The practical synthesis of a novel and highly potent analogue of bryostatin

Macrocycle 1 is a new highly potent analogue of bryostatin 1, a promising anti-cancer agent currently in human clinical trials. In vitro, 1 displays picomolar affinity for PKC and exhibits over 100-fold greater potency than bryostatin 1 when tested against various human cancer cell lines. Macrocycle 1 can be generated in clinically required amounts by chemical synthesis in only 19 steps (LLS) and represents a new clinical lead for the treatment of cancer.     

20 years of DPP pigments – future perspectives

Diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPP), one of the major innovations in Pigment Chemistry in the last 20 years, have developed to an important class of organic pigments. Chemical transformations have been the door opener for most of the innovations. The insoluble nature of the DPP Pigments allows for solid-state phenomena to be investigated. Crystal modifications and solid solution formation have enhanced the scope of DPP pigments. Specific elaborations of the DPP chemistry have lead to interesting developments also for electronic applications like color filters for liquid crystal displays or for the second generation display technologies like the OLED involving electro luminescent materials.     

Progress toward a peptidomimetic of laminin-derived pentapeptide YIGSR: synthesis of the unique tricyclic core structure

The peptide sequence YIGSR, a segment of the basement membrane matrix glycoprotein laminin, has been identified as a key component in tumor cell invasion. Guided by extensive NMR work and de novo design algorithms, a nonpeptide mimetic of this pentapeptide was identified as a lead candidate for synthesis. The target displays the key amino acid side chains from a novel tricyclic scaffold. The first synthesis of this unique scaffold is completed in 11 steps and 7% overall yield.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Pentiptycene‐Derived Dual Oligoparaphenylene Nanohoop

Structural designs combining oligoparaphenylene‐derived nanohoops with other functional organic building blocks should lead to novel molecular architectures with intriguing properties. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a pentiptycene‐derived chiral dual nanohoop molecule with key steps including ring expansion through dianthracene cycloreversion and transannular [4+2] cycloaddition across a 64‐membered macrocycle. The crystal structure of the nanohoop molecule displays an ordered packing pattern with long‐range channels in the solid state. Furthermore, nonracemizable enantiomers of the nanohoop were obtained through resolution and exhibited promising chiroptical properties.     

N-（2-（2-Methoxyphenylthio）benzyl）-2-aryloxyethylamines： Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT1A/SSRI activities

The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-（2-（2-methoxyphenylthio） benzyl）-2-aryloxyethyl amines with dual 5-HT1A/SSR/activities are reported. Compound 8e displays the best dual activities and is a promising lead compound for further SAR studies.     

Sensitive stripping voltammetry of heavy metals by using a composite sensor based on a built-in bismuth precursor

A new graphite-epoxy composite electrode (GECE) containing Bi(NO(3))(3) as a built-in bismuth precursor for simultaneous and individual anodic stripping analysis of heavy trace metals like lead and cadmium is reported. The developed Bi(NO(3))(3)-GECE is compatible with bismuth film electrodes reported previously including the composite electrodes (Bi-GECE) recently reported by our group. Bi(NO(3))(3)-GECE displays the ability for the detection of both individual and simultaneous determination of heavy trace metals and exhibits well defined, reproducible and sharp stripping signals. The sensitive response is combined with the minimal toxicity of Bi(NO(3))(3). This novel sensor would be an appropriate alternative tool to sensors using bismuth in solution during their utilization in environmental quality monitoring as well as other applications.     

ISIDORE,a probe for in situ trace metal speciation based on Donnan membrane technique with related electrochemical detection part 1: Equilibrium measurements

This work presents the development of a new probe (ISIDORE probe) based on the hyphenation of a Donnan Membrane Technique device (DMT) to a screen-printed electrode through a flow-cell to determine the free zinc, cadmium and lead ion concentration in natural samples, such as a freshwater river. The probe displays many advantages namely: (i) the detection can be performed on-site, which avoids all problems inherent to sampling, transport and storage; (ii) the low volume of the acceptor solution implies shorter equilibration times; (ii) the electrochemical detection system allows monitoring the free ion concentration in the acceptor solution without sampling.     

Carbene- and carbyne-like behavior of the Mo-P multiple bond in a dimolybdenum complex inducing trigonal-pyramidal coordination of a phosphinidene ligand

The phosphinidene complex [Mo2Cp(micro-kappa1:kappa1,eta5-PC5H4)(CO)2(eta6-R*H)] (2; Cp = eta5-C5H5; R* = 2,4,6-C6H2tBu3) has substantially different Mo-P bonds and displays a high reactivity located at the short Mo-P bond. Sideways cycloaddition or addition processes are observed toward RCCR, HCl, and [Fe2(CO)9], to give respectively metallacyclobutene and arylphosphide-bridged and heterometallic phosphinidene-bridged derivatives, a behavior reminiscent of the nucleophilic mononuclear phosphinidene complexes (carbene-like behavior), which is in good agreement with the ground-state electronic structure of 2 derived from density functional theory calculations. However, the reaction of 2 with [Co2(CO)8] implies the addition of two cobalt fragments to its short Mo-P bond and thus reveals a carbyne-like behavior of compound 2. In most of the new products, the P atom displays an unprecedented trigonal-pyramidal-like environment, instead of the expected tetrahedral distribution of bonds.     

