A kinetic method for the direct determination of cellobiose hydrolysis by β-glucosidases

TheSomogyi—Nelson colorimetric method is applied in a new manner which is more suitable for following the kinetics of cellobiose hydrolysis catalyzed by -glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). TheSomogyi—Nelson colour reagent, which is a mixture of the solutions of the reagent ofSomogyi and that ofNelson in a volume ratio of 1:1, is added to the enzyme-substrate solution at the very start of the reaction. The colour reagent reacts with the product (D-glucose). Under the reaction conditions (0.1M acetate buffer,pH = 5.0 and temperature 37°C) the colour reagent does not affect the enzyme activity. The method excludes any inhibition of the product, owing to the continuous removal of the latter by the colour reagent. The method suggested has been applied to monitor cellobiose hydrolysis with -glucosidase, contained in four cellulase enzyme preparations from various fungal sources. The values of theMichaelis parameters (Km, V) were determined.

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Eine kinetische Methode zur Verfolgung der Hydrolyse von Cellobiose durch ß-Glucosidasen

Zusammenfassung Die kolorimetrische Methode nachSomogyi undNelson wird nach einem neuen Verfahren zur Verfolgung der Kinetik der hydrolytischen Spaltung von Cellobiose, katalysiert durch -Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21), angewandt. Das Farbreagenz nachSomogyi undNelson (Mischung der Reagenzien vonSomogyi undNelson im Volumenverhältnis 1:1) wird der Enzym-Substrat-Lösung zu Beginn der Reaktion hinzugefügt. Das Farbreagenz tritt mit derD-Glukose in Reaktion, wobei unter den gegebenen Reaktionsbedingungen (0,1M Azetatpuffer,pH = 5,0 und 37°C) die Enzymaktivität nicht beeinflußt wird. Die entwickelte Methode wurde zur Verfolgung der Hydrolyse von Cellobiose durch ß-Glucosidasen, die in vier Enzympräparaten aus verschiedenen Pilzstämmen enthalten waren, angewandt. Es wurden dieMichaelis-Parameter (Km, V) bestimmt.

     

Charge-transfer complexes betweenp-toluidine and iodine in solution: A kinetic study

The kinetics of charge-transfer interaction betweenp-toluidine and iodine in methylene chloride was investigated in depth. Thethermal process of formation of theinner complex was found to proceed to an equilibrium. Thephotochemical process follows a different reaction coordinate, going through the formation of an exciplex between the excitedouter complex and the amine ground state. In both cases the same ionic complex (Am ₂I⁺I ₃ ^– , whereAm stands forp-toluidine) was detected as the final product.

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Kinetische Untersuchung der Charge-Transfer-Komplexe zwischenp-Toluidin und Jod

Zusammenfassung Die Kinetik der Charge-Transfer-Wechselwirkung zwischenp-Toluidin und Jod in Methylenchlorid wurde ausführlich untersucht. Derthermische Prozeß, der zur Bildung desinner-Komplexes führt, geht bis zu einem Gleichgewicht. Derphotochemische Prozeß folgt einer unterschiedlichen Reaktionskoordinate und verläuft über die Bildung eines Exziplexes zwischen dem angeregtenouter-Komplex und dem Amin im Grundzustand. In beiden Fällen wurde derselbe ionische Komplex (Am ₂I⁺I ₃ ^– , wobeiAm fürp-Toluidin steht) als Endprodukt festgestellt.

     

On the use of pseudopotentials in molecular calculations

A series of tests was performed of the Kahn-Goddard-Melius-Topiol pseudopotentials in view of their utilization with small contracted basis sets in molecular computations. The effects of inner-shell separability and of basis set contraction are underlined. The utilizability of Topiol's valence least-squares fitted Gaussian basis sets is studied.     

Synthesis ofN-alkylamides of 3-fluoroalkylaziridine-2-carboxylic acids

The N-alkylamides of 3-fluoroalkylaziridine-2-carboxylic acids have been prepared for the first time by the interaction of ethyl 0-fltioroalkyl-,-dibromocarboxylates with primary amines.Prepared by a known procedure;² characteristics of previously unknown ester1b are given in the Experimental section.     

