The yeast <Emphasis Type="Italic">ISN1</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">YOR155c</Emphasis>) gene encodes a new type of IMP-specific 5'-nucleotidase

Background  

The purine salvage enzyme inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP)-specific 5'-nucleotidase catalyzes degradation of IMP to inosine. Although this enzymatic activity has been purified and characterized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the gene encoding IMP 5'-nucleotidase had not been identified.     

Microwave-assisted and scandium triflate catalyzed synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>]xanthen-11-ones

Abstract  

Synthesis of 12-aryl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydro-benzo[a]xanthen-11-ones was achieved by one-pot condensation of β-naphthol, substituted benzaldehydes, and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds catalyzed by Sc(OTf)₃ under microwave irradiation in excellent isolated yields. The catalyst was recycled up to four cycles with no appreciable loss in catalytic activity. The compounds were evaluated for Src kinase activity and anticancer activity.     

Myosin-cross-reactive antigen (MCRA) protein from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bifidobacterium breve</Emphasis> is a FAD-dependent fatty acid hydratase which has a function in stress protection

Background  

The aim of this study was to determine the catalytic activity and physiological role of myosin-cross-reactive antigen (MCRA) from Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 702258. MCRA from B. breve NCIMB 702258 was cloned, sequenced and expressed in heterologous hosts (Lactococcus and Corynebacterium) and the recombinant proteins assessed for enzymatic activity against fatty acid substrates.     

Orthophosphate binding at the dimer interface of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Corynebacterium callunae</Emphasis> starch phosphorylase: mutational analysis of its role for activity and stability of the enzyme

Background  

Orthophosphate recognition at allosteric binding sites is a key feature for the regulation of enzyme activity in mammalian glycogen phosphorylases. Protein residues co-ordinating orthophosphate in three binding sites distributed across the dimer interface of a non-regulated bacterial starch phosphorylase (from Corynebacterium callunae) were individually replaced by Ala to interrogate their unknown function for activity and stability of this enzyme.     

Lipid phosphate phosphatases dimerise,but this interaction is not required for <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vivo</Emphasis> activity

Background  

Lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPPs) are integral membrane proteins believed to dephosphorylate bioactive lipid messengers, so modifying or attenuating their activities. Wunen, a Drosophila LPP homologue, has been shown to play a pivotal role in primordial germ cell (PGC) migration and survival during embryogenesis. It has been hypothesised that LPPs may form oligomeric complexes, and may even function as hexamers. We were interested in exploring this possibility, to confirm whether LPPs can oligomerise, and if they do, whether oligomerisation is required for either in vitroor in vivoactivity.     

Synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity of biaryl-based bis(1,2,3-triazoles) using click chemistry

Abstract  

Click chemistry was used to synthesize a series of biaryl-based bis(1,2,3-triazoles). Their antifungal activity was evaluated against three soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi, viz. Rhizoctonia bataticola, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum, using the food poison technique at concentrations of 62.5–500 μg/cm³.     

Comparison of sterols and fatty acids in two species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganoderma</Emphasis>

Background  

Two species of Ganoderma, G. sinense and G. lucidum, are used as Lingzhi in China. Howerver, the content of triterpenoids and polysaccharides, main actives compounds, are significant different, though the extracts of both G. lucidum and G. sinense have antitumoral proliferation effect. It is suspected that other compounds contribute to their antitumoral activity. Sterols and fatty acids have obvious bioactivity. Therefore, determination and comparison of sterols and fatty acids is helpful to elucidate the active components of Lingzhi.     

One-pot synthesis of diphenyl pyrazolylmethylanilines via reductive amination using NaBH<Subscript>4</Subscript>/I<Subscript>2</Subscript> and their antimicrobial screening

Abstract  

Direct reductive amination of 1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde and 3-(4-methylphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde with various substituted aromatic amines using NaBH₄ in the presence of I₂ as reducing agent is described. The reaction has been carried out in anhydrous methanol under neutral conditions at room temperature. The structure of newly synthesized diphenyl pyrazolylmethylanilines was established on the basis of IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectral data. All diphenyl pyrazolylmethylaniline derivatives were tested in vitro for their antifungal and antibacterial activity against different strains of fungi and bacteria. Most of the compound exhibited considerable antifungal activity but poor antibacterial activity against the test strains.     

