Structural investigation of the GlmS ribozyme bound to Its catalytic cofactor

The GlmS riboswitch is located in the 5'-untranslated region of the gene encoding glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P) synthetase. The GlmS riboswitch is a ribozyme with activity triggered by binding of the metabolite GlcN6P. Presented here is the structure of the GlmS ribozyme (2.5 A resolution) with GlcN6P bound in the active site. The GlmS ribozyme adopts a compact double pseudoknot tertiary structure, with two closely packed helical stacks. Recognition of GlcN6P is achieved through coordination of the phosphate moiety by two hydrated magnesium ions as well as specific nucleobase contacts to the GlcN6P sugar ring. Comparison of this activator bound and the previously published apoenzyme complex supports a model in which GlcN6P does not induce a conformational change in the RNA, as is typical of other riboswitches, but instead functions as a catalytic cofactor for the reaction. This demonstrates that RNA, like protein enzymes, can employ the chemical diversity of small molecules to promote catalytic activity.     

Ligand requirements for glmS ribozyme self-cleavage

Natural RNA catalysts (ribozymes) perform essential reactions in biological RNA processing and protein synthesis, whereby catalysis is intrinsic to RNA structure alone or in combination with metal ion cofactors. The recently discovered glmS ribozyme is unique in that it functions as a glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P)-dependent catalyst believed to enable "riboswitch" regulation of amino-sugar biosynthesis in certain prokaryotes. However, it is unclear whether GlcN6P functions as an effector or coenzyme to promote ribozyme self-cleavage. Herein, we demonstrate that ligand is absolutely requisite for glmS ribozyme self-cleavage activity. Furthermore, catalysis both requires and is dependent upon the acid dissociation constant (pKa) of the amine functionality of GlcN6P and related compounds. The data demonstrate that ligand is integral to catalysis, consistent with a coenzyme role for GlcN6P and illustrating an expanded capacity for biological RNA catalysis.     

The glmS ribozyme tunes the catalytically critical pK(a) of its coenzyme glucosamine-6-phosphate

The glmS ribozyme riboswitch is the first known natural catalytic RNA that employs a small-molecule cofactor. Binding of glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P) uncovers the latent self-cleavage activity of the RNA, which adopts a catalytically competent conformation that is nonetheless inactive in the absence of GlcN6P. Structural and analogue studies suggest that the amine of GlcN6P functions as a general acid-base catalyst, while its phosphate is important for binding affinity. However, the solution pK(a) of the amine is 8.06 ± 0.05, which is not optimal for proton transfer. Here we used Raman crystallography directly to determine the pK(a)'s of GlcN6P bound to the glmS ribozyme. Binding to the RNA lowers the pK(a) of the amine of GlcN6P to 7.26 ± 0.09 and raises the pK(a) of its phosphate to 6.35 ± 0.09. Remarkably, the pK(a)'s of these two functional groups are unchanged from their values for free GlcN6P (8.06 ± 0.05 and 5.98 ± 0.05, respectively) when GlcN6P binds to the catalytically inactive but structurally unperturbed G40A mutant of the ribozyme, thus implicating the ribozyme active site guanine in pK(a) tuning. This is the first demonstration that a ribozyme can tune the pK(a) of a small-molecule ligand. Moreover, the anionic glmS ribozyme in effect stabilizes the neutral amine of GlcN6P by lowering its pK(a). This is unprecedented and illustrates the chemical sophistication of ribozyme active sites.     

Multi-Site Conformational Exchange in the Synthetic Neomycin-Sensing Riboswitch Studied by 19F NMR

The synthetic neomycin-sensing riboswitch interacts with its cognate ligand neomycin as well as with the related antibiotics ribostamycin and paromomycin. Binding of these aminoglycosides induces a very similar ground state structure in the RNA, however, only neomycin can efficiently repress translation initiation. The molecular origin of these differences has been traced back to differences in the dynamics of the ligand:riboswitch complexes. Here, we combine five complementary fluorine based NMR methods to accurately quantify seconds to microseconds dynamics in the three riboswitch complexes. Our data reveal complex exchange processes with up to four structurally different states. We interpret our findings in a model that shows an interplay between different chemical groups in the antibiotics and specific bases in the riboswitch. More generally, our data underscore the potential of ¹⁹F NMR methods to characterize complex exchange processes with multiple excited states.     

