Identification of the polymorphisms in IFITM3 gene and their association in a Korean population with ulcerative colitis

Interferons play critical roles in tumor pathogenesis by controlling apoptosis and through cellular anti-proliferative and differentiation activities. Interferon inducible transmembrane protein (IFITM) family genes have been implicated in several cellular processes such as the homotypic cell adhesion functions of IFN and cellular anti-proliferative activities. Expression levels of IFITM genes have been found to be up-regulated in gastric cancer cells and colorectal tumors. IFITM3 (also known as 1-8U) is a member of the IFITM family, and has been described as a key player in specification of germ cell fate. IFITM3 was first isolated from a genetic screen aimed at identifying genes involved in acquisition of germ cell competence. It has been proposed that epiblast cells have the highest expression of IFITM3 initiated germ cell specification and that homotypic association can discriminate germ cells from their somatic neighbors. In an attempt to better understand the genetic influences of IFITM3 on ulcerative colitis, we have identified possible variation sites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) through two exons and their boundary IFITM3 intron sequences including the ~2.1 kb promoter regions. To determine whether or not these IFITM3 SNPs are associated with susceptibility to ulcerative colitis, frequencies of the genotype and allele of IFITM3 polymorphisms were analyzed on genomic DNAs isolated from patients with ulcerative colitis and from healthy controls. We also investigated the haplotype frequencies constructed by these SNPs in both groups. In this study, we also showed that expression level of IFITM3 mRNA was significantly higher in tissues of the ileum and cecum of the digestive system. We identified a total of seven SNPs and multiple variation regions in the IFITM3 gene. The genotype frequency of the g.-204T>G polymorphism in patients with ulcerative colitis was significantly different from that of the control group. Our results strongly suggest that polymorphisms of the IFITM3 gene may be associated with susceptibility to ulcerative colitis.     

A cyclometalated iridium(III) complex induces apoptosis and autophagy through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

An iridium(III) complex [Ir(ppy)₂(MHPIP)]PF₆ (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, MHPIP = 2-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1, 10]phenanthroline, Ir-1) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. The in vitro cytotoxic activities of the free proligand MHPIP and the complex Ir-1 against HepG2, A549, BEL-7402, SGC-7901 and normal LO2 cells were evaluated by the MTT method. MHPIP has no cytotoxic activity toward the selected cell lines, while Ir-1 shows a moderate cytotoxic effect against HepG2. This complex also displays no cytotoxicity against normal LO2 cells, with an IC₅₀ of more than 200 µM. The apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by the complex was studied with AO/EB and DAPI staining methods, which showed that the complex can effectively induce apoptosis. A comet assay was performed by gel electrophoresis, and the results further show that the complex can cause apoptosis. The level of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, autophagy, intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and cell invasion were investigated by fluorescence microscopy, and the cell cycle arrest was studied by flow cytometry. The expression of caspase and Bcl-2 family proteins was investigated by western blot. The results of these experiments indicate that Ir-1 accumulates preferentially in the mitochondria of HepG2 cells and induces apoptosis through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.     

Pim1 promotes IFN-β production by interacting with IRF3

The Pim (proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus) proteins compose a serine threonine kinase family whose members regulate cell proliferation, migration and cell survival. However, whether Pim kinases participate in innate immune responses is unclear. Here, we show for the first time that Pim1 plays an essential role in the production of interferon (IFN)-β by macrophages after their Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway is activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Specifically, Pim1 was quickly upregulated in an NF-κB-dependent manner after TLR stimulation with PAMPs. Pim1 deficiency reduced TLR3- or TLR4-stimulated IFN-β and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression but not proinflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, Pim1 specifically upregulates IRF3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. However, this role is not dependent on Pim1 kinase activity. Rather, Pim1 appears to promote IRF3 phosphorylation by enhancing the formation of IFN-β signaling complexes composed of TRIF, TRAF3, TBK1, and IRF3. Poly (I:C)-treated Pim1^−/− mice produced less serum IFN-β and were less likely to survive than wild-type mice. These findings show for the first time that Pim1 participates in TLR-mediated IFN-β production, thus revealing a novel target for controlling antiviral innate immune responses.Subject terms: Toll-like receptors, Phagocytes     

