Development of an Automated High Throughput LCP-FRAP Assay to Guide Membrane Protein Crystallization in Lipid Mesophases

Crystallization in lipidic mesophases (in meso) has been successfully used to obtain a number of high-resolution membrane protein structures including challenging members of the human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Crystallogenesis in arguably the most successful mesophase, lipidic cubic phase (LCP), critically depends on the ability of protein to diffuse in the LCP matrix and to form specific protein-protein contacts to support crystal nucleation and growth. The ability of an integral membrane protein to diffuse in LCP is strongly affected by the protein aggregation state, the structural parameters of LCP, and the chemical environment. In order to satisfy both requirements of diffusion and specific interactions, one must balance multiple parameters, such as identity of LCP host lipid, composition of precipitant solution, identity of ligand, and protein modifications. Screening within such multi-dimensional crystallization space presents a significant bottleneck in obtaining initial crystal leads. To reduce this combinatorial challenge, we developed a pre-crystallization screening assay to measure the diffusion characteristics of a protein target in LCP. Utilizing the Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) technique in an automated and high throughput manner, we were able to map conditions that support adequate diffusion in LCP using a minimal amount of protein. Data collection and processing protocols were validated using two model GPCR targets: the β(2)-adrenergic receptor and the A(2A) adenosine receptor.     

New (TMTSF)2X Derivatives: A Change in the Selenium Network Dimensionality Derived From the Molecular and Crystal Structures of (TMTSF)2(Fso3) [T=298K, 123K] and (TMTSF)2(Bro4) T=298K

Abstract

We report the first crystallographic analysis, as a function of temperature, of a TMTSF derivative. Both (TMTSF)₂(FSO₃) and (TMTSF)₂(BrO₄) are isostructural (triclinic, with space group PI) with superconducting (TMTSF)₂(ClO₄). (TMTSF)₂(FSO₃) undergoes a metal-to-insulator transition at 86-90K as observed by microwave conductivity, D.C. conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. The crystal structure contains 2-dimensional sheets of short Se-Se contacts in the molecular stacking direction and perpendicular to the stacking direction. The temperature dependent variations in these contact distances appear to be of special importance in determining the conduction properties of these materials, and are observed to change in a surprising manner when (TMTSF)₂(FSO₃) is cooled (298 → 123K). The homoatomic Se separations within each TMTSF molecule appear to increase slightly, but not significantly. At the same time the entire 2-dimensional sheet of intermolecular (intra- and interstack) Se-Se contacts between TMTSF molecules contract quite anisotropically, which results in an increase in “dimensionality” of the Se-Se network. Hence, an increase in electrical conduction, in the absence of insulating phenomena, over the temperature range 298 → 123K is not surprising. The intermolecular Se-Se contact distances in (TMTSF)₂(BrO₄) are significantly longer than in (TMTSF)₂(FSO₃) which suggests that the room temperature electrical conductivity of the (BrO₄)^? salt may be diminished compared to the (FSO₃)^? analogue.     

Synthesis,Isolation and X-ray Crystal Structure Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis>-γ-{(C-<Emphasis Type="Italic">meso</Emphasis>-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)(diisothiocyanato)} Nickel(II) Complex

Abstract  A new isomer of [Ni(tet-a)]²⁺ (assigned as γ-isomer) (tet-a = C-meso-5,5,7,12,12,14−hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane), which is found in the complex of trans-γ-[Ni(tet-a)(NCS)₂], has been isolated from the reaction of β-[Ni(tet-a)](ClO₄)₂ with NaSCN in a mixture of MeOH–H₂O (1:1, v/v) solution and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in orthorhombic Pca2(1) space group with the crystal cell parameters of a = 12.5787(10) ?, b = 11.6834(10) ?, c = 15.4019(12) ?, V = 2263.5(3) ?³, and Z = 4. The crystal structure shows that the complex is noncentrosymmetric. The conformations of the six-asymmetric centers are assigned as 1R,4R,8S,11S,7R,14S or 1S,4S,8R,11R,7S,14R (Trans-III). The coordination polyhedron around the nickel atom is axially elongated octahedron with an N₆ chromophore. The association of the complex units through N(3)–H···S(1) (2.665 ?) hydrogen bonding interactions leads one-dimensional hydrogen bonded network along c-axis. Index Abstract  A new isomer of Ni(tet-a)²⁺, which is assigned as γ-isomer, in the complex of trans-γ-[Ni(tet-a)(NCS)₂] has been synthesized, isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The complex units form a one-dimensional self-assembly hydrogen bonded network.      

