Synthesis of a Pentasaccharide Repeating Unit of the Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced by Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Subsp. Bulgaricus 291

A pentasaccharide methyl glycoside has been synthesized efficiently using a modified glycosylation strategy. This pentasaccharide is a repeating unit of the exopolysaccharides produced by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 291.     

Antifungal activity study of the monoterpene thymol against Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast fungus, which causes cryptococcosis, triggered by basidiospore inhalation and consequent dissemination to the central nervous system. In this study, we analyzed the antifungal action of thymol against 10 clinical strains of C. neoformans and analyzed the interaction of this monoterpene with sterols. The MICs of thymol ranged from 20 to 51?μg/ml, while the MFC values varied between 40 and 101?μg/ml. For the strains ICB-2601 and LM-39, in the presence of ergosterol, the MIC of thymol was 64?μg/ml, and in the presence of cholesterol, its MIC was 32?μg/ml. Based on the results, thymol presents antifungal action and seems to interact with ergosterol, but not with cholesterol. Complementary studies are needed to analyze its full effects.     

Investigation of Antifungal Mechanisms of Thymol in the Human Fungal Pathogen,Cryptococcus neoformans

Due to lifespan extension and changes in global climate, the increase in mycoses caused by primary and opportunistic fungal pathogens is now a global concern. Despite increasing attention, limited options are available for the treatment of systematic and invasive mycoses, owing to the evolutionary similarity between humans and fungi. Although plants produce a diversity of chemicals to protect themselves from pathogens, the molecular targets and modes of action of these plant-derived chemicals have not been well characterized. Using a reverse genetics approach, the present study revealed that thymol, a monoterpene alcohol from Thymus vulgaris L., (Lamiaceae), exhibits antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans by regulating multiple signaling pathways including calcineurin, unfolded protein response, and HOG (high-osmolarity glycerol) MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathways. Thymol treatment reduced the intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ by controlling the expression levels of calcium transporter genes in a calcineurin-dependent manner. We demonstrated that thymol decreased N-glycosylation by regulating the expression levels of genes involved in glycan-mediated post-translational modifications. Furthermore, thymol treatment reduced endogenous ergosterol content by decreasing the expression of ergosterol biosynthesis genes in a HOG MAPK pathway-dependent manner. Collectively, this study sheds light on the antifungal mechanisms of thymol against C. neoformans.     

Fungicidal Activity of Recombinant Javanicin against Cryptococcus neoformans Is Associated with Intracellular Target(s) Involved in Carbohydrate and Energy Metabolic Processes

The occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans, the human fungal pathogen that primarily infects immunocompromised individuals, has been progressing at an alarming rate. The increased incidence of infection of C. neoformans with antifungal drugs resistance has become a global concern. Potential antifungal agents with extremely low toxicity are urgently needed. Herein, the biological activities of recombinant javanicin (r-javanicin) against C. neoformans were evaluated. A time-killing assay was performed and both concentration- and time-dependent antifungal activity of r-javanicin were indicated. The inhibitory effect of the peptide was initially observed at 4 h post-treatment and ultimately eradicated within 36 to 48 h. Fungal outer surface alteration was characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) whereas a negligible change with slight shrinkage of external morphology was observed in r-javanicin treated cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis implied that the target(s) of r-javanicin is conceivably resided in the cell thereby allowing the peptide to penetrate across the membrane and accumulate throughout the fungal body. Finally, cryptococcal cells coped with r-javanicin were preliminarily investigated using label-free mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Combined with microscopic and proteomics analysis, it was clearly elucidated the peptide localized in the intracellular compartment where carbohydrate metabolism and energy production associated with glycolysis pathway and mitochondrial respiration, respectively, were principally interfered. Overall, r-javanicin would be an alternative candidate for further development of antifungal agents.     

E.coli O86 O-Antigen全保护五糖重复单元的化学简易合成

以5个单糖组分为原料, 经过7步, 以21%的总产率得到E.coli O86抗原全保护的五糖重复单元.在合成路线中, 充分利用糖基化反应的立体选择性原则, 结合HClO4-SiO2固体催化剂和“IP”策略, 大大提高了合成的效率. 整个合成路线设计操作简单, 选择性高, 消耗低, 产率高, 可以用于快速高效地合成其它一些具有生物活性的寡糖分子.     

Synthesis of Tetrasaccharide Repeating Unit of the K-Antigen from Klebsiella Type-16

Abstract

Starting from L-fucose, D-glucose and lactose, methyl O-[2,3-di-O-benzoyl-4, 6-O-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-(1→4)-2,3-di-O-benzoyl-α-L-fucopyranoside and methyl O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-β-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1→4)-O-(2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)-O-(methyl 2,3-di-O-benzoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyluronate)-(1→4)-2,3-di-O-benzoyl-α-L-fucopyranoside were synthesized. Removal of protecting groups gave the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the antigen from Klebsiella type-16 in the form of its methyl ester methyl glycoside.     

Synthesis of the Trisaccharide Repeating Unit of the K-Antigen from Klebsiella Type-63

Abstract

The benzyl substituted ethyl thioglycoside of L-fucose was found to be a more reactive donor compared to 2-O-benzyl substituted p-tolyl thioglycoside of D-galactose. Using the benzyl substituted ethyl thioglycoside of L-fucose (8), as a donor and the suitably substituted p-tolyl thioglycoside of D-galactose (7) as acceptor, the p-tolyl thioglycoside of the disaccharide, 9, was prepared. This disaccharide donor was allowed to react with a suitably protected galactopyranosyluronic acid acceptor, 16, to give the trisaccharide repeating unit of the K-antigen from Klebsiella type 63.     

N-连接的糖蛋白核心甘露五糖及其异构体的合成研究

以1,2-O-亚乙基-4,6-O-亚苄基-β-D-甘露糖(2)和2,3,4,6-四-O-苯甲酰基-α-D-甘露吡喃糖基三氯乙酰亚胺酯(3)为基本原料,经一些简单的化学转换和选择性的糖基化反应,得到了甘露核心五糖及其异构体。     

由5-噁唑烷酮合成二肽类的简便方法(英文)

用一锅法制得了２－三溴甲基－３－甲酰基－４－甲基－５－氧－口恶唑烷酮,它与脯氨酸甲酯及其它氨基酸酯反应生成Ｎ－甲基－Ｌ－丙氨酰脯氨酸甲酯和系列Ｎ－甲基－Ｌ－丙氨酰的二肽     

Synthesis of the Tetrasaccharide Repeating Unit of the Antigen from Escherichia coli O126 as Its Methyl Glycoside

Abstract

The tetrasaccharide repeating unit (17) of the antigen from E. coli O 126 has been synthesized as its methyl glycoside by sequential addition of monosaccharide derivatives. The formation of the β-mannosidic linkage was achieved by Swern oxidation of the glucose derivative followed by reduction of the product with sodium borohydride.     

Synthesis of Some DI- and Trisaccharides Related to the Repeating Unit of the Antigen from Klebsiella Type 20

Starting from D-galactose, D-glucuronolactone, and D-mannose, two trisaccharides and two disaccharides related to the repeating unit of Klebsiella type 20 have been synthesised using methyl triflate as promoter with success.     

Total Synthesis of the Escherichia coli O111 O‐Specific Polysaccharide Repeating Unit

The first total synthesis of the O‐antigen pentasaccharide repeating unit from Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli O111 was achieved starting from four monosaccharide building blocks. Key to the synthetic approach was a bis‐glycosylation reaction to combine trisaccharide 10 and colitose 5 . The colitose building block ( 5 ) was obtained de novo from non‐carbohydrate precursors. The pentasaccharide was equipped at the reducing end with an amino spacer to provide a handle for subsequent conjugation to a carrier protein in anticipation of immunological studies.     

Molecular dynamics simulation studies suggests unconventional roles of non-secretary laccases from enteropathogenic gut bacteria and Cryptococcus neoformans serotype D

Laccase in Cryptococcus neoformans is covalently linked to the carbohydrate moiety of the cell wall, which allows it to get access to the different substrates for catalyzing their oxidation and therefore plays a vital role in the virulence. The laccase gene (3.0 kb) from C. neoformans serotype D was amplified, cloned and sequenced for protein modeling, docking and simulation studies. The three dimensional homology models of laccase protein from C. neoformans and other pathogenic gut bacteria were docked with selected biomolecules like prostaglandins (PG), membrane phospholipids, neurotransmitters (serotonin) using GOLD software. The GOLDscore values of laccase from C. neoformans docked with prostaglandinH₂ (59.76), prostaglandinG₂ (59.45), prostaglandinE₂ (60.99), phosphatidylinositol (54.95), phosphatidylcholine (46.26), phosphatidylserine (55.26), arachidonic acid (53.08) and serotonin (46.22) were similar to the laccase from enteropathogenic bacteria but showed a better binding affinity as compared to that of the non-pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Bacillus safensis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis). The RMSD of MD simulation study done for 25 ns using laccase protein from C. neoformans complexed with phosphatidylcholine was found to be highly stable, followed by the laccase-PGE₂ and laccase-serotonin complexes. Furthermore, the binding free energy results were found to support the docking and MD simulation results. The present study implies that few candidate ligands can be intermediate substrate in the catalysis of microbial laccases, which can further play some crucial role in the cell signaling and pathogenesis of enteropathogenic gut micro flora and C. neoformans.     