In vitro nitrosation of ephedrine in the presence of cyclodextrins

-, and -cyclodextrin and heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl--cyclodextrin enhance the nitrosation rate of l-ephedrine if the nitrosation assay procedure (NAP test) is applied. During this reaction with -cyclodextrin a solid inclusion compound of -cyclodextrin andN-nitrosoephedrine precipitates. Solubilities and stabilities of inclusion compounds of the cyclodextrins with ephedrine and nitrosoephedrine, respectively, explain especially the catalytic effects of some cyclodextrins on ephedrine.Part of the PhD thesis of V. Wedelich, Freie Universität Berlin, 1985.     

Synthese von α-Methyl-homocysteinthiolacton

Summary A facile high yield large scale methylation procedure affording2c is reported utilizing the N-[bis(methylthio)-methylen-protected derivative4a as an intermediate. The optical resolution of racemic2c is described leading to (S)-2b. In addition the thiolactone2c undergoes oxidative ring opening by bromine to the corresponding sulphonic acid5.

     

Complexation of Oleuropein and trans-Cinnamic Acid with Cyclodextrins

The complexation of oleuropein and trans-cinnamic acid with -, -, and -cyclodextrin has been studied in aqueous model systems by light scaterring. The influence of various parameters (pH, concentration, reaction time, nature of cyclodextrin) has been thoroughly examined. The formation of binary (1:1) inclusion complexes and the higher inclusion ability of -CD for both compounds has been indicated. Trans-cinnamic acid was extracted from olive olive oil following its complexation with -CD at satisfactory recovery levels.     

Selective reduction of the acyl group in cyclic α-acyl-β-dicarbonyl compounds with sodium cyanoborohydride. Efficient synthesis of cyclic α-alkyl-β-dicarbonyl compounds

Efficient synthesis of cyclic -alkyl--dicarbonyl compounds of the cyclopentane, cyclohexane, tetronic acid, and -pyrone series from the corresponding cyclic -acyl--dicarbonyl compounds under the action of NaBH₃(CN) in a THF--HCl system is described.     

A new detection method for purines in thin-layer chromatography

Summary The separation of some purines by thin-layer chromatography, utilizing precoated plates with Silicagel R as stationary phase and the following mobile phases: i-butanol: methylethylketone: ammonium hydroxide 25%: water (40252015) and n-propanol: ammonium hydroxide 25%: water (80155) is reported.Visualisation of the spots has been achieved by spraying with aqueous 1% uranyl acetate and irradiating with UV both at 254 and 366 nm. The visual detection of a spot was 0.01 g.     

Reaction of Pregnenolone and 3α,5-Cyclo-5α-pregnan-6β-ol-20-one with Trifluoroperacetic Acid

The reaction of pregnenolone and 3,5-cyclo-5-pregnan-6-ol-20-one with trifluoroperacetic acid produces the trifluoroacetates, hydrolysis of which gives the 3,5alpha;,6-triol.     

Electrochemical oxidation of tetramethyl esters of α,α,ω,ω-alcaneteracarboxylic acids

Cyclization of esters of butane-1,1,4,4- and pentane-1,1,5,5-tetracarboxylic acids during electrolysis in methanol in the presence of Nal produces, with a yield of 95%, the esters of cyclobutane-1,1,2,2- and cyclopentane-1,1,2,2-tetracarboxylic acids. Under similar conditions, esters of the highest ,,,-alkanetetracarboxylic acids undergo iodation and hydroxymethylation due to electrical oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. During electrolysis in methanol in the presence of NaOAc, the esters of ,,,-alkanetetracarboxylic acids undergo effective hydroxymethylation, followed by cyclization into substituted five- and six-member lactones, or tetrahydrofurans when structurally possible.N. D. Zelinskii Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117913 Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2332–2339, October, 1992.     

