Adsorption-induced conformational changes of antifreeze glycoproteins at the ice/water interface

The conformation of antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) molecules adsorbed at the ice/water interface was studied by attenuated total reflection (ATR)-FTIR spectroscopy. Measurements were carried out for AFGP/D2O solution films formed on the surface of an ATR prism as a function of temperature. Using the FTIR spectrum from the O-D stretching band of D2O molecules, we monitored the supercooled and frozen states of the film and measured the thickness of the quasi-liquid layer (QLL) at the ice/prism interfaces. The AFGP structure was determined for the liquid, supercooled, and frozen states of the solution film using the amide I band spectra. No noticeable differences in conformation were observed in the solution conformation from room temperature down to the 15 K supercooling studied, whereas the alpha-helical content of AFGP suddenly increased when the supercooled solution film froze at -15 degrees C. This change in conformation can increase the overall interaction between the AFGP molecules and ice surface and allow a stronger adsorption. In contrast, the alpha-helical content of AFGP in the frozen film gradually decreased with increasing temperature and finally returned to its solution-state level at the melting point of D2O ice. This gradual decrease in the alpha-helix content directly correlates with the measured increase in QLL thickness. Finally, we conclude that the differences in the alpha-helix signals between the frozen and supercooled states indicate the conformational change of AFGP molecules upon adsorption at the ice/water interface, emphasizing the importance of the structure-function relationship, even for this highly flexible antifreeze.     

Gold-catalyzed cyclization of (ortho-alkynylphenylthio)silanes: intramolecular capture of the vinyl-Au intermediate by the silicon electrophile

The gold-catalyzed cyclization of (ortho-alkynylphenylthio)silanes 1 produced the corresponding 3-silylbenzo[b]thiophenes 2 in good to excellent yields. For example, the reaction of [2-(1-pentynyl)phenylthio]triisopropylsilane 1a, [2-(p-anisylethynyl)phenylthio]triisopropylsilane 1e, and [2-(phenylethynyl)phenylthio]triisopropylsilane 1g in the presence of 2 mol % of AuCl in toluene at 45 degrees C gave 2a, 2e, and 2g in 98, 99, and 97% yields, respectively. This reaction proceeds through intramolecular capture of the vinyl-Au intermediate by the silicon electrophile, so-called silyldemetalation.     

Highly stereoselective radical carbonylations of gem-dihalocyclopropane derivatives with CO

A couple of radical carbonylations of gem-dihalocyclopropanes 1 using CO and Bu3SnH (formylation) or Bu3Sn(CH2CH=CH2) (allylacylation) successfully proceeded to give trans and cis adducts (2 and 3) with good to excellent stereoselectivity (trans/cis = >99/1-75/25 or 17/83-1/99). The formylation of 2,3-cis-disubstituted 1,1-dihalocyclopropanes enhanced trans selectivity (trans/cis = >99/1-95/5), whereas both 2,3-cis-disubstituted and 2-monosubstituted 1,1-dihalocyclopropanes underwent allylacylation with nearly complete trans selectivity (trans/cis = >99/1). Inherently less reactive gem-dichloro- and bromochlorocyclopropanes than gem-dibromocyclopropanes served as favorable substrates. [reaction: see text].     

Assembly of nanosize metallic particles and molecular wires on electrode surfaces

This article highlights recent developments in the assembly of nanosize materials on electrode surfaces. A brief historical background of the field is given, followed by a selection of topics of particular current interest. We focus especially on the assembly of nanosize metallic particles and molecular wires on gold and silicon electrode surfaces. The fabrication, properties, and characteristics of functional nanostructured biointerfaces on electrode surfaces are also described.     

Catalytic asymmetric intramolecular hydroamination of alkynes in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of Pd(0)-methyl Norphos (or tolyl Renorphos)-benzoic acid

Enantiomerically pure methyl Norphos (A), tolyl Norphos (B), CF(3) Norphos (C), methyl Renorphos (D), and tolyl Renorphos (E) were synthesized and used as chiral bisphosphine ligands for the catalyst system, Pd(2)(dba)(3) x CHCl(3)/PhCOOH, in an intramolecular hydroamination of aminoalkynes 15. Among the Norphos series, methyl Norphos (A) was the best ligand for the hydroamination, and the corresponding five- and six-membered nitrogen heterocycles 16 were obtained in high yields with high enantioselectivities. Among the Renorphos series, tolyl Renorphos (E) gave the best result; both methyl Norphos (A) and tolyl Renorphos (E) afforded high yields and high enantioselectivities. NMR investigation using Me-Norphos revealed that this ligand was oxidized gradually in the presence of Pd(2)(dba)(3).CHCl(3) in C(6)D(6) even under the conditions using Ar atmosphere to give Me-Norphos oxide, which prevented the intramolecular hydroamination. On the other hand, Me-Norphos was rather stable in C(6)D(6) in the absence of the palladium catalyst under Ar atmosphere and was not converted to its oxide even after 3 days. The gradual oxidation of ligands (A and E) in the presence of the Pd catalyst is perhaps a reason why 20 mol % of A or E was needed to obtain high yields and high ee's of 16.     

The resin glycosides from the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. LAM.)

Four new and two known ether-soluble resin glycosides were isolated from popular sweet potato (the roots of Ipomoea batatas L. LAM., Kokei 14 go, Convolvulaceae) in Japan. Unlike ester-type dimers, batatins I and II, obtained from other sweet potato (Ipomoea batabas var. batatas), the glycosides were tetra or pentasaccharide monomers in which the sugar moieties are partially acylated by organic acids and combine with the aglycone, jalapinolic acid, to form a macrocyclic ester.     

Specific effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the cholesterol-poor membrane domain in a model membrane

To understand more fully the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on lipid bilayers, we investigated the effects of treatment with fatty acids on the properties of a model membrane. Three kinds of liposomes comprising dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), and cholesterol (Ch) were used as the model membrane, and the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and detergent insolubility were determined. Characterization of the liposomes clarified that DPPC, DPPC/Ch, and DPPC/DOPC/Ch existed as solid-ordered phase (L beta), liquid-ordered phase (l o), and a mixture of l o and liquid-disordered phase (L alpha) membranes at room temperature. Treatment with unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (OA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) markedly decreased the fluorescence anisotropy value and detergent insolubility. PUFAs and OA had different effects on the model membranes. In DPPC liposomes, the most prominent change was induced by PUFAs, whereas, in DPPC/Ch and DPPC/DOPC/Ch liposomes, OA had a stronger effect than PUFAs. The effect of PUFAs was strongly affected by the amount of Ch in the membrane, which confirmed a specific effect of PUFAs on the Ch-poor membrane domain. We further explored the effect of fatty acids dispersed in a water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion and found that unsaturated fatty acids acted on the membranes even when incorporated in emulsion form. These findings suggest that treatment with PUFAs increases the segregation of ordered and disordered phase domains in membranes.     

New ent-Verticillane Diterpenoids from the Japanese Liverwort Jackiella javanica

Three new ent-verticillane diterpenoids have been isolated from the Japanese liverwort Jackiella javanica, together with known sesqui- and diterpenoids. Their absolute configurations were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy.