Plant cell walls: supramolecular assembly, signalling and stress

The structure of the primary cell wall in non-graminaceous plants is briefly reviewed and its role in providing mechanical strength to the plant and protecting it from microbial infection are described. A variety of signalling mechanisms involve oligosaccharides released by glycanase enzymes from microbial pathogens, and some of the mechanisms may be implicated in the regulation of metabolism in ripening fruits. There is some evidence that cell walls are able to sense damage or loss of integrity and that signals can accordingly be passed back to the cytoplasm. Primary cell walls must combine the mechanical and other functions with the capacity to grow in a controlled way. A modification of the ‘Molecular Velcro’ model developed originally to describe deformation of wood is used to predict load-deformation curves like those described by the Lockhart equation for the relationship between turgor stress and growth. Predicting a stress threshold for growth does not require the assumption of enzyme activity, although in fact enzyme activity is indeed required to permit growth at the rates normally observed.     

Chemoinformatics: a new field with a long tradition

Chemoinformatics is the application of informatics methods to solve chemical problems. Although this term was introduced only a few years ago, this field has a long history with its roots going back more than 40 years. Work on chemical structure representation and searching, quantitative structure–activity relationships, chemometrics, molecular modeling as well as computer-assisted structure elucidation and synthesis design was initiated in the 1960s. These different origins have now merged into a discipline of its own that is in full bloom. All areas of chemistry from analytical chemistry to drug design can benefit from chemoinformatics methods. And there are still many challenging chemical problems waiting for solutions through the further development of chemoinformatics.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of a polysaccharide with radiation-protective activity from Spirulina platensis

The structure of a radiation-protective sulfated polysaccharide, SP-APS, isolated from Spirulina platensis, was investigated by methylation analysis, partial acetolysis and 1H-NMR spec-troscopy. The repeating-unit of SP-APS as branched structures was elucidated.     

Pectin in controlled drug delivery – a review

Controlled drug delivery remains a research focus for public health to enhance patient compliance, drug efficiency and reduce the side effects of drugs. Pectin, an edible plant polysaccharide, has been shown to be useful for the construction of drug delivery systems for specific drug delivery. Several pectin derived formulations have been developed in our laboratory and tested in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for the ability to deliver bioactive substances for therapeutic purposes in the context of interactions with living tissues. Pectin derivatives carrying primary amine groups were more mucoadhesive and have shown potential in nasal drug delivery and other mucosal drug delivery. Pectin derivatives with highly esterified galacturonic acid residues are more hydrophobic and able to sustain the release of incorporated fragrances for a prolonged duration. Less esterified pectin derivatives are able to penetrate deeper into the skin and may be useful in aromatherapy formulations. Pectin, in combination with zein, a corn protein, forms hydrogel beads. The bound zein restricts bead swelling and retains the porosity of the beads; the pectin networks shield the zein from protease attack. The complex beads are ideal vehicles for colon-specific drug delivery. Studies presented in this paper indicate the flexibility and possibility to tailor pectin macromolecules into a variety of drug delivery systems to meet different clinical requirements. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture.     

Synthesis,Crystal, and Electronic Structure of the New Ternary Zintl Phase Eu2–xMg2–yGe3 (x = 0.1; y = 0.5)

The new ternary phase Eu_2–xMg_2–yGe₃ (x = 0.1, y = 0.5) was obtained by solid‐state synthesis and the structure determined by means of Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction. The compound crystallizes with the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (no. 63) having structural features of the low‐temperature modification of LaSi. The crystal structure contains two different types of germanium anions: isolated Ge^4– and $\rm^{2}_{\infty}$ [Ge^2–x–y] chains. The cation substructure is partially disordered and is best represented assuming a split position. The chemical bonding is well represented by the Zintl‐Klemm concept. Resistivity measurements reveal that the compound is metallic. DFT band structure calculations were carried out on the ideal stoichiometric compound Eu₂Mg₂Ge₃, showing that this model (x = 0; y = 0) would be also metallic as a consequence of the ecliptic stacking of anions. Susceptibility and specific heat measurements evidence the presence of weak, and probably frustrated, antiferromagnetic interactions between disordered europium atoms.     

Isolation and structural elucidation of a novel homogenous polysaccharide from Tricholoma matsutake

A crude polysaccharide possessing antitumour, radiation-resistant and anti-ageing attributes was extracted from Tricholoma matsutake by water extraction and alcohol precipitation. From this crude polysaccharide, a homogeneous polysaccharide, TMP-5II, was successfully purified by Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography. The average molecular weight (M_w) of TMP-5II was 15.76 kDa. Monosaccharide analysis indicated that the homogeneous polysaccharide contained four different residues: d-glucose, d-galactose, d-mannose and d-fucose. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristics typical of carbohydrate polymers and a peak typical of a β-type glycosidic bond. TMP-5II was selected for structural characterisation by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. According to ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and two-dimensional-NMR analysis, TMP-5II contains two kinds of linkages, β and α, at a ratio of 4:1. Preliminary results indicated that the polysaccharide had (1-4)-beta-pyran glucose as the main chain, and a branched chain in the O-6 location with fucose (1-2) mannose (1-3)-alpha-pyran galactose.     

