Characterization of a distinct arabinofuranosyltransferase in Mycobacterium smegmatis

The D-arabinans in Mycobacterium are essential, extraordinarily complex entity comprised of d-arabinofuranose residues which are rarely found in nature. Despite the well-recognized importance of the mycobacterial arabinan, delineation of the arabinosylation process has been severely hampered due to lack of positively identified arabinosyltransferases. Identification of genes involved in arabinan biosynthesis entailed the use of ethambutol (EMB), a first-line antituberculosis agent that is known to inhibit cell wall arabinan synthesis. The three genes (embA, embB, and embC) encode novel membrane proteins, implicated as the only known mycobacterial arabinosyltransferases to this date. We have now adapted a multifaceted approach involving development of convenient arabinosyltransferase assay using novel synthetic acceptors to identify arabinosyltransferase/s that will be distinct from the Emb proteins. In our present work, Mycobacterium smegmatis mc(2) 155 (WTMsm) was used as a model to study the biosynthesis of cell wall arabinan. In an in vitro assay, we demonstrate that transfer of only alpha-Araf had occurred from decaprenylphosphoryl-D-arabinofuranose (DPA) on a newly synthesized branched acceptor [alpha-D-Araf](2)-3,5-alpha-D-Araf-(1-->5)-alpha-d-Araf-(1-->5)-alpha-D-Araf with an octyl aglycon. Higher molecular weight (up to Ara(10)) oligomers were also detected in a parallel reaction using cold phosphoribosepyrophosphate (pRpp). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS) analysis of these products revealed that isomeric products were formed and initiation and elongation of arabinan can occur either on the 5-arm or 3-arm of the branched 3,5-alpha-D-Araf. Individual embA, embB, and embC knockout strains retained this alpha-1,5 arabinosyltransferase activity, and the activity was partially inhibited by ethambutol. This particular enzyme function is distinct from the function of the Emb proteins.     

Structural characterization of lipoarabinomannans from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis by ESI mass spectrometry

Structural aspects of lipoarabinomannans (LAM) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis were investigated by using mild acid hydrolysis in combination with Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR), and quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry. Exact mass measurements with less than 2.5 ppm mass error confirmed the presence of a series of arabinose oligomers (Ara(n); n = 2-7) as the major components observed following mild acid hydrolysis of both M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis LAM. However, the mass spectrum of the resulting LAM extract also revealed a highly-abundant distribution of ions that exact mass measurements identified as mannose-linked arabinose species, Ara(n)Man(m) + Na+ (n = 1-6; m = 1-3). The observed mannose caps were linked to arabinose species as mono-, di-, and trimannose units, and the ratio of the mono-, di-, and trimannose caps was determined to be 1.00:9.00:1.15, respectively, different from previous reports. Analysis of the linkage of lithiated arabinose trimer standards was accomplished with MS3 experiments and the information generated was used to identify linkages of arabinose trimers generated by mild acid hydrolysis of M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis LAM. The MS3 spectra confirmed the linkage of arabinose trimers from M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis LAM as predominantly alpha(1 --> 5), alpha(1 --> 5).     

Synthesis of Peptidoglycan Fragments from Enterococcus faecalis with Fmoc‐Strategy for Glycan Elongation

Peptidoglycan (PGN) is an essential structural component of the bacterial cell wall conferring cell shape, which can be recognized by host‐recognition proteins and receptors as well as bacterial surface proteins. In this work, the PGN partial structures from Enterococcus faecalis that contain a tetrasaccharide and an octasaccharide with a unique heptapeptide were synthesized via an Fmoc‐strategy for elongation of the glycan chains. Namely, a 4′‐O ‐Fmoc‐protected disaccharide was utilized as the key intermediate in this efficient synthetic pathway for preparing various PGN fragments. Both the tetrasaccharide and octasaccharide with the unique heptapeptide were successfully synthesized for the first time.     