Structure of Monomeric Transthyretin Carrying the Clinically Important T119M Mutation

Mutations in the protein transthyretin can cause as well as protect individuals from transthyretin amyloidosis, an incurable fatal inherited disease. Little is known, however, about the structural basis of pathogenic and clinically protective transthyretin mutants. Here we determined the solution structure of a transthyretin monomer that carries the clinically important T119M mutation. The structure displays a non‐native arrangement that is distinct from all known structures of transthyretin and highlights the importance of high‐resolution studies in solution for understanding molecular processes that lead to amyloid diseases.     

A lead(II) sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe3O4 nanospheres and carbon nanotubes

We have developed a highly sensitive and selective sensor for lead(II) ions. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with Fe₃O₄ nanospheres and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and this material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrode displays good electrochemical activity toward Pb(II) and gives anodic and cathodic peaks with potentials at ?496 mV and ?638 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) in pH?6.0 solution. The sensor exhibits a sensitive and fairly selective response to Pb(II) ion, with a linear range between 20 pM and 1.6 nM, and a detection limit as low as 6.0 pM (at a signal-to noise ratio of 3). The sensor was successfully applied to monitor Pb(II) in spiked water samples.

Identification of a botulinum neurotoxin A protease inhibitor displaying efficacy in a cellular model

Herein we describe a small-molecule, non-peptidic, inhibitor for botulinum neurotoxin A protease, that displays for the first time efficacy in a cell-based assay.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Salicylyl-4-phenyl Thiosemicarbazide Lead with a Two-dimensional Network

A two-dimensional lead complex, [Pb(C14N3O2H12S)(NO3)]n·nH2O, was prepared by the reaction of salicylyl-4-phenyl thiosemicarbazide and lead nitrate. The compound (C14H13N4O6PbS, Mr=572.53) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=11.2984(2), b=15.6628(7), c=11.1118(2), β= 113.564(2)n, V=1802.43(10)3, Dc=2.110 g/cm3, Z=4, μ(MoKα)= 9.515 mm·1, F(000)=1084, the final R=0.0394 and wR=0.0701 for 2552 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). The Pb(II) ion displays a distorted octahedron in which the hypothesized stereochemically active lone pair occupies the apex. The compound exhibits a two-dimensional network structure formed by the zigzag one-dimensional chains joined by two μ-O of two nitrate groups in overlapping. A large ring exists in the two-dimensional layers. The TGA of the title compound has been studied.     

An unusally diverse array of products formed upon carbonylation of a dialkylniobium complex

The reaction of carbon monoxide with a beta-diketiminato dimethyl niobium complex (BDI)Me2Nb(NtBu) is shown to lead to a variety of products whose distribution displays a remarkable dependence on the reaction conditions. Among these, the products of metal reduction, enediolate formation, and intramolecular C-H activation have been fully characterized. An investigation into the individual steps leading to these products points to a transient initial monoacyl complex, whose fate may be perturbed via reaction conditions to allow for control over the product distribution. Furthermore, the reaction of (BDI)Me2Nb(NCMe3) with XylNC (Xyl = 2,6-Me2C6H3) yields the eta2-ketimine complex (BDI)(Me2C=NXyl)Nb(NCMe3), whose characterization and reactivity enhance our understanding of the sequences involving CO.     

A New pH Sensor Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Coated with a Co/Al Layered Double Hydroxide

A glassy carbon electrode has been coated by electrodeposition with a thin film of cobalt based layered double hydroxide (LDH) and used as a pH sensor. The developed electrode displays a linear super‐Nernstian response (?76.2±0.6 mV/pH) in the pH range between 2 and 14 and it is particularly suitable to operate in strongly alkaline solution. The reproducibility of the sensor construction is good with a relative standard deviation of the calibration curve slopes of±2.5 % (n=4). The electrode has a response time comparable to that exhibited by commercial glass electrodes in the pH range examined and is not affected by interference from the most common anions and cations.     