Phase and structural transitions in vicinal water on protein surfaces by means of the DSC

This paper presents investigations of phase and structural transitions occurring in water adsorbed on the surface of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and on the so-called intelligentrs or smart silica gel surface covered with a chemically bonded BSA phase. Cyclic changes of heat flow (HF) were observed in the samples studied during cooling and heating of the measuring cell of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) apparatus. These cyclic changes reflect structural transitions occurring in the water adsorbed on the surface at subambient and elevated temperatures. This is connected with cyclic changes (decay and reproduction) of ice-like structures existing in the adsorbed water layers. On the basis of quantitative investigations it appears that, depending on the direction of the cooling or heating process of the samples studied, the number of ice-like water structures in the surface film increases or decreases. It has been stated that the observed fluctuations occur spontaneously and suddenly in the whole volume of adsorbed water in different and not regular temperature ranges, especially at the paradoxical effect temperatures.Support from the Research Council (Dr. R. K. Gilpin and Dr. M. Jaroniec) of Kent State University (Ohio, USA) is acknowledged. The author thanks Dr. V. Tittlebach for providing the samples of pure BSA and silica gel with chemically, bonded BSA phase.     

A theoretical study of electrophilic reactions

The electronic structures of protonated formyl and acetylium cations and their deprotonation paths leading to HCO⁺, COH⁺ and CH₃CO⁺have been studied by means of ab initio calculations. The results support Olah's theory that dipositive species can be the de facto reagents in electrophilic reactions.     

Effect of Cyclodextrins on the Chemical Stability of ST1435, a Contraceptive Steroid Progestin, in Aqueous Solution

The influence of cyclodextrins (CDs) on the chemical stability of the contraceptive steroid progestin, ST1435, in aqueous solution has been studied using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The effects of CD structure, temperature, and CD concentration on the rate of degradation were investigated. It was found that the drug degraded to different extents following a pseudo-first order reaction mechanism. The presence of the host molecules affected the degradation rate as a result of complexation which might result in protection of the labile moiety of the drug molecule against degradation. Hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HP--CD) and hydroxyethyl--cyclodextrin (HE--CD) retarded the degradation in contrast to -cyclodextrin (-CD) which accelerated the steroid degradation. The stabilizing action of HP--CD is larger than that of HE--CD. The degradation rate increased upon increasing temperature and the Arrhenius equation is valid. Lineweaver-Burk equation analysis indicated that the steroid included inside the CD cavity degraded three times more slowly than did the free ST1435 in solution. This equation further supported the formation of a 1 : 1 inclusion complex between ST1435 and HP--CD with a stability constant of 934.5 M-1 at 65°C.     

The μ-and δ-opioid pharmacophore conformations of cyclic β-casomorphin analogues indicate docking of the Phe3 residue to different domains of the opioid receptors

Summary Cyclic -casomorphin analogues with a d-configured amino acid residue in position 2, such as Tyr-c[-Xaa-Phe-Pro-Gly-] and Tyr-c[-Xaa-Phe-d-Pro-Gly-] (Xaa=d-A₂bu, d-Orn, d-Lys) were found to bind to the -opioid receptor as well as to the -opioid receptor, whereas the corresponding l-Xaa² derivatives are nearly inactive at both. Low-energy conformers of both active and nearly inactive derivatives have been determined in a systematic conformational search or by molecular dynamics simulations using the TRIPOS force field. The obatained conformations were compared with regard to a model for -selective opiates developed by Brandt et al. [Drug Des. Discov., 10 (1993) 257]. Superpositions as well as electrostatic, lipophilic and hydrogen bonding similarities with the -opioid receptor pharmacophore conformation of t-Hpp-JOM-13 proposed by Mosberg et al. [J. Med. Chem., 37 (1994) 4371, 4384] were used to establish the probable -pharmacophoric cyclic -casomorphin conformations. These conformations were also compared with a -opioid agonist (SNC 80) and the highly potent antagonist naltrindole. These investigations led to a prediction of the -and -pharmacophore structures for the cyclic -casomorphins. Interestingly, for the inactive compounds such conformations could not be detected. The comparison between the -and -pharmacophore conformations of the cyclic -casomorphins demonstrates not only differences in spatial orientation of both aromatic groups, but also in the backbone conformations of the ring part. In particular, the differences in ² and ² (70°,-80°; 165°,55°) cause a completely different spatial arrangement of the cyclized peptide rings when all compounds are matched with regard to maximal spatial overlap of the tyrosine residue. Assuming that both the -and -pharmacophore conformations bind with the tyrosine residue in a similar orientation at the same transmembrane domain X of their receptors, the side chain of Phe³ as a second binding site has to dock with different domains.This paper is based on a presentation given at the 14th Molecular Graphics and Modelling Society Conference, held in Cairns, Australia, August 27–September 1, 1995.     

Quantum-chemical study of allylic and vinylic compounds of fifth-group elements

Energies and oscillator strengths of the long-wave electronic transitions for several conformers of allyl- and vinylamine and allyl- and vinylphosphine have been calculated by the semiempirical quantum-chemical MNDO method. The electronic structure of these molecules is discussed in detail, and the spectral and conformational effects ofn, and , conjugation are analyzed. Some suggestions concerning possible conjugation effects in the allylic compounds of As, Sb, and Bi are made.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1551–1554, September, 1993.     

Conformational Heterogeneity of a Tripeptide in the Solid State and in Solution: Characterization of a γ-Turn Containing Incipient Hairpin in Solution

A terminally blocked tripeptide Boc--Ala-Aib--Ala-OMe 1 with noncoded amino acids forms a novel type of hairpin structure containing a -turn instead of a conventional -turn in the central loop region in solution. This new type structural motif was characterized by NMR and restraint molecular dynamics simulation study. In the solid state peptide 1 adopts an extended backbone conformation and self-assembles to form supramolecular -sheet.     

Synthesis and sorption properties of new hybrid chelating sorbents with β-alanine functional groups

A series of -aminopropylsilylated sorbents was obtained from different oxide supports (silica gels, silica fillers, macroporous glasses, alumina) and by the direct synthesis (hydrolytic polycondensation of tetraalkoxysilanes with -aminopropyltriethoxysilane). The highest degree of immobilization was achieved for silicas, while the most convenient solvent was methanol. Sorbents with -alanine functional groups were obtained by the subsequent reaction with acrylic acid. The degree of -carboxyethylation was 1.3–1.9, and the highest content of functional groups (v_COOH = 3.23 mmol g^–1) was achieved for carboxyethylated xero gel synthesized by the copolycondensation of tetraethoxysilane with -aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The sorbents containing -alanine possess a higher selectivity of Cu²⁺ ion sorption than the initial -aminopropylsilylated sorbents.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 12, pp. 2620–2625, December, 2004.     

Interaction of fluoroalkyl-containing β-diketones with amines

The composition of products of the interaction of asymmetric fluoroalkyl-containing -diketones with amines was studied. Mixtures of regioisomeric -aminovinylketones and products of cleavage and secondary condensation are formed, depending on the temperature, the solvent, the nature of the fluorinated and nonfluorinated substituents in the -diketone, and the basicity of the amine. The major product is a -aminovinylketone in which the NH₂ group is removed from the fluoroalkyl substituent. No -aminovinylimines, products of condensation involving two electrophilic centers, were observed.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 2278–2284, September, 1996.     

New route for the synthesis of 2-thiouracil analogues of 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxy nucleosides

Summary Reaction of 3-azido-5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,3-dideoxy-D-erythro-pentofuranoside (5) with silylated 2-thiouracil and 5-alkoxy-2-thiouracils in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate afforded an anomeric mixture of the corresponding 3-azido-2,3-dideoxy-2-thiouridine derivatives with the -anomer as the main product. Deprotected nucleosides were obtained by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

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Ein neuer Weg zur Synthese von 2-Thiouracil-Analogen von 3-Azido-2,3-dideoxy-Nucleosiden

Zusammenfassung Die Reaktion von 3-Azido-5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,3-dideoxy-D-erythro-pentofuranosid (5) mit silyliertem 2-Thiouracil und 5-Alkoxy-2-thiouracil in Gegenwart von Trimethylsilyltrifluormethansulfonat ergab eine anomere Mischung der entsprechenden 3-Azido-2,3-dideoxy-2-thiouridin-Derivate, wobei das -Anomer das Hauptprodukt darstellte. Die ungeschützten Nucleoside wurden mittels Behandlung mit Tetrabutylammoniumfluorid erhalten.