Four new colchicinoids, gloriosamines A-D, from Gloriosa rothschildiana

Four new colchicinoids, gloriosamines A-D, were isolated from the aerial parts of Gloriosa rothschildiana. The structure of gloriosamine A, including the absolute configuration, was determined by chemical conversion from colchicine.     

Closure of the Cavity in Permethylated Cyclodextrins through Glucose Inversion,Flipping, and Kinking

Glucose-flips in a small cycloamylose : the molecular structure of permethylated γ-cyclodextrin, which crystallizes as the dihydrate, is characterized by 180° flips of two diametrically opposed glucose residues. This leads to an elliptical distortion of the molecule and closure of the molecular cavity on one side so that it is no longer doughnut-shaped but is bowl-shaped. The hydrate water molecules are not located in the cavities!     

Miyakosynes A-F, cytotoxic methyl branched acetylenes from a marine sponge Petrosia sp.

Cytototoxic linear acetylenes, miyakosynes A-F, were isolated from a marine sponge Petrosia sp. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of the secondary alcohols at each terminus was determined by the modified Mosher’s analysis. Miyakosynes show cytotoxicity against HeLa cells at submicromolar concentrations.     

Owariensisone: a new iridolactone from the whole plant of Brillantaisia owariensis P. Beauv

From the whole plant of Brillantaisia owariensis P. Beauv, a new iridolactone, owariensisone (1) together with six known compounds (nepetin-7-O-glucoside, choline, sucrose, mannitol, xylitol, 1-O-palmitoyl-2-eicosanoyl-3-O-(6-amino-6-deoxy)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-glycerol) were isolated. Structures of these compounds were established by direct interpretation of their spectral data, mainly HR-TOFESIMS, 1-D NMR (¹H and ¹³C) and 2-D NMR (¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, TOCSY and DOCSY) and by comparison with the literature.     

A convenient synthetic route to benz[cd]azulenes: versatile ligands with the potential to bind metals in an eta5, eta6, or eta7 fashion

A facile method for preparing the 2H-benz[cd]azulene system, based upon an elaboration of the guaiazulene framework, is presented. Aerial oxidation to the corresponding 8-(2-propylidene)-benz[cd]azulene, and also cycloaddition reactions with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), are described. The first X-ray crystal structure of a 2H-benz[cd]azulene, as an eta6-coordinated Cr(CO)3 complex, is reported.     

SIAM,a Novel NMR Experiment for the Determination of Homonuclear Coupling Constants

The simultaneous acquisition of in-phase and antiphase multiplets with high sensitivity and minimum overlap (see section of 2D spectra on the right) is possible in a novel NMR experiment. Based on this method, homonuclear coupling constants such as the ³J(H^N,H^α) couplings in peptides and proteins can be determined quantitatively without isotope labeling.     

Oxocentered Units in Three Novel Rb‐Containing Copper Compounds Prepared by CVT Reaction Method

Three novel copper compounds, Rb₄Cu₄OCl₁₀ ( I ), Rb[Cu₃O](SeO₃)₂Cl ( II ), and RbCu₃(OH)(SeO₃)Cl₄(H₂O)₃ ( III ) were prepared by chemical vapor transport (CVT) reactions method from mixtures of CuO, SeO₂, RbCl, and CuCl₂. The crystal structures of the three compounds were determined by direct methods. Compound I is a Rb analogue of ponomarevite, K₄Cu₄OCl₁₀. Its crystal structure contains {[OCu₄]Cl₁₀}^4– clusters with oxocentered [OCu₄]⁶⁺ tetrahedra as cores. The clusters are linked by the Rb⁺ cations. The crystal structure of II contains complex {[O₂Cu₆](SeO₃)₄Cl₂}^2– layers formed by dimers of edge‐sharing [OCu₄]⁶⁺ tetrahedra interlinked via selenite groups and Cl^– anions. The crystal structure of III is based upon {[(OH)Cu₃](SeO₃)}³⁺ layers formed by the [(OH)Cu₃]⁵⁺ tetrahedra attached to (SeO₃)^2– groups. The layers are linked via Cl^– anions and via hydrogen bonds to H₂O molecules.     

Poecillastrin E,F, and G,cytotoxic chondropsin-type macrolides from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp.