Molecular cloning,gene structure and expression profile of two mouse peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase genes

Background  

In rats, two peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase genes (A and B) have been cloned, whereas only one thiolase gene is found in humans. The aim of this study was thus to clone the different mouse thiolase genes in order to study both their tissue expression and their associated enzymatic activity.     

Studies on the synthesis, characterization, binding with DNA and activities of two cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes of the form: cis-PtL(NH3)Cl2 where L = 3-hydroxypyridine and 2,3-diaminopyridine

Background  

Cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes like their trans isomers are often found to be active against cancer cell lines. The present study deals with the synthesis, characterization and determination of activity of new cis-planaramineplatinum(II) complexes.     

Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus anthracis</Emphasis> arginase: effects of pH,temperature, and cell viability on metal preference

Background  

Arginase (RocF) hydrolyzes L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea. While previously characterized arginases have an alkaline pH optimum and require activation with manganese, arginase from Helicobacter pylori is optimally active with cobalt at pH 6. The arginase from Bacillus anthracis is not well characterized; therefore, this arginase was investigated by a variety of strategies and the enzyme was purified.     

Identification of inhibitors of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plasmodium falciparum</Emphasis> phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase using an enzyme-coupled transmethylation assay

Background  

The phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase, PfPMT, of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a member of a newly identified family of phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases (PMT) found solely in some protozoa, nematodes, frogs, and plants, is involved in the synthesis of the major membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine. PMT enzymes catalyze a three-step S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation of the nitrogen atom of phosphoethanolamine to form phosphocholine. In P. falciparum, this activity is a limiting step in the pathway of synthesis of phosphatidylcholine from serine and plays an important role in the development, replication and survival of the parasite within human red blood cells.     

Immunoaffinity purification and characterization of mitochondrial membrane-bound D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jaculus orientalis</Emphasis>

Background  

The interconversion of two important energy metabolites, 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate (the major ketone bodies), is catalyzed by D-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (BDH¹: EC 1.1.1.30), a NAD⁺-dependent enzyme. The eukaryotic enzyme is bound to the mitochondrial inner membrane and harbors a unique lecithin-dependent activity. Here, we report an advanced purification method of the mammalian BDH applied to the liver enzyme from jerboa (Jaculus orientalis), a hibernating rodent adapted to extreme diet and environmental conditions.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">tlyA</Emphasis> gene product,Rv1694 of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</Emphasis>: A non-conventional hemolysin and a ribosomal RNA methyl transferase

Background  

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a virulent bacillus causing tuberculosis, a disease responsible for million deaths each year worldwide. In order to understand its mechanism of pathogenesis in humans and to help control tuberculosis, functions of numerous Mycobacterium tuberculosis genes are being characterized. In this study we report the dual functionality of tlyA gene product of Mycobacterium tuberculosis annotated as Rv1694, a 268 amino acid long basic protein.     

Synthesis,Biological Evaluation,and Molecular Docking Studies of Some N‐thiazolyl Hydrazones and Indenopyrazolones

Two new series of N‐thiazolyl hydrazones ( 3a – h ) and indenopyrazolones ( 4a – h ) were synthesized by the reaction of various 2‐acyl‐(1H)‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐diones, thiosemicarbazide, and phenacyl bromide/substituted phenacyl bromides. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of these synthesized compounds was assayed against four bacteria, namely, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and two fungi, namely, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, by employing serial dilution method. Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were used as antibacterial and antifungal reference drugs, respectively. Results of antimicrobial assay showed that the tested compounds have broad range of activity. The compounds 3h and 4a against C. albicans displayed more potency than fluconazole whereas 3b and 3c against B. subtilis showed activity comparable with ciprofloxacin. The synthesized indenopyrazolones ( 4a – h ) were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay using ascorbic acid as reference. Compound 4b exhibited the highest 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging with IC₅₀ value 33.14 μg/mL. The observed results of antimicrobial activity were supported by molecular docking study performed to understand the binding interaction of hydrazones ( 3a – h ) and indenopyrazolones ( 4a – h ) with lanosterol 14α‐demethylase.     

Oxidative stress and immunologic responses following a dietary exposure to PAHs in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mya arenaria</Emphasis>

Background  

The aim of this research was to investigate oxidative stress and immune responses following a dietary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure in a marine bioindicator organism, the soft shell clam, Mya arenaria. Immune parameters in hemolymph (haemocyte number, efficiency of phagocytosis and haemocyte activity) and assessment of oxidative stress using catalase (CAT) activity and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) performed on the digestive gland were estimated as biomarkers in clams fed in mesocosm with PAH contaminated phytoplankton. MDA levels and CAT activities were also measured in situ in organisms sampled in a control site (Metis Beach, Québec, Canada) as well as organisms sampled in a site receiving domestic effluents (Pointe-au-Père, Québec, Canada), to assess effects of abiotic variables related to seasonal variations and mixed contamination on the selected parameters.     

Identification and molecular characterization of a novel flavin-free NADPH preferred azoreductase encoded by <Emphasis Type="Italic">azoB</Emphasis> in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pigmentiphaga kullae</Emphasis> K24

Background  

Microbial degradation of azo dyes is commonly initiated by the reduction of the azo bond(s) by a group of NADH or NADPH dependant azoreductases with many requiring flavin as a cofactor. In this study, we report the identification of a novel flavin-free NADPH preferred azoreductase encoded by azoB in Pigmentiphaga kullae K24.     

CaO solubility and activity coefficient in molten salts CaCl2–x (x = 0, NaCl, KCl, SrCl2, BaCl2 and LiCl)

CaO solubility in equimolar molten salts CaCl₂–x (x = 0, NaCl, KCl, SrCl₂, BaCl₂ and LiCl) was determined at 873–1223 K and activity coefficient calculated. CaO solubility in the binary salts is less than in CaCl₂, and the activity coefficient is greater than one. With increasing temperature CaO solubility increases and the activity coefficient decreases. The dependency of CaO activity coefficient on temperature in equimolar molten salts CaCl₂–x is

CaCl2	RTln γCaO = 6961 + 5.06 T (K)	1123–1223 K
CaCl2–NaCl	RTln γCaO = 3985 + 17.67 T (K)	923–1123 K
CaCl2–KCl	RTln γCaO = 2384 + 22.72 T (K)	1073–1223 K
CaCl2–SrCl2	RTln γCaO = 27245–1.13 T (K)	1073–1223 K
CaCl2–BaCl2	RTln γCaO = 17068 + 10.19 T (K)	1223–1273 K
CaCl2–LiCl	RTln γCaO = 14724 + 0.72 T (K)	923–1073 K

Full-size table

     

Synthesis, reactions, and biological activity of 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives

Abstract  

6,7-Dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one reacts with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA) to give the novel enaminone 2-(dimethylaminomethylene)-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-one. The reaction of the latter with various active methylene compounds afforded pyrido[3,2-b][1,4]benzothiazines. Also, coupling of the enaminone with diazotized aniline derivatives gave 2-(arylhydrazono)-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-ones. Spectral data indicated that the latter compounds exist predominantly in the hydrazone tautomeric form. In addition, coupling of the enaminone with diazotized heterocyclic amines afforded tetra- and pentaheterocyclic ring systems. The antitumor and antimicrobial activity of some of the synthesized compounds was screened.     

Novel acenaphthopyrazine derivatives as antitumor agents against MCF-7 cells: molecular synthesis, optical properties, and DNA-binding studies

Abstract  

A series of novel acenaphthopyrazine derivatives was synthesized from acenaphthylene-1,2-dione via three steps, including bromination, cyclization, and S_NAr^H reaction. These new compounds exhibited potential antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells in vitro, and 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethylamino]acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrazine-8,9-dicarbonitrile exhibited the highest activity (IC ₅₀ = 4.60 μM). DNA-binding experiments suggested that these derivatives bind to DNA through intercalation with intrinsic binding constants K all above 10⁵ M⁻¹. Optical property studies indicated that these compounds have long emission wavelength (λ _em > 560 nm), high quantum yields in toluene (Φ_f = 0.59 for 3-(morpholin-4-yl)acenaphtho[1,2-b]pyrazine-8,9-dicarbonitrile), and large Stokes shift (ΔS > 130 nm).