The determination of lead in water and sediment samples using a lead ion-selective electrode

Lead concentrations in water and sediment samples near a stationary metal emission source were determined using the lead ion-selective electrode. These results were then verified by use of atomic absorption spectrophotometric methods. Samples were collected at three strategic sites near a local lead company in Southeast Houston, Texas. Accumulated rain water and sediment (soil deep down core) were analyzed in order to estimate lead concentration as a function of depth. Data indicate that the level of lead concentrations in both surface water and water extracted from the sediments exceed the limits for drinking water as established by the Environmental Protection Agency. The lead concentrations of the soil samples were higher in most cases when compared with various soils in the United States. The highest concentrations of lead were found in surface water samples.     

Novel application of LiCoO_2 as a high-performance candidate material for supercapacitor

Electrochemical performances of LiCoO2 as a candidate material for supercapacitor are systematically investigated. LiCoO2 nanomaterials are synthesized via hydrothermal reaction with consequent calcination process. And the particle size increases as the calcination temperature rises.LCO-650 sample with the largest particle size displays the maximum capacitances of 817.5 Fg-1with the most outstanding capacity retention rate of 96.8% after 2000 cycles. It is shown that large particle size is beneficial to the electrochemical and structural stability of Li CoO2 materials. We speculate that the micron-sized waste LiCoO2 materials have great potential for supercapacitor application. It may provide a novel recovered approach for spent LIBs and effectively relieve the burdens on the resource waste and environment pollution.     

A 2D homochiral inorganic-organic framework exhibiting a spin-flop transition

A 2D homochiral inorganic-organic framework {[Mn(NPTA)(4,4'-bpy)(H(2)O)]·(H(2)O)(2)}(n) was prepared by assembling achiral polar 4-nitrophthalic acid, manganese ions, and ancillary 4,4'-bipyridine ligands (NPTA = 4-nitrophthalate) (4,4'-bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine). The isomorphous Zn(ii) compound was also prepared as a diamagnetic analogue. Adjacent manganese spin centres are linked by the syn-anti carboxylate to form a helical chain, and chains of the same chirality are connected by 4,4'-bpy ligands to generate a homochiral layered framework. Edge-to-face aromatic interactions between neighboring layers lead to a 3D homochiral supramolecular structure. Magnetization and heat capacity measurements indicate that the framework is a weak antiferromagnet at low applied field. The magnetic interactions between adjacent manganese ions in the helical chain can be fitted using the 1D Fisher model, with 2J/k = -0.68 K and g = 2.00. Moreover, the compound displays a unique field-dependent spin-flop transition in high magnetic fields, with a critical field of 23.6 kOe at 1.9 K.     

All-atom structure prediction and folding simulations of a stable protein

We present results from all-atom, fully unrestrained ab initio folding simulations for a stable protein with nontrivial secondary structure elements and a hydrophobic core. The construct, "trpcage", is a 20-residue sequence optimized by the Andersen group at University of Washington and is currently the smallest protein that displays two-state folding properties. Compared over the well-defined regions of the experimental structure, our prediction has a remarkably low 0.97 A Calpha root-mean-square-deviation (rmsd) and 1.4 A for all heavy atoms. The simulated structure family displays additional features that are suggested by experimental data, yet are not evident in the family of NMR-derived structures.     

Construction of a photoactivatable profluorescent enzyme via propinquity labeling

A strategy for the construction of a profluorescent caged enzyme is described. An active site-directed peptide-based affinity label was designed, synthesized, and employed to covalently label a nonactive site residue in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The modified kinase displays minimal catalytic activity and low fluorescence. Photolysis results in partial cleavage of the enzyme-bound affinity label, restoration of enzymatic activity (60-80%) and a strong fluorescent response (10-20 fold). The caged kinase displays analogous behavior in living cells, inducing a light-dependent loss of stress fibers that is characteristic of cAMP action. This strategy furnishes molecularly engineered enzymes that can be remotely controlled in time, space, and total activity.     

Discovery of a Prenylated Flavonol Derivative as a Pin1 Inhibitor to Suppress Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating MicroRNA Biogenesis

Peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase Pin1 plays a crucial role in the development of human cancers. Recently, we have disclosed that Pin1 regulates the biogenesis of miRNA, which is aberrantly expressed in HCC and promotes HCC progression, indicating the therapeutic role of Pin1 in HCC therapy. Here, 7‐(benzyloxy)‐3,5‐dihydroxy‐2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐8‐(3‐methylbut‐2‐en‐1‐yl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one ( AF‐39 ) was identified as a novel Pin1 inhibitor. Biochemical tests indicate that AF‐39 potently inhibits Pin1 activity with an IC₅₀ values of 1.008 μm , and also displays high selectivity for Pin1 among peptidyl prolyl isomerases. Furthermore, AF‐39 significantly suppresses cell proliferation of HCC cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, AF‐39 regulates the subcellular distribution of XPO5 and increases miRNAs biogenesis in HCC cells. This work provides a promising lead compound for HCC treatment, highlighting the therapeutic potential of miRNA‐based therapy against human cancer.