Synthesis,characterization, and miRNA-mediated PI3K suppressing activity of novel cisplatin-derived complexes of selenones

New therapeutic options are crucially for most cancers, particularly those with poor clinical outcomes. Five new derivatives of cisplatin-containing selenone ligands with the general formula, cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(Selenone)₂](NO₃)₂ (1–5) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, Infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H, ¹³C & ⁷⁷Se) spectroscopy. Spectroscopic and computational data supported the coordination of selenones to platinum(II). The structures of the complexes were predicted using density functional theory calculations. Molecular docking studies were carried out using the AutoDock Tools docking program. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these complexes and cisplatin against three human cancer cell lines, HeLa, A549, and HCT116 was investigated using the MTT assay. The best candidate complex, complex 3, was subjected to mechanistic assessments, including miRNA profiling, PI3K deactivation, and induction of apoptosis. Docking studies showed that all the newly synthesized platinum(II) complexes interacted with the minor DNA groove. The synthesized complexes showed promising cytotoxic effects against the tested cell lines. Complex 3 modulated the miRNA expression signature in A549 cells. Pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed miRNA gene targets identified the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a promising target. Complex 3 inhibited PI3K activity and induced apoptosis. Collectively, our study identified promising new platinum(II) derivatives such as complex 3, paving the way for future in vitro and in vivo validations and safety studies.     

Design,Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Substituted Cinnamic Acid Bearing 2-Quinolone Hybrid Derivatives

A new series of hybrid molecules containing cinnamic acid and 2-quinolinone derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and mass analyses. All the synthesized hybrid molecules were assessed for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against more than one cancer cell lines. Compound 3-(3,5-dibromo-7,8-dihydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxoquinolin-1(2H)-ylamino)-3-phenylacrylic acid (5a) with IC₅₀ = 1.89 μM against HCT-116 was proved to the most potent compound in this study, as compared to standard drug staurosporin. DNA flow cytometry assay of compound 5a revealed G2/M phase arrest and pre-G1 apoptosis. Annexin V-FITC showed that the percentage of early and late apoptosis was increased. The results of topoisomerase enzyme inhibition activity showed that the hybrid molecule 5a displays potent inhibitory activity compared with control.     

A Requirement for Bid for Induction of Apoptosis by Photodynamic Therapy with a Lysosome- but Not a Mitochondrion-targeted Photosensitizer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with lysosome-targeted photosensitizers induces the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via the cleavage and activation of the BH3-only protein Bid by proteolytic enzymes released from photodisrupted lysosomes. To investigate the role of Bid in apoptosis induction and the role of damaged lysosomes on cell killing by lysosome-targeted PDT, we compared the responses of wild type and Bid-knock-out murine embryonic fibroblasts toward a mitochondrion/endoplasmic reticulum-binding photosensitizer, Pc 4, and a lysosome-targeted sensitizer, Pc 181. Whereas apoptosis and overall cell killing were induced equally well by Pc 4-PDT in both cell lines, Bid^−/− cells were relatively resistant to induction of apoptosis and to overall killing following PDT with Pc 181, particularly at low PDT doses. Thus, Bid is critical for the induction of apoptosis caused by PDT with the lysosome-specific sensitizers, but dispensable for PDT targeted to other membranes.     

Engineering J-aggregates for NIR-induced meso-CF3-BODIPY nanoparticles by activated apoptosis mechanism in photothermal therapy

Forming J-aggregates by organic monomer is a fascinating strategy to urge spectroscopic redshift with respect to that of the monomer. Herein, we designed 1,7-diphenyl-substituted meso–CF₃-BDP monomer confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The low-barrier rotation of the –CF₃group in meso–CF₃-BDP1 significantly enhances the non-radiative efficiency, and the photothermal conversion efficiency(PCE) of the self-assembled nanoparticles(1-NPs: λabs= 746 nm) by J...     

Preeclampsia serum-induced collagen I expression and intracellular calcium levels in arterial smooth muscle cells are mediated by the PLC-γ1 pathway

In women with preeclampsia (PE), endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction can lead to altered secretion of paracrine factors that induce peripheral vasoconstriction and proteinuria. This study examined the hypothesis that PE sera may directly or indirectly, through human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs), stimulate phospholipase C-γ1-1,4,5-trisphosphate (PLC-γ1-IP₃) signaling, thereby increasing protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) activity, collagen I expression and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) in human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs). HUASMCs and HUVECs were cocultured with normal or PE sera before PLC-γ1 silencing. Increased PLC-γ1 and IP₃ receptor (IP₃R) phosphorylation was observed in cocultured HUASMCs stimulated with PE sera (P<0.05). In addition, PE serum significantly increased HUASMC viability and reduced their apoptosis (P<0.05); these effects were abrogated with PLC-γ1 silencing. Compared with normal sera, PE sera increased [Ca²⁺]_i in cocultured HUASMCs (P<0.05), which was inhibited by PLC-γ1 and IP₃R silencing. Finally, PE sera-induced PKC-α activity and collagen I expression was inhibited by PLC-γ1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) (P<0.05). These results suggest that vasoactive substances in the PE serum may induce deposition in the extracellular matrix through the activation of PLC-γ1, which may in turn result in thickening and hardening of the placental vascular wall, placental blood supply shortage, fetal hypoxia–ischemia and intrauterine growth retardation or intrauterine fetal death. PE sera increased [Ca²⁺]_i and induced PKC-α activation and collagen I expression in cocultured HUASMCs via the PLC-γ1 pathway.     

Protective Effects of <em>Chlorella</em>-Derived Peptide Against UVC-Induced Cytotoxicity through Inhibition of Caspase-3 Activity and Reduction of the Expression of Phosphorylated FADD and Cleaved PARP-1 in Skin Fibroblasts

UVC irradiation induces oxidative stress and leads to cell death through an apoptotic pathway. This apoptosis is caused by activation of caspase-3 and formation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). In this study, the underlying mechanisms of Chlorella derived peptide (CDP) activity against UVC-induced cytotoxicity were investigated. Human skin fibroblasts were treated with CDP, vitamin C, or vitamin E after UVC irradiation for a total energy of 15 J/cm². After the UVC exposure, cell proliferation and caspase-3 activity were measured at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h later. Expression of phosphorylated FADD and cleaved PARP-1 were measured 16 h later. DNA damage (expressed as pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts DNA concentration) and fragmentation assay were performed 24 h after the UVC exposure. Results showed that UVC irradiation induced cytotoxicity in all groups except those treated with CDP. The caspase-3 activity in CDP-treated cells was inhibited from 12 h onward. Expression of phosphorylated FADD and cleaved PARP-1 were also reduced in CDP-treated cells. Moreover, UVC-induced DNA damage and fragmentation were also prevented by the CDP treatment. This study shows that treatment of CDP provides protective effects against UVC-induced cytotoxicity through the inhibition of caspase-3 activity and the reduction of phosphorylated FADD and cleaved PARP-1 expression.     