Tyrosinase inhibitory and antileishmanial constituents from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla

The search for bioactive natural products from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla (Trilliaceae) has resulted in the isolation of four known constituents, 1,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-3-methylanthraquinone (1), diosgenin-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside] (2), diosgenin-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1(Rha) --> 2(Glu))-alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1(Ara) --> 4(Glu))]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), and diosgenin-3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1(Rha) --> 2(Glu))-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1(Ara) --> 4(Glu))]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4). Their structures were identified by spectral comparison with the reported data. Compound 1 was isolated for the first time from this genus. The chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol extracts of the plant were found to have mild to moderate inhibitory potentials against the enzyme tyrosinase. Compound 1 showed strong (IC(50) = 0.23 microM), while compounds 2-4 and hydrolyzed product 4a showed mild to moderate (IC(50) = 0.93-36.87 microM) activities against the tyrosinase. Similarly, compounds 2-4 and 4a showed mild to moderate (IC(50) = 1.59-83.72 microg mL(-1)) antileishmanial activities.     

Synthesis of fragments of the glycocalyx glycan of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni

The chemical synthesis of alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2, beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-]beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2, and alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-beta-D-GalpNAc-(1 --> 4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1 --> 3)-]beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1 --> 3)-alpha-D-GalpO(CH2)5NH2 is described. These structures represent fucosylated oligosaccharide fragments of the glycocalyx glycan of the cercarial stage of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, and in protein-conjugated form they are potential diagnostics in the search for antibodies raised against the glycan in the serum of infected humans.     

The 5-deoxy-5-methylthio-xylofuranose residue in mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan. absolute stereochemistry, linkage position, conformation, and immunomodulatory activity

Mycobacteria produce a cell-surface glycoconjugate, lipoarabinomannan (LAM), which has been shown to be a potent modulator of the immune response that arises from infection by these organisms. Recently, LAM from the human pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. kansasii has been shown to contain an unusual 5-deoxy-5-methylthio-xylofuranose (MTX) residue as well as its corresponding oxidized counterpart, 5-deoxy-5-methylsulfoxy-xylofuranose (MSX). To date, the absolute configuration of these residues and their linkage position to the polysaccharide are unknown, as is their biological role. Through the combined use of chemical synthesis and NMR spectroscopy, we have established that the MTX/MSX residues in these glycoconjugates are of the d-configuration and that they are linked alpha-(1-->4) to a mannopyranose residue in the mannan portion of the glycan. Conformational analysis of the MTX/MSX residue using NMR spectroscopy showed differences in ring conformation and as well as in the rotamer populations about the C-4-C-5 bond, as compared to the parent compound, methyl alpha-d-xylofuranoside. Two of the synthesized disaccharides, 3 and 34, were tested in cytokine induction assays, and neither led to the production of TNF-alpha or IL-12p70. In contrast, both demonstrated modest inhibitory properties when these same cytokines were induced using a preparation of Interferon-gamma and Staphylococcus aureus Cowan strain (SAC/IFN-gamma). These latter observations suggest that this motif may play a role in the immune response arising from mycobacterial infection.     

枸杞子糖缀合物LbGp4糖链的结构及其免疫活性的研究

枸杞子糖缀合物LbGp4经β--消除、柱层析分离后得到一条分子量高达180800的分支多糖化合物LbGp4-OL.LbGp4-OL糖基组成为n(Rha):n(Ara):n(Gal)=0.05:1.33:1.根据甲基化、部分酸水解及¹HNMR、¹³CNMR分析,确定了其主要的结构,并对LbGp4和LbGp4-OL的免疫活性进行了研究.     

Can commercial peanut assay kits detect peanut allergens?

Peanut is the food group mostly associated with severe and fatal allergic reactions. In the United States, more than 90% of peanut-allergic individuals' serum IgE recognized peanut proteins Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, thus establishing these proteins as major peanut allergens. The amount of Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in 3 varieties of peanut cultivars that are commonly processed in the industrialized countries was determined to be 12-16 and 6-9%, respectively. Current commercial peanut test kits use polyclonal peanut-specific antibodies to detect soluble or buffer extractable peanut proteins. Because the 2 major peanut allergens Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 are isolated from soluble peanut proteins, it is generally assumed that these commercial kits can detect peanut allergens, although none of these kits claims to detect peanut allergen. This study showed for the first time that the peanut test kits could, in fact, detect major peanut allergens Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 in both native or heat-denatured structures; therefore, these kits qualified to be classified as peanut allergen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.     

Synthesis of phosphorylated and sulfated glycosyl serines in the linkage region of the glycosaminoglycans

We synthesized novel acidic glycans having acidic groups located in the linkage region of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The targeted compounds, beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (1), beta-D-Gal(+/-6S)-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (3 and 2), beta-D-Gal(+/-6S)-(1-->3)-beta-D-Gal-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (5 and 4), and beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-Gal(6S)-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (6) contain phosphate and/or sulfate at the specified positions. Some of them (3, 5, and 6) are the first synthesized examples of natural-type glycoconjugates that simultaneously possess phosphate and sulfate as well as carboxylic acid.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and standard molar enthalpy of formation of bis(trans-bis(N,N-dimethyl-(1-(R)-phenyl-2-(S)-methyl-2-aminoethoxy-N,O))-copper(II)) heptahydrate

A novel complex, bis(trans-bis(N,N-dimethyl-(1-(R)-phenyl-2-(S)-methyl-2-aminoethoxy-N,O))-copper(II)) heptahydrate (abbreviated as Cu₂(C₁₁H₁₆NO)₄·7H₂O(cr)), was synthesized by the method of liquid phase reflux. The composition and structure of the complex were characterized by chemical analysis, elemental analysis, FTIR, and X-ray crystallography. A reasonable thermochemical cycle was designed based on the preparation reaction of the coordination compound, and standard molar enthalpies of dissolution of reactants and products were measured by an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter. Finally, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex Cu₂(C₁₁H₁₆NO)₄·7H₂O(cr) was determined to be ?(4525.22 ± 13.71) kJ · mol^?1 in accordance with Hess’s law.     

Synthesis and characterization of tetra-armed-thiosemicarbazone and its salen/salophen capped transition metal complexes: Investigation of their thermal and magnetic properties

In this work, we aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel tetra-directional ligand, (2E,2′E)-2,2′-((((2-(1,3-bis(4-((E)-(2-carbamothioylhydrazono)methyl)phenoxy)propan-2-ylidene)propane-1,3-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(hydrazinecarbothioamide) (5), including thiosemicarbazone group and its novel tetra-directional-tetra-nuclear Schiff base complexes. For this purpose, we used 1,4-dibromo-2,3-bis(bromomethyl)but-2-ene (2) as starting material. 4,4′-((2-(1,3-Bis(4-formylphenoxy)propan-2-ylidene)propane-1,3-diyl) bis(oxy))dibenzaldehyde (3) was synthesized by the reaction of an equivalent 1,4-dibromo-2,3-bis(bromomethyl)but-2-ene (2) and 4 equivalents of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Then, compound 5 was synthesized in high yield (86%) by a condensation reaction of compound 3 with thiosemicarbazide (4). Finally, four novel tetra-nuclear Cr(III) or Fe(III) complexes of compound 5 were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized using elemental analyses, ¹H NMR, Fourier transform–infrared spectrometry, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (ESI⁺), and thermal analyses. The metal ratios of the prepared complexes were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. We also investigated their effects on the magnetic behaviors of [salen, salophen, Cr(III)/Fe(III)] capped complexes. The complexes were found to be low-spin distorted octahedral Fe(III) and distorted octahedral Cr(III), all bridged by thiosemicarbazone.     

Emission analysis of Sm(3+) and Dy(3+):MgLaLiSi(2)O(7) powder phosphors

This paper reports on the structural and emission properties of newly synthesized Sm(3+) and Dy(3+):MgLaLiSi(2)O(7) powder phosphors based on the measurement of their XRD, SEM, FTIR and photoluminescence spectra. Emission spectra of the Sm(3+):MgLaLiSi(2)O(7) phosphors with lambda(exci)=402 nm ((6)H(5/2)-->(4)F(7/2)) and Dy(3+):MgLaLiSi(2)O(7) phosphors with lambda(exci)=385 nm ((6)H(15/2)-->(4)I(13/2)) have been analyzed. Emission mechanisms of these phosphors have also been explained.     

Theory of laser enhancement and suppression of cold reactions: the fermion-boson 6Li+7Li2<-->(variant Planck's over 2pi omega0) 6Li7Li+7Li radiative collision

We present a nonperturbative time-dependent quantum mechanical theory of the laser catalysis and control of a bifurcating A+BC<-->(variant Planck's over 2pi omega(0))ABC*(v)<-->(variant Planck's over 2pi omega(0) )AB+C reaction, with ABC*(v) denoting an intermediate, electronically excited, complex of ABC in the vth vibrational state. We apply this theory to the low collision energy fermion-boson light-induced exchange reaction, (6)Li((2)S)+(7)Li(2)((3)Sigma(u)(+))<-->(variant Planck's over 2pi omega(0))((6)Li(7)Li(7)Li)*<-->(variant Planck's over 2pi omega(0))(6)Li(7)Li((3)Sigma(+))+(7)Li((2)S). We show that at very low collision energies and energetically narrow (approximately 0.01 cm(-1)) initial reactant wave packets, it is possible to tune the yield of the exchange reaction from 0 to near-unity (yield >or=99%) values. Controllability is somewhat reduced at collisions involving energetically wider (approximately 1 cm(-1)) initial reactant wave packets. At these energetic bandwidths, the radiative reactive control, although still impressive, is limited to the 0%-76% reactive-probabilities range.     

Structure and magnetic properties of 3d–4f heterometallic complexes containing di-2-pyridyl ketoximate: An approach to single-molecule magnets

[{Ln(hfac)₃}₂{Ni(dpk)₂(phen)}] (1Ln) and [{Ln(hfac)₃}₂{Ni(dpk)₂(py)₂}] (2Ln) were synthesized and characterized, where dpk = di-2-pyridyl ketoxmate and Ln = La, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er. The N–O groups from dpk bridged the central nickel(II) ion and terminal lanthanide(III) ions, giving a linear trinuclear array. Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that they did not possess appreciable intramolecular ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic interaction. Ac magnetic susceptibility measurements clarified that frequency dependence of out-of-phase ac susceptibility was observed only for Dy derivatives 1Dy and 2Dy, which is regarded as an indication of single-molecule magnets.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,thermal study and antimicrobial activity of (E)-4-(substituted 1-Benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)-N'-(substituted Benzylidene)benzohydrazide schiff bases

Antimicrobial properties casing wide applicability in water detoxification, pharmaceutics and in industries. Present work focus on the synthesis of a new series of Schiff Bases (E)-4-(1 substituted-1H Benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)-N'-(substituted Benzylidene)benzohydrazide (5a-5l) were synthesized. The convenient route for the synthesis of new analogues by the condensation of 4-(substituted -1H-Benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)-N'- Hydrazine with different derivatives of aromatic aldehydes were described using different solvents and catalysts. The structures of the synthesized compounds were ascertain by spectral techniques viz. IR, ¹H NMR, MS and Physical Elemental data. Compounds were also subjected to thermal analysis to study their physical and chemical properties. The title compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity against various bacterial & Fungal strains. Results of bioassay vary with diverse group attached to Benzimdazole motif and could be helpful for the development of other bioactive molecules.     

Simple synthesis of the novel Cu-MOF catalysts for the selective alcohol oxidation and the oxidative cross-coupling of amines and alcohols

A novel porous metal–organic framework {Cu₂(bbda)_0.5(Hbbda)_1.5(OAc)_1.5.8H₂O} (UoB-5) was synthesized under ultrasound irradiation by employing a new Schiff base ligand H₂bbda (4,4′(1,4-phenylene bis (azanylylidene)) bis (methanylylidene))dibenzoic acid) and was fully characterized. The microporous nature of UoB-5 was confirmed by gas-sorption measurements. This framework acted as a highly effective heterogeneous catalyst for the alcohol oxidation reaction with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as an oxidant. The presence of coordinatively unsaturated metal sites in UoB-5 could be the reason for high performance in this reaction. Furthermore, using the long linker with the free -NC group and uncoordinated -N atom on the wall of the pores created UoB-5 an excellent candidate for the catalytic activities without activation of the framework. It was confirmed with the heterogeneous catalytic experiments on the one-pot tandem synthesis of imines from benzyl alcohols and anilines. Eventually, the new Cu-MOF (UoB-5) could be an alternative catalyst as a more economically favorable and environmentally friendly in the catalysis field.     

Transduction of glycan-lectin binding using near-infrared fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotubes for glycan profiling

There is significant interest in developing new detection platforms for characterizing glycosylated proteins, despite the lack of easily synthesized model glycans or high affinity receptors for this analytical problem. In this work, we demonstrate a sensor array employing recombinant lectins as glycan recognition sites tethered via Histidine tags to Ni(2+) complexes that act as fluorescent quenchers for semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) embedded in a chitosan hydrogel spot to measure binding kinetics of model glycans. We examine, as model glycans, both free and streptavidin-tethered biotinylated monosaccharides. Two higher-affined glycan-lectin pairs are explored: fucose (Fuc) to PA-IIL and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to GafD. The dissociation constants (K(D)) for these pairs as free glycans (106 and 19 μM, respectively) and streptavidin-tethered (142 and 50 μM respectively) were found. The absolute detection limit for the current platform was found to be 2 μg of glycosylated protein or 100 ng of free glycan to 20 μg of lectin. Glycan detection (GlcNAc-streptavidin at 10 μM) is demonstrated at the single nanotube level as well by monitoring the fluorescence from individual SWNT sensors tethered to GafD lectin. Over a population of 1000 nanotubes, 289 of the SWNT sensors had signals strong enough to yield kinetic information (K(D) of 250 ± 10 μM). We are also able to identify the locations of "strong transducers" on the basis of dissociation constant (four sensors with K(D) < 10 μM) or overall signal modulation (eight sensors with >5% quench response). We report the key finding that the brightest SWNTs are not the best transducers of glycan binding. SWNTs ranging in intensity between 50 and 75% of the maximum show the greatest response. The ability to pinpoint strong-binding, single sensors is promising to build a nanoarray of glycan-lectin transducers as a high throughput method to profile glycans without protein labeling or glycan liberation pretreatment steps.     

Optical characterization of Sm3+ and Dy3+:ZnO-PbO-B2O3 glasses

Here, we present the results of the analysis of Sm(3+) or Dy(3+) (0.5 mol%) ions doped heavy metal oxide (HMO)-based zinc lead borate (ZLB) glasses. Optical measurements such as absorption, emission spectra, lifetimes, XRD, DSC profiles have been carried out. The emission spectrum of Sm(3+):ZLB has shown the emission transitions of (4)G(5/2)-->(6)H(5/2) (563 nm), (4)G(5/2)-->(6)H(7/2) (598 nm), (4)G(5/2)-->(6)H(9/2) (646 nm), (4)G(5/2)-->(6)H(11/2) (708 nm) with lambda(exc): 401 nm ((6)H(5/2)-->(4)F(7/2)). In the case of the Dy(3+):ZLB glass, emission transitions of (4)F(9/2)-->(6)H(15/2) (485 nm), (4)F(9/2)-->(6)H(13/2) (575 nm) and (4)F(9/2)-->(6)H(11/2) (664 nm) with lambda(exi): 447 nm ((6)H(15/2)-->(4)I(15/2)) have been identified. Energy level schemes relating to the emission mechanisms involved in Sm(3+) and Dy(3+) glasses have been given.     

Further studies of [Ni4(DAniDANy)4] (DAniDANy2− = N,N’-bis-p-anisyl-2,7-diamido-1,8-naphthyridine) and its one-electron oxidation product: Metal-metal sigma bonding in Ni49+ complex

The linear tetranickel strings, [Ni₄(DAniDANy)₄] (1), and its one-electron oxidation product, [Ni₄(DAniDANy)₄](PF₆) (2), have been synthesized and studied extensively (DAniDANy^2? = N,N’-bis-p-anisyl-2,7-diamido-1,8-naphthyridine). Crystal structural analyses and DFT calculations suggest that the chemical oxidation of 1 involves removal of an electron from the σ* antibonding orbital, which results in the formation of Ni-Ni bonds in 2.