Monitoring the Dynamics of Monomer Exchange Using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry: The Case of the Dimeric Glucosamine-6-Phosphate Synthase

Escherichia coli glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlmS) is a dimeric enzyme from the glutamine-dependent amidotransferases family, which catalyses the conversion of D-fructose-6-phosphate (Fru6P) and glutamine (Gln) into D-glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P) and glutamate, respectively. Extensive X-ray crystallography investigations have been reported, highlighting the importance of the dimeric association to form the sugar active site as well as significant conformational changes of the protein upon substrate and product binding. In the present work, an approach based on time-resolved noncovalent mass spectrometry has been developed to study the dynamics of GlmS subunit exchange. Using ¹⁴N versus ¹⁵N labeled proteins, the kinetics of GlmS subunit exchange was monitored with the wild-type enzyme in the presence of different substrates and products as well as with the protein bearing a key amino acid mutation specially designed to weaken the dimer interface. Determination of rate constants of subunit exchange revealed important modifications of the protein dynamics: while glutamine, glutamate, and K603A mutation accelerates subunit exchange, Fru6P and GlcN6P totally prevent it. These results are described in light of the available structural information, providing additional useful data for both the characterization of GlmS catalytic process and the design of new GlmS inhibitors. Finally, time-resolved noncovalent MS can be proposed as an additional biophysical technique for real-time monitoring of protein dynamics.     

Short stereocontrolled synthesis of trans and cis-tetrahydro-pyrazinoisoquinolinediones

Addition of aldehyde dimethyl acetals (here acetaldehyde) to unisolated O-trimethylsilyl derivatives of 1-acetyl-3-arylmethylpiperazine-2,5-diones (here 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl), in the presence of TMSOTf as the catalyst, gave nearly quantitatively the corresponding N-methoxyalkyl derivatives which, under acidic treatment, gave in very good yield through a Pictet-Spengler-type reaction involving N-acyliminium cations (6S*,11aR*)-2-acetyl-6-alkyl-3,6,11,11a-tetrahydro-2H-pyrazino[1,2-b]isoquinoline-1,4-diones. Epimerization of the 11a-stereocentre was accomplished by radical bromination, spontaneous hydrobromide elimination and catalytic hydrogenation, to give the (6S*,11aS*)-isomers. We propose these compounds as precursors of tetrahydroisoquinoline antitumour antibiotics.     

Synthesis of Disaccharides Containing 6-Deoxy-a-L-talose as Potential Heparan Sulfate Mimetics

A 6-deoxy-a-L-talopyranoside acceptor was readily prepared from methyl a-L-rhamnopyranoside and glycosylated with thiogalactoside donors using NIS/TfOH as the promoter to give good yields of the desired a-linked disaccharide (69-90%). Glycosylation with a 2-azido-2-deoxy-D-glucosyl trichloroacetimidate donor was not completely stereoselective (a:b = 6:1), but the desired a-linked disaccharide could be isolated in good overall yield (60%) following conversion into its corresponding tribenzoate derivative. The disaccharides were designed to mimic the heparan sulfate (HS) disaccharide GlcN(2S,6S)-IdoA(2S). However, the intermediates readily derived from these disaccharides were not stable to the sulfonation/deacylation conditions required for their conversion into the target HS mimetics.     

Structural Elucidation of the O-Antigen Polysaccharide from Escherichia coli O181

Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important pathogen associated to food-borne infection in humans; strains of E. coli O181, isolated from human cases of diarrhea, have been classified as belonging to this pathotype. Herein, the structure of the O-antigen polysaccharide (PS) from E. coli O181 has been investigated. The sugar analysis showed quinovosamine (QuiN), glucosamine (GlcN), galactosamine (GalN), and glucose (Glc) as major components. Analysis of the high-resolution mass spectrum of the oligosaccharide (OS), obtained by dephosphorylation of the O-deacetylated PS with aqueous 48 % hydrofluoric acid, revealed a pentasaccharide composed of two QuiNAc, one GlcNAc, one GalNAc, and one Glc residue. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR chemical shift assignments of the OS were carried out using 1 D and 2 D NMR experiments, and the OS was sequenced using a combination of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data and NMR ¹³C NMR glycosylation shifts. The structure of the native PS was determined using NMR spectroscopy, and it consists of branched pentasaccharide repeating units joined by phosphodiester linkages: →4)[α-l-QuipNAc-(1→3)]-α-d-GalpNAc6Ac-(1→6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→P-4)-α-l-QuipNAc-(1→3)-β-d-GlcpNAc-(1→; the O-acetyl groups represent 0.4 equivalents per repeating unit. Both the OS and PSs exhibit rare conformational behavior since two of the five anomeric proton resonances could only be observed at an elevated temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of new Rh complexes bearing CO, PPh3 and chelating P,O- or Se,Se-ligands: Application to hydroformylation of styrene