Activating SIRT3 in peritoneal mesothelial cells alleviates postsurgical peritoneal adhesion formation by decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome

Peritoneal adhesions (PAs) are a serious complication of abdominal surgery and negatively affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. However, a clear molecular mechanism and a standard therapeutic strategy for PAs have not been established. Here, we developed a standardized method to mimic the pathological changes in PAs and found that sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression was severely decreased in adhesion tissues, which was consistent with our bioinformatics analysis and patient adhesion tissue analysis. Thus, we hypothesized that activating SIRT3 could alleviate postsurgical PAs. Sirt3-deficient (Sirt3^−/−) mice exhibited many more PAs after standardized abdominal surgery. Furthermore, compared with wild-type (Sirt3^+/+) mice, Sirt3-deficient (Sirt3^−/−) mice showed more prominent reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, increased levels of inflammatory factors, and exacerbated mitochondrial damage and fragmentation. In addition, we observed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the adhesion tissues of Sirt3^−/− but, not Sirt3^+/+ mice. Furthermore, mesothelial cells sorted from Sirt3^−/− mice exhibited impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox homeostasis. Honokiol (HKL), a natural compound found in several species of the genus Magnolia, could activate SIRT3 in vitro. Then, we demonstrated that treatment with HKL could reduce oxidative stress and the levels of inflammatory factors and suppress NLRP3 activation in vivo, reducing the occurrence of postsurgical PAs. In vitro treatment with HKL also restored mitochondrial bioenergetics and promoted mesothelial cell viability under oxidative stress conditions. Taken together, our findings show that the rescue of SIRT3 by HKL may be a new therapeutic strategy to alleviate and block postsurgical PA formation.Subject terms: Trauma, Molecularly targeted therapy, Acute inflammation     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1-(2-(6-Methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-methylnicotinoyl)-4-Substituted Semicarbazides/Thiosemicarbazides as Anti-Tumor Nur77 Modulators

Nur77 is an orphan nuclear receptor that participates in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors. Many agonists of Nur77 have been reported to have significant anticancer effects. Our previous studies have found that the introduction of bicyclic aromatic rings, such as naphthalyl and quinoline groups, into the N′-methylene position of indoles’ Nur77 modulators can effectively improve the anti-tumor activity of the target compounds. Following our previous studies, a series of novel 1-(2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-methylnicotinoyl)-4-substituted semicarbazide/thiosemicarbazide derivatives 9a–9w were designed and synthesized in four steps from 6-methoxy-2-acetonaphthone and N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal. All compounds were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and HRMS, and their anti-tumor activity on various cancer cell lines such as A549, HepG2, HGC-27, MCF-7 and HeLa are also evaluated. From the series of compounds, 9h exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity against several cancer cells. Colony formation and cell cycle experiments showed that compound 9h inhibited cell growth and arrested the cell cycle. Additionally, 9h leads to the cleavage of PARP. We initially explored the mechanism of 9h-induced apoptosis and found that compound 9h can upregulate Nur77 expression and triggered Nur77 nuclear export, indicating the occurrence of Nur77-mediated apoptosis. These results suggested that 9h may be a promising anti-tumor leading compound for the further research.     

Inhibition of NF-kB/IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells by Azilsartan

Metastatic breast cancer is an incurable form of breast cancer that exhibits high levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Angiotensin II has been linked to various signaling pathways involved in tumor cell growth and metastasis. The aim of this study is to investigate, for the first time, the anti-proliferative activity of azilsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 at the molecular level. Cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation, and cell migration assays were performed. RT-PCR and western blotting analysis were used to explain the molecular mechanism. Azilsartan significantly decreased the cancer cells survival, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibited colony formation and cell migration abilities. Furthermore, azilsartan reduced the mRNA levels of NF-kB, TWIST, SNAIL, SLUG and bcl2, and increased the mRNA level of bax. Additionally, azilsartan inhibited the expression of IL-6, JAK2, STAT3, MMP9 and bcl2 proteins, and increased the expression of bax, c-PARP and cleaved caspase 3 protein. Interestingly, it reduced the in vivo metastatic capacity of MDA-MBA-231 breast cancer cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed, for the first time, the anti-proliferative, apoptotic, anti-migration and EMT inhibition activities of azilsartan against breast cancer cells through modulating NF-kB/IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MMP9, TWIST/SNAIL/SLUG and apoptosis signaling pathways.     

