thermodynamics of the complexation of arabinogalactan with salicylic and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-aminobenzoic acids in aqueous solutions

The thermodynamics of complexation of arabinogalactan with salicylic and p-aminobenzoic acids in aqueous solutions is studied by means spectroscopy. The standard thermodynamic characteristics (ΔH°; ΔG°; ΔS°) of complexation are calculated.     

Synthesis of oxo derivatives of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-tolysulfonyl)hexahydrocycloalka[<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>]indoles

Hydroxymercuration-demercuration of N-p-tolysulfonyl-4,4a,9,9a-tetrahydro-3H-carbazoles and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,3a,4,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indoles leads to the formation of the corresponding N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-2-ols and N-p-tolyl(or methyl)sulfonyl-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-2-ols. The latter are oxidized to 2-oxo derivatives with potassium dichromate. The oxidation of 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-ol under analogous conditions gives 2-methoxy-8-methyl-N-p-tolysulfonyl-2,3,4,4a,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-carbazol-1-one.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">CrMAPK3</Emphasis> regulates the expression of iron-deficiency-responsive genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydomonas reinhardtii</Emphasis>

Background

Under iron-deficient conditions, Chlamydomonas exhibits high affinity for iron absorption. Nevertheless, the response, transmission, and regulation of downstream gene expression in algae cells have not to be investigated. Considering that the MAPK pathway is essential for abiotic stress responses, we determined whether this pathway is involved in iron deficiency signal transduction in Chlamydomonas.

Results

Arabidopsis MAPK gene sequences were used as entry data to search for homologous genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genome database to investigate the functions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family in C. reinhardtii under iron-free conditions. Results revealed 16 C. reinhardtii MAPK genes labeled CrMAPK2–CrMAPK17 with TXY conserved domains and low homology to MAPK in yeast, Arabidopsis, and humans. The expression levels of these genes were then analyzed through qRT-PCR and exposure to high salt (150 mM NaCl), low nitrogen, or iron-free conditions. The expression levels of these genes were also subjected to adverse stress conditions. The mRNA levels of CrMAPK2, CrMAPK3, CrMAPK4, CrMAPK5, CrMAPK6, CrMAPK8, CrMAPK9, and CrMAPK11 were remarkably upregulated under iron-deficient stress. The increase in CrMAPK3 expression was 43-fold greater than that in the control. An RNA interference vector was constructed and transformed into C. reinhardtii 2A38, an algal strain with an exogenous FOX1:ARS chimeric gene, to silence CrMAPK3. After this gene was silenced, the mRNA levels and ARS activities of FOX1:ARS chimeric gene and endogenous CrFOX1 were decreased. The mRNA levels of iron-responsive genes, such as CrNRAMP2, CrATX1, CrFTR1, and CrFEA1, were also remarkably reduced.

Conclusion

CrMAPK3 regulates the expression of iron-deficiency-responsive genes in C. reinhardtii.