The complexes [Rh(CO)(PPh₃){Ph₂PNP(O)Ph₂-P,O}] (3), [Rh(CO)₂{Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (5), and [Rh(CO)(PPh₃){Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (6), were synthesised by stepwise reactions of CO and PPh₃ with [Rh(cod){Ph₂PNP(O)Ph₂-P,O}] (2) and [Rh(cod){Ph₂P(Se)NP(Se)Ph₂-Se,Se′}] (4), respectively. The complexes 3, 5 and 6 have been studied by IR, as well as ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The ν(CO) bands of complexes 3 and 6 appear at approximately 1960 cm⁻¹, indicating high electron density at the Rh^I centre. The structure of complexes 3 and 6 has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the ³¹P NMR chemical shifts have been resolved via low temperature NMR experiments. Both complexes exhibit square planar geometry around the metal centre, with the five-membered ring of complex 3 being almost planar, and the six-membered ring of complex 6 adopting a slightly distorted boat conformation. The C-O bond of the carbonyl ligand is relatively weak in both complexes, due to strong π-back donation from the electron rich Rh^I centre. The catalytic activity of the complexes 2, 3 and 6 in the hydroformylation of styrene has been investigated. Complexes 2 and 3 showed satisfactory catalytic properties, whereas complex 6 had effectively no catalytic activity.     

A Crystal Structure of a Functional RNA Molecule Containing an Artificial Nucleobase Pair

As one of its goals, synthetic biology seeks to increase the number of building blocks in nucleic acids. While efforts towards this goal are well advanced for DNA, they have hardly begun for RNA. Herein, we present a crystal structure for an RNA riboswitch where a stem C:G pair has been replaced by a pair between two components of an artificially expanded genetic‐information system (AEGIS), Z and P , (6‐amino‐5‐nitro‐2(1H)‐pyridone and 2‐amino‐imidazo[1,2‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazin‐4‐(8H)‐one). The structure shows that the Z : P pair does not greatly change the conformation of the RNA molecule nor the details of its interaction with a hypoxanthine ligand. This was confirmed in solution by in‐line probing, which also measured a 3.7 nM affinity of the riboswitch for guanine. These data show that the Z : P pair mimics the natural Watson–Crick geometry in RNA in the first example of a crystal structure of an RNA molecule that contains an orthogonal added nucleobase pair.     

Novel heterocyclic Tröger's base derivatives containing N-methylpyrrole units

Novel analogues of Tröger's base were prepared regioselectively from 4-amino-N-methylpyrrole carboxylates in good yield. Catalytic hydrogenation of dibenzyl-4,9-methano-1,6-dimethyl-4,5,9,10-tetrahydro-1H,6H-dipyrrolo-[3,2-b:3′,2′-f][1,5]diazocin-2,7-dicarboxylate 2b led to 4,9-methano-1,6-dimethyl-4,5,9,10-tetrahydro-1H,6H-dipyrrolo-[3,2-b:3′,2′-f][1,5]diazocin-2,7-dicarboxylic acid 3 which was used for the preparation of Tröger's base derivatives of natural antibiotics via an amide protocol. The novel heterocyclic Tröger's bases were characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques and compound 2b by X-ray crystallography. Incorporation of guanidine as the terminal group in the N-methylpyrrole Tröger's base skeleton opens the possibility for preparation of water soluble derivatives.     