Selective addition of CXCR3+CCR4-CD4+ Th1 cells enhances generation of cytotoxic T cells by dendritic cells in vitro

Increasing importance is being given to the stimulation of Th1 response in cancer immunotherapy because its presence can shift the direction of adaptive immune responses toward protective immunity. Based on chemokine receptor expression, CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ T cells as Th1-type cells were investigated its capacity in monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) maturation and polarization, and induction of antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro. The levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 were decreased to the basal level compared with high production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. Co-incubation of activated CD4⁺ or CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ T cells with DC (CD4⁺/DC or CXCR3⁺CD4⁺/DC, respectively) particularly up-regulated IL-12 and CD80 expression compared with DC matured with TNF-α and LPS (mDC). Although there was no significant difference between the effects of the CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells on DC phenotype expression, CXCR3⁺CD4⁺/DC in CTL culture were able to expand number of CD8⁺ T cells and increased frequencies of IFN-γ secreting cells and overall cytolytic activity against tumor antigen WT-1. These results demonstrated that the selective addition of CXCR3⁺CCR4^-CD4⁺ T cells to CTL cultures could enhance the induction of CTLs by DC in vitro, and implicated on a novel strategy for adoptive T cell therapy.     

Electrochemical biosensors for monitoring the recognition of glycoprotein-lectin interactions

Despite the wide applicability and specificity of lectins to carbohydrate moieties, there are few lectin specific biosensors. This is attributed to the difficulty in defining the relevant experimental parameters to measure for sensing. We hereby describe the development of direct and indirect electrochemical sensors to determine the exact trace amounts of probarley lectin (ProBL) and its conversion product wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). In addition to WGA, the antigens (ProBL) employed in this study were over expressed in bacteria, isolated from protein bodies, and purified using immobilized N-acetylglusamine in order to obtain correctly folded active lectins. The amperometric immunosensor uses cell lines producing monoclonal antibody (mAB) to the pro-region of ProBL over expressed from Escherichia coli. The efficacy and sensing characteristics of the lectin were optimized using monoclonal antibody to WGA and the resulting sensor was found to detect only ProBL in the linear range 10⁻³-10² μg mL⁻¹ and a detection limit of 10⁻³ μg mL⁻¹.     

Six novel complexes based on 5-Acetoxy-1-(6-chloro-pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester derivatives: Syntheses,crystal structures,and anti-cancer activity

A novel 5-Acetoxy-1-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester derivatives Htcdodtta (1), and it’s five complexes, [Cu₂(L¹)₂]·(CH₃CN) (2), [Cu₂(L²)_1.63(L³)_0.37]·(CH₃OH)_0.5 (3), [Cu₂(L³)(L⁴)]·(C₂H₅OH)_0.5·(CH₃OH)_0.5 (4), [Cu₂(L⁴)(L⁵)]·(H₂O) (5) and [Cu₂(L¹)_1.18(L²)_0.82] (6) have been synthesized. The Htcdodtta, HL¹-HL⁵ were formed in-situ reaction. HL¹-HL⁵ are homologues which possess two chiral carbons. Compounds 1–6 were characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. Compounds 2–6 are dinuclear copper complexes. The in vitro cytotoxicities of compounds 1–4 against a variety of cell lines were evaluated by MTT assays. Hela cancer cell apoptosis assay of 1 and 2 were examined by flow cytometry. The cell apoptosis in NP69, A549, Capan-2, Hela, HepG2, and HUVECs cell lines induced by compound 2 was further affirmed by cellular morphology observations.     