Synthesis of Monomeric and Dimeric Repeating Units of the Zwitterionic Type 1 Capsular Polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae

Zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs) from Bacteroides fragilis and Streptococcus pneumoniae display unique T‐cell activities. The first synthesis of a hexasaccharide representing two repeating units of the zwitterionic capsular polysaccharide from S. pneumoniae type 1 (Sp1) is reported. Key elements of the approach are stereoselective construction of 1,4‐cis‐α‐galactose linkages based on a reactive trichloroacetimidate donor that incorporates a 6‐O‐acetyl group, which may contribute to the high α selectivity in glycosylation. After assembly of the fully protected hexasaccharide from five monosaccharide synthons 2 – 4 , 24 and 25 , selective deprotection of the primary hydroxyl groups of the four galactose residues followed by oxidation to the corresponding uronic acids provides hexasaccharide 19 . The trisaccharide counterpart 1 was synthesized in similar fashion from three synthons, 2 – 4 . This approach employed both conventional and dehydrative glycosylation methodologies and avoids the use of poorly reactive uronic acid derived glycosyl donors and acceptors.     

Synthesis and Anticoagulant Activity of Bioisosteric Sulfonic‐Acid Analogues of the Antithrombin‐Binding Pentasaccharide Domain of Heparin

Two pentasaccharide sulfonic acids that were related to the antithrombin‐binding domain of heparin were prepared, in which two or three primary sulfate esters were replaced by sodium‐sulfonatomethyl moieties. The sulfonic‐acid groups were formed on a monosaccharide level and the obtained carbohydrate sulfonic‐acid esters were found to be excellent donors and acceptors in the glycosylation reactions. Throughout the synthesis, the hydroxy groups to be methylated were masked in the form of acetates and the hydroxy groups to be sulfated were masked with benzyl groups. The disulfonic‐acid analogue was prepared in a [2+3] block synthesis by using a trisaccharide disulfonic acid as an acceptor and a glucuronide disaccharide as a donor. For the synthesis of the pentasaccharide trisulfonic acid, a more‐efficient approach, which involved elongation of the trisaccharide acceptor with a non‐oxidized precursor of the glucuronic acid followed by post‐glycosidation oxidation at the tetrasaccharide level and a subsequent [1+4] coupling reaction, was elaborated. In vitro evaluation of the anticoagulant activity of these new sulfonic‐acid derivatives revealed that the disulfonate analogue inhibited the blood‐coagulation‐proteinase factor Xa with outstanding efficacy; however, the introduction of the third sulfonic‐acid moiety resulted in a notable decrease in the anti‐Xa activity. The difference in the biological activity of the disulfonic‐ and trisulfonic‐acid counterparts could be explained by the different conformation of their L ‐iduronic‐acid residues.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Carboxylic Acids from Alkynes and Formic Acid by Nickel-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions: Facile Synthesis of Profens

We report a stereoselective conversion of terminal alkynes to α-chiral carboxylic acids using a nickel-catalyzed domino hydrocarboxylation-transfer hydrogenation reaction. A simple nickel/BenzP* catalyst displayed high activity in both steps of regioselective hydrocarboxylation of alkynes and subsequent asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. The reaction was successfully applied in enantioselective preparation of three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory profens (>90 % ees) and the chiral fragment of AZD2716.     

Facile Amidation of Non-Protected Hydroxycinnamic Acids for the Synthesis of Natural Phenol Amides

Phenol amides are bioactive compounds naturally present in many plants. This class of compounds is known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. To better understand the reactivity and structure–bioactivity relationships of phenol amides, a large set of structurally diverse pure compounds are needed, however purification from plants is inefficient and laborious. Existing syntheses require multiple steps, including protection of functional groups and are generally overly complicated and only suitable for specific combinations of hydroxycinnamic acid and amine. Thus, to facilitate further studies on these promising compounds, we aimed to develop a facile general synthetic route to obtain phenol amides with a wide structural diversity. The result is a protocol for straightforward one-pot synthesis of phenol amides at room temperature within 25 h using equimolar amounts of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), amine, hydroxycinnamic acid, and sodium bicarbonate in aqueous acetone. Eight structurally diverse phenol amides were synthesized and fully chemically characterized. The facile synthetic route described in this work is suitable for a wide variety of biologically relevant phenol amides, consisting of different hydroxycinnamic acid subunits (coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid) and amine subunits (agmatine, anthranilic acid, putrescine, serotonin, tyramine, and tryptamine) with yields ranging between 14% and 24%.