Synthesis and properties of novel ortho-metalated cobalt(I) and iron(II) complexes through Csp2-H bond activation of dibenzylphenylphosphine

Dibenzylphenylphosphine in the reaction with CoMe(PMe₃)₄ afforded complex [(Me₃P)₃Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (1) by C_sp2-H activation via ortho-metalation with P atom as anchoring group. An unexpected dinitrogen iron(II) complex [(Me₃P)₂(N₂)Fe((ortho-C₆H₄)₂∩P(C₆H₅))] (2) stabilized by two five-membered chelate rings as [CPC]-pincer ligand was formed through the reaction of dibenzylphenylphosphine with FeMe₂(PMe₃)₄ via double C_sp2-H activation. The reactions of complexes 1 and 2 with carbon monoxide delivered carbonyl complexes [(Me₃P)(CO)₂Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (3) and [(Me₃P)₂(CO)Fe((ortho-C₆H₄)₂∩P(C₆H₅))] (4). An iodo methyl cobalt(III) complex [(Me₃P)₂(Me)(I)Co((ortho-C₆H₄)∩P(C₆H₅)(CH₂C₆H₅))] (5) was isolated through the reaction of 1 with iodomethane. The structures of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Reactions of Ru(Cp) complexes with P(o-tolyl)3

Reaction of [Ru(Cp^∗)(CH₃CN)₃](PF₆) with P(o-tolyl)₃ affords [Ru(Cp^∗){(η⁶-o-tolyl)P(o-tolyl)₂}](PF₆) (4) in which the P-atom is not coordinated to the metal. The solid-state structure of 4 has been determined. A related reaction with P(p-tolyl)₃ reveals a small quantity [Ru(Cp^∗){(η⁶-p-tolyl)P(o-tolyl)₂}](PF₆), in solution, but mostly the expected bis-phosphine complex. Reaction of the Ru(IV) dication, [Ru(Cp^∗)(η³-PhCHCHCH₂)(DMF)₂](PF₆)₂, with P(o-tolyl)₃ gives a mixture of the phosphonium salt, C₆H₅CHCHCH₂P(o-tolyl)₃ (9) and the dication [Ru(Cp^∗) (η⁶-C₆H₅CHCHCH₂P(o-tolyl)₃)](PF₆)₂ (10). Salt 9 forms via attack of the P-atom on the allyl ligand. The latter product results from complexation of 9 via the phenyl group of the former allyl ligand. It would seem that the sterically demanding P(o-tolyl)₃ ligand is not readily compatible with the Ru(Cp^∗) fragment, in either the +2 or +4 oxidation state. Detailed NMR studies are reported.     

Crowding Shifts the FMN Recognition Mechanism of Riboswitch Aptamer from Conformational Selection to Induced Fit

In bacteria, the binding between the riboswitch aptamer domain and ligand is regulated by environmental cues, such as low Mg²⁺ in macrophages during pathogenesis to ensure spatiotemporal expression of virulence genes. Binding was investigated between the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) riboswitch aptamer and its anionic ligand in the presence of molecular crowding agent without Mg²⁺ ion, which mimics pathogenic conditions. Structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic analyses under the crowding revealed more dynamic conformational rearrangements of the FMN riboswitch aptamer compared to dilute Mg²⁺‐containing solution. It is hypothesized that under crowding conditions FMN binds through an induced fit mechanism in contrast to the conformational selection mechanism previously demonstrated in dilute Mg²⁺solution. Since these two mechanisms involve different conformational intermediates and rate constants, these findings have practical significance in areas such as drug design and RNA engineering.     

Nitrosation of hydrochlorothiazide and the modes of binding of the N-nitroso derivative with two macrocycles possessing an 18-membered crown ether cavity

The hydrochlorothiazide, 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide, (HCTZ), widely used as a diuretic and anti-hypertensive drug, was transformed into its N-nitroso-derivative, 6-chloro-4-nitroso-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide (ON-HCTZ) by sodium nitrite in an acidic medium. The crystalline complexes of ON-HCTZ with 18-crown-6 (18C6) and cis-anti-cis-dicyclohexyl-18C6 (DCH6B) demonstrated different H-bonding modes from those present in the co-crystals of HCTZ with the same crown ethers. The influence of the nitroso-group on the binding mode and crystal packing is discussed.     

New developments in the studies of the reactivity of cyclometallated palladium(II) compounds with homo- ([P,P],[As,As]) and heterobidentate ([P,N],[P,O]) ligands

Treatment of the chloro-bridged dinuclear compounds [{Pd[RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N]}(μ-Cl)]₂ (R = 4-(COH), 1; R = 5-(COH), 2) with bidentate phosphorus or arsenic diphosphines or diarsine ligands in 1:1 molar ratio gave the dinuclear complexes [{Pd[RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N](Cl)}₂{μ-(o-Tol)₂P(CH₂)₂P(o-Tol)₂}] (R = 4-(COH), 3; R = 5-(COH), 4), [{Pd[RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N](Cl)}₂{μ-Ph₂PC₄H₂(NH)CH₂PPh₂}] (R = 4-(COH), 5; R = 5-(COH), 6) and [{Pd[RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N](Cl)}₂{μ-Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂}] (R = 4-(COH), 7; R = 5-(COH), 8) with the homobidentate [P,P] and [As,As] ligands in a bridging mode. Treatment of 1 and 2 with the aminophosphine Ph₂P(CH₂)₂NH₂ yields the dinuclear complexes [{Pd[RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N](Cl)}₂{μ-Ph₂P(CH₂)₂NH₂}] (R = 4-(COH), 9; R = 5-(COH), 10). The analogous reactions carried out in a 1:2 molar ratio, in the presence of NH₄PF₆ or NaClO₄, gave the mononuclear compounds [Pd{RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{(o-Tol)₂P(CH₂)₂P(o-Tol)₂-P,P}][PF₆] (R = 4-(COH), 11; R = 5-(COH), 12), [Pd{RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{Ph₂PC₄H₂(NH)CH₂PPh₂-P,P}][ClO₄] (R = 4-(COH), 13; R = 5-(COH), 14) and [Pd{RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂-As,As}][ClO₄](R = 4-(COH), 15; R = 5-(COH), 16), with the [P,P] and [As,As] ligands chelated to the palladium atom.Treatment of 2 with Ph₂P(CH₂)₃NH₂ in a 1:2 molar ratio in acetone in the presence of NH₄PF₆ afforded the mononuclear compound [Pd{5-(COH)C₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃N(Me₂)-P,N}][PF₆], 17, via intermolecular condensation between the aminophosphine and the solvent. Condensation was precluded using toluene as solvent to give [Pd{RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{Ph₂P(CH₂)_nNH₂-P,N}][PF₆], (n = 3, R = 5-(COH), 18; n = 2, R = 4-(COH), 19; n = 2, R = 5-(COH), 20). Treatment of 1 and 2 with Ph₂P(C₆H₄)CHO in a 1:2 molar ratio in the presence of NH₄PF₆ gave the mononuclear complexes [Pd{RC₆H₃C(H)NCy-C2,N}{2-(Ph₂P)C₆H₄CHO-P,O}][PF₆] (R = 4-(COH), 21; R = 5-(COH), 22) with the palladium atom bonded to four different atoms (C, N, P, O) and a chelating [P,O] ligand. The crystal structures of compounds 7, 11, 15 and 21 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Palladium-catalysed allylic amination for the direct synthesis of epi-4-alkylamino-N-acetylneuraminic acid derivatives

A simple and efficient procedure has been developed for the direct formation of epi-4-alkylamino-N-acetylneuraminic acid derivatives as potential inhibitors of influenza neuraminidases. The allylic amination of oxazoline 6 has been effected with a series of primary and secondary amines in the presence of catalytic Pd(π-allyl)₂(Et₃P)₂ to give the corresponding 4-epi-alkylamino products in a stereoselective and regiospecific manner.     

Agariblazeispirols A and B, an unprecedented skeleton from the cultured mycelia of the fungus, Agaricus blazei

Agariblazeispirols A and B, which have a unique steroidal skeleton, have been isolated from the cultured mycelia of Agaricus blazei (Agaricaceae). The absolute structure of Agariblazeispirol A was established to be (20S,22R,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, and X-ray analysis. The structure of Agariblazeispirol B was elucidated to be a stereoisomer of agariblazeispirol A at its carbon 22, (20S,22S,23R,24S)-13β,22:22,25-diepoxy-5-methoxy-14β-methyl-18-nor-des-A-ergosta-5,7,9,11-tetraen-23-ol by comparison of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectral data with those of agariblazeispirol A. Both compounds showed a moderate circumvention of drug resistance on mouse leukemia P388/VCR cells.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of cyclometallated palladium (II) compounds containing difunctional ligands with [P,P], [As,As], [N,N], [P,As], [P,N] and [P,O] donor atoms