Regioselective Synthesis of β-D-Gal-(1→3)-D-Glcnac Using β-Galactosidase from Xanthomonas Manihotis

The carbohydrate chains of glycoconjugates are involved in a variety of molecular recognition events. For example, the tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewis a (sLe^a) plays a pivotal role in the metastasis of cancer cells.¹ In order to elucidate the biological tunction of carbohydrate chains, many researchers have synthesized components of carbohydrate chains. 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(β-D-galactopyranosyl)-D-glucopyranose (1) is an important constituent of sLe^a in complex type carbohydrate chains. This disaccharide has been synthesized using the transglycosylation activity of bovine testes β-galactosidase.² In this case the product mixtures contained unwanted isomers and had to be treated with Escherichia coli β-galactosidase in order to hydrolyze the undesired isomers. Eventually, 1 was obtained in 12 % yield. This methods is far from ideal as it requies two steps to obtain 1 and bovine testes are expensive and not easily available.     

AMPK suppresses Th2 cell responses by repressing mTORC2

Allergic inflammation is a T helper 2 (Th2) cell-driven pathophysiological phenomenon, but the mechanism by which the metabolic cascade affects Th2 cell differentiation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and intracellular energy sensors in Th2 cell differentiation and the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. Accordingly, T-cell-specific AMPK or Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)-knockout mice were subjected to allergic inflammation, and their Th2 cell responses were investigated. The results demonstrated that inducing allergic inflammation in AMPK- and Sirt1-knockout mice increased Th2 cell responses and exacerbated allergic phenotypes. Furthermore, treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), an activator of AMPK, ameliorated allergic inflammation in mice. Mechanistically, our findings revealed that AMPK repressed mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), which downregulated the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5) in CD4⁺ T cells. In addition, the loss of AMPK signaling reduced SOCS5 expression and increased interleukin-4-STAT6–GATA3 axis-mediated Th2 cell differentiation. Finally, the T-cell-specific deletion of Rictor, a member of mTORC2, in Sirt1^T-KO mice led to the reversal of allergic exacerbation to the level in control mice. Overall, our findings suggest that AMPK in CD4⁺ T cells inhibits the differentiation of Th2 cells by repressing mTORC2 and thus serves as a potential target for Th2 cell-associated diseases.Subject terms: Lymphocytes, Inflammation     

Reaction of N-substituted 2-oxochromen-3-carboxamides with bromoderivatives of zinc enolates prepared from alkyl 2,2-dialkyl-4,4-dibromo-3-oxoalkanoates and zinc

Zinc enolates obtained from ethyl 2,2-dialkyl-4,4-dibromo-3-oxobutanoates and zinc react with N-substituted 2-oxochromen-3-carboxamides forming ethyl 3-{1a-(R³-carbamoyl)-2-oxo-1a,7b-dihydrocyclopropa[c]chromen-1-yl}-2,2-dialkyl-3-oxopropanoate isomer with a Z-position of methine hydrogens. Zinc enolates prepared from alkyl 2,2-dialkyl-4,4-dibromo-3-oxopentanoates and-hexanoates and zinc react with N-substituted 2-oxochromen-3-carboxamides to give rise to esters of 3-{1-alkyl-1a-(R³-carbamoyl)-2-oxo-1a,7b-dihydrocyclopropa-[c]chromen-1-yl}-2,2-dialkyl-3-oxopropanoic acid as isomers with the E-position of the methine proton and the alkyl substituent. The reaction carried out in the presence of small quantities of THF and HMPA leads to the formation of 9c-alkyl-2-R³-9b,9c-dihydro-5-oxa-2-azacyclopenta[2,3]-cyclopropa[1,2-a]naphthalene-1,3,4-triones. Zinc enolates from alkyl 2,2-dialkyl-4,4-dibromo-3-oxopentanoates and-hexanoates and zinc with the secondary amides of 2-oxochromen-3-carboxylic acid form alkyl 3-{2-oxo-1a-(piperidinocarbonyl)-and 3-{6-R¹-1a-(morpholinocarbonyl)-2-oxo-1a,7b-dihydrocyclopropa[c]chromen-1-yl}-2,2-R²,R²-3-oxopropanoates as single geometrical isomers.