Asymmetric induction in an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition within chirally modified zeolite supercages

Photoirradiation of 1-cyano-2-(5-methyl-2-oxa-4-hexenyl)naphthalene, included in NaY zeolites along with chiral inductors, such as diethyl tartrate or phenylalaninol, gives an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloadduct with a maximum 15% ee. The degree of enantioselectivity was found to depend on the Si/Al ratio, the nature of the cations in the zeolites, the structure of the chiral inductors, and the molar ratio of substrate and chiral inductors.     

Yamadazyma Farinosa IFO 10896-Mediated Reduction of 4,4-Dimethoxy-2-Butanone as the Key-Step for the Preparation of 1,3-Diols with Unsymmetrical Substituents

(R)-4,4-Dimethoxy-2-butanol was prepared with the action of Yamadazyma farinosa IFO 10896 on 4,4-dimethoxy-2-butanone, and subsequently converted to (2R,4R)- and (2R,4S)-isomers of 6-hepten-2,4-diol by the treatment with allyl bromide and indium in aqueous solution.     

Synthesis and radical polymerization of styrene‐based monomer having a five‐membered cyclic dithiocarbonate structure

A styrene‐based monomer having a five‐membered cyclic dithiocarbonate structure, 4‐vinylbenzyl 1,3‐oxathiolane‐2‐thione‐5‐ylmethyl ether (VBTE), was synthesized from 4‐vinylbenzyl glycidyl ether (VBGE) and carbon disulfide in the presence of lithium bromide in 86% yield. Radical polymerization of VBTE in dimethyl sulfoxide by 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile was carried out at 60 °C to afford the corresponding the polymer, polyVBTE, in 64% yield. PolyVBTE with number‐averaged molecular weight higher than 31,000 was obtained. The glass transition temperature (T_g) and 5 wt % decomposition temperature (T_d5) of the polyVBTE were evaluated to be 66 and 264 °C under nitrogen atmosphere by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetry analysis, respectively. It was confirmed that a polymer consisting of the same VBTE repeating unit could also be obtained via polymer reaction, that is, a lithium bromide‐catalyzed addition of carbon disulfide to a polyVBGE prepared from a radical polymerization of VBGE. Copolymerization of VBTE and styrene with various compositions efficiently gave copolymers of VBTE and styrene. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Cell surface-anchored fluorescent aptamer sensor enables imaging of chemical transmitter dynamics

A fluorescent aptamer sensor was applied to the analysis of extracellular chemical transmitter dynamics. We utilized a tocopherol-labeled aptamer, which allowed the direct anchoring of the fluorescent aptamer on the cell surface while retaining its performance as a fluorescent sensor. The fast-responsive fluorescent DNA aptamer sensor, which targets adenine compounds, was anchored on the surface of brain astrocytes. Fluorescence imaging of the aptamer-anchored astrocytes enabled the real-time monitoring of release of adenine compounds as a gliotransmitter, which was synchronized with calcium wave propagation in neighboring cells.     

Crucial role of protein flexibility in formation of a stable reaction transition state in an α-amylase catalysis

Conformational flexibility of proteins provides enzymes with high catalytic activity. Although the conformational flexibility is known to be pivotal for the ligand binding and release, its role in the chemical reaction process of the reactive substrate remains unclear. We determined a transition state of an enzymatic reaction in a psychrophilic α-amylase by a hybrid molecular simulation that allows one to identify the optimal chemical state in an extensive conformational ensemble of protein. The molecular simulation uncovered that formation of the reaction transition state accompanies a large and slow movement of a loop adjacent to the catalytic site. Free energy calculations revealed that, although catalytic electrostatic potentials on the reactive moiety are formed by local and fast reorganization around the catalytic site, reorganization of the large and slow movement of the loop significantly contributes to reduction of the free energy barrier by stabilizing the local reorganization.     

Prodrug study of plinabulin using a click strategy focused on the effects of a replaceable water-solubilizing moiety

Plinabulin (1) is a potent anti-microtubule agent, however, its low water solubility has to be improved for the advantage in pharmacokinetics and chemotherapy. In this report, the replaceable water-solubilizing moiety of the water-soluble prodrug of plinabulin (1) was investigated. The properties of the water-soluble prodrugs of plinabulin (1), in which the water-solubilizing part was replaced with a new functionality, were evaluated. The newly introduced water-solubilizing moiety provided interesting effects on the water solubility and half-life of the prodrugs.