Poecillastrin E (1), F (2), and G (3) were isolated from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp. as the cytotoxic constituents. Their planar structures were determined by analyzing the MS and NMR spectra. They are closely related to the known poecillastrin C (4). The absolute configuration of the β-hydroxyaspartic acid (OHAsp) residue was determined to be D-threo by Marfey's analysis of the hydrolysate. The mode of lactone ring formation of OHAsp residue in 1–3 was determined by selective reduction of the ester linkage followed by acid hydrolysis.     

Calcium,Strontium, and Barium Acetylides—New Evidence for Bending in the Structures of Heavy Alkaline Earth Metal Derivatives

An unprecedented ligand bending mode is displayed by the acetylide ligands in the first structurally characterized σ‐bound organometallic strontium and barium complexes [M([18]crown‐6)(CCSiPh₃)₂] (M=Sr, Ba). Furthermore, the observed decrease of the angle at the sp‐hybridized C atom on descending Group 2 (see structures depicted) affords new information that will lead to a better understanding of the bonding in alkaline earth metal compounds.     

Latoxanthin, a minor carotenoid isolated from the fruits of yellow paprika (Capsicum annuum var. lycopersiciforme flavum)

Latoxanthin was isolated as a minor carotenoid from the ripe fruits of yellow tomato shaped paprika (Capsicum annuum var. lycopersiciforme flavum) and identified as (all-E,3S,5R,6R,3′S,5′R,6′S)-5′,6′-epoxy-5,6,5′,6′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-3,5,6,3′-tetrol based on spectral data.     

Substitution Reactions on CaI2: Synthesis of Mixed Metal Lithium‐Calcium‐Phenolates,and Cluster Transformation as a Function of Solvent

For the first time, unsubstituted mixed lithium and calcium phenolates could be structurally characterized in the solid state. Compound [CaLi₆(μ₃‐OPh)₈(thf)₆] ( 1 ), was obtained from the reaction of CaI₂ with LiOPh in THF, and features two heterocubane units fused via the calcium ion. Upon recrystallization from the bidentate ligand DME, the aggregate [Ca₂(dme)₂(μ‐OPh)₆{Li(dme)}₂] ( 2 ) is obtained, in which the metal ions form a chain motif, being pairwise bridged by phenolate. The transformation of 1 into 2 upon addition of DME can be followed by ⁷Li‐NMR spectroscopy.     

Flexible V7O16 Layers as the Common Structural Element of Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes and a New Crystalline Vanadate

The walls of vanadium oxide nanotubes (VO_x‐NTs) are built up by vanadate layers between which the structure‐directing template, either a primary amine or a diamine with long alkyl chain, is located. The feasibility of various exchange reactions under preservation of the tubular morphology indicates a high structural flexibility of the VO_x‐NTs. The structure of the vanadate layers appears to be the same in all tubular vanadates, as revealed by the similarity of the diffraction patterns. Plate‐like crystals of a new crystalline phase, structurally closely related to the nanotubes, have now been prepared with ethylene diamine, applying a route that is analogous to the VO_x‐NT synthesis. The single crystal X‐ray structure determination showed that this new phase has the composition (en)V₇O₁₆ and crystallizes with triclinic symmetry. The structure is composed of V₇O₁₆ layers between which ethylene diamine mo le cules are embedded. The V₇O₁₆ layers comprise two sheets of square VO₅ pyramids and VO₄ tetrahedra that connect these sheets. The available experimental data establish that this V₇O₁₆ layer also is the basic element of the VO_x‐NT wall structure. The simulated X‐ray powder diffraction pattern calculated with a corresponding structural mode for VO_x‐NTs agrees well with the observed one.     

Isolation of a polysaccharide with anticancer activity from Auricularia polytricha using high-speed countercurrent chromatography with an aqueous two-phase system

Polysaccharides from a crude extract of Auricularia polytricha were separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC). The separation was performed with an aqueous two-phase system of PEG1000–K₂HPO₄–KH₂PO₄–H₂O (0.5:1.25:1.25:7.0, w/w). The crude sample (2.0 g) was successfully separated into three polysaccharide components of AAPS-1 (192 mg), AAPS-2 (137 mg), and AAPS-3 (98 mg) with molecular weights of 162, 259, and 483 kDa, respectively. These compounds were tested for growth inhibition of transplanted S180 sarcoma in mice. AAPS-2 had an inhibition rate of 40.4%. The structure of AAPS-2 was elucidated from partial hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, acetylation, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C). These results showed AAPS-2 is a polysaccharide with a backbone of (1 → 3)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl and (1 → 3, 6)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl residues in a 2:1 ratio, and has one terminal (1→)-β-d-glucopyranosyl at the O-6 position of (1→3, 6)-linked-β-d-glucopyranosyl of the main chain.