Treatment of the chloro-bridged dinuclear complex [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}(μ-Cl)]₂ (1) with homobidentate [P,P], [As,As], [N,N], and heterobidentate [P,As], [P,N] ligands in a 1:1 molar ratio gave the dinuclear complexes [{Pd[3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N](Cl)}₂{μ-L}] (L = Ph₂PC₄H₆(NH)CH₂PPh₂ (2); Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂ (3); 1,3-(NH₂CH₂)₂C₆H₄ (4); Ph₂P(CH₂)₂AsPh₂ (5); Ph₂P(CH₂)₂NH₂ (6)), with the bidentate ligands bridging the two cyclometallated fragments.The reaction with the homobidentate ligands in a 1:2 molar ratio in the presence of NaClO₄ afforded the mononuclear compounds [[Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{L-P,P}][ClO₄] (L = Ph₂PC₄H₆(NH)CH₂PPh₂ (7); (o-Tol)₂P(CH₂)₂P(o-Tol)₂ (8)), [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{Ph₂As(CH₂)₂AsPh₂-As,As}][ClO₄] (9) and [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{L-N,N}][ClO₄] (L = NH₂(CH₂)₃NH₂ (10); NH₂(C₆H₈)CH₂(C₆H₈)NH₂ (11); 1,3-(NH₂CH₂)₂C₆H₄ (12); 1,3-(NH₂)₂C₅H₃N (13); NH₂(C₆H₄)O(C₆H₄)NH₂ (14); NMe₂(CH₂)₂NMe₂ (15)), in which the chloro ligands are absent and the bidentate ligands are chelated to the palladium atom.Reaction of 1 with Ph₂P(CH₂)₂AsPh₂ in 1:2 molar ratio in acetone in the presence of NH₄PF₆ afforded the analogous mononuclear compound [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{Ph₂P(CH₂)₂AsPh₂-P,As}][PF₆] (16); whereas reaction with Ph₂P(CH₂)₃NH₂ gave [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{Ph₂P(CH₂)₃N(CMe₂)-P,N}][PF₆] (17), derived from intermolecular condensation between the aminophosphine and acetone. Condensation of the NH₂ group was precluded by change of solvent, using dichloromethane.Iminophoshines also reacted with 1 in 1:2 molar ratio in acetone to give a new series of mononuclear cyclometallated complexes: [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{L-P,N}][ClO₄] (L = Ph₂PC₆H₄C(H)NCy (20); Ph₂PC₆H₄C(H)NC(CH₃)₃ (21); Ph₂PC₆H₄C(H)NNMe₂ (22); Ph₂PC₆H₄C(H)NNHMe (23); Ph₂PC₆H₄C(H)NNHPh (24)). Analogous complexes with a stable P,O-chelate were obtained using bidentate [P,O] donor ligands: [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)N(Cy)-C6,N}{L-P,O}][Cl] (L = 2-(Ph₂P)C₆H₄CHO (25); Ph₂PN(Me)C(O)Me (26)).The crystal structures of compounds 1, 5, 15, 16, 18, 20 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Adsorption effects of poly(hydroxybutyric acid) depolymerase on chain-folding surface of polyester single crystals revealed by mutant enzyme and frictional force microscopy

Adsorption effects of poly(hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) depolymerase from Ralstonia pickettii T1 on various polymer single crystals were studied using a catalytically inactive mutant of PHB depolymerase by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and frictional force microscopy (FFM). Six types of polymer single crystals, poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] (P(3HB)), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-6 mol% (R)-3-hydroxyvaleric acid] (P(3HB-co-6 mol% 3HV)), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-8 mol% (R)-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid] (P(3HB-co-8 mol% 3HH)), poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA), and polyethylene (PE), were prepared to examine the influence of an ester bond and stereoregularity of a polymer on the enzymatic adsorption. The numbers of PHB depolymerase enzymes adsorbed on P(3HB) and P(3HB-co-6 mol% 3HV) single crystals were determined as 171 and 183 enzymes/μm² by AFM, respectively. AFM observation revealed that the concentration of PHB depolymerase enzymes adsorbed onto PLLA and PDLA single crystals is much higher compared to those on a P(3HB) single crystal, whereas the concentration of enzyme adsorbed onto PE and P(3HB-co-8 mol% 3HH) single crystals is much less. In addition, the single crystals of each polymer were characterized by TEM and FFM before and after enzymatic treatment by mutant for 1 h at 37 °C. The surface properties of P(3HB), P(3HB-co-6 mol% 3HV), and P(3HB-co-8 mol% 3HH) single crystals were changed by the enzymatic adsorption, whereas the internal structures were not affected. On the basis of these results, the properties of the binding domain of PHB depolymerase to polymer chain-folding surfaces have been discussed.