Crystal and molecular structure of OC(CoC5H5)3(CF3CCCF3)

The structure of the title compound has been confirmed by an X-ray diffraction analysis, and refined by full-matrix least squares. The crystals are mono-clinic:a=9.171(3),b=25.176(15)c=9.192(3) Å,=117.08(3)°,Z=4,D _x =1.976g cm^–3,=2.66mm^¯1, space groupP2₁/n (No. 14). The finalR value is 5.7%. Interatomic distances and bond angles are compared with those reported in related molecules.The preferred name of this compound according to the IUPAC rules is ₃-[11–2-bis(trifluoromethyl)vinylene]- ₃-carbonyl-tris (-cyclopentadienyl)-triangulo-tricobalt.     

Crystal and molecular structures of three trimethylamine-boron halide adducts: (CH3)3NBCl3, (CH3)3NBBr3, and (CH3)3NBI3

X-ray diffraction data from single crystals of the trimethylamine complexes of the three boron halides, BCl₃, BBr₃, and BI₃, lead to aP2₁/m monoclinic cell containing two molecules for each complex. The unit cell dimensions area = 6·68(1),b = 10·247(3),c = 6·502(6) Å, =116·2(1)° (chloro);a = 6·86(1),b = 10·612(4),c = 6·737(6) Å, = 115·8(1)° (bromo);a = 6·92(2),b = 10·86(1),c = 7·147(6) Å, = 93·9(1)° (iodo). The structures were solved by three-dimensional sharpened Patterson functions and show only the chloro and bromo compounds to be isomorphous. Refinement of 662,718 and 954 observed reflexions for the chloro, bromo and iodo complexes, respectively, using anisotropic thermal parameters yielded conventionalR factors of 0·045, 0·087 and 0·054.The molecules are shown to possess a B—N dative bond, a staggered conformation, and effective 3m (C _3v) symmetry. Average C—N bond lengths are 1·52(1) Å for all three complexes. Boronhalogen bond lengths average 1·864(4), 2·04(2) and 2·28(2) Å, while B—N bond distances are 1·609(6), 1·60(2) and 1·58(3) Å, respectively, for the chloro through iodo compounds. Bond angles are approximately tetrahedral with the C—N—C angle decreasing by several degrees in the Cl Br I series.Based in part on a dissertation submitted by Patty H. Clippard to the Rackham School of Graduate Studies of the University of Michigan, January 1969 in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Ph.D. Degree.     

Direct one-pot synthesis of primary 4-amino-2,3-diaryl-quinolines via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 2-aryl-4-azido-3-iodoquinolines with arylboronic acids

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 2-aryl-4-azido-3-iodo-quinolines with arylboronic acids afforded the corresponding primary 4-amino-2,3-diarylquinolines in a single-pot operation along with symmetrical biaryls and traces of the 2,3-diaryl-4-azidoquinolines. A plausible mechanism, which implicates palladium hydride species in the reduction of the incipient 2,3-diaryl-4-azidoquinolines to afford the 4-amino-2,3-diarylquinolines is proposed.     

Reactions of OH with butene isomers: measurements of the overall rates and a theoretical study

Reactions of hydroxyl (OH) radicals with 1-butene (k(1)), trans-2-butene (k(2)), and cis-2-butene (k(3)) were studied behind reflected shock waves over the temperature range 880-1341 K and at pressures near 2.2 atm. OH radicals were produced by shock-heating tert-butyl hydroperoxide, (CH(3))(3)-CO-OH, and monitored by narrow-line width ring dye laser absorption of the well-characterized R(1)(5) line of the OH A-X (0, 0) band near 306.7 nm. OH time histories were modeled using a comprehensive C(5) oxidation mechanism, and rate constants for the reaction of OH with butene isomers were extracted by matching modeled and measured OH concentration time histories. We present the first high-temperature measurement of OH + cis-2-butene and extend the temperature range of the only previous high-temperature study for both 1-butene and trans-2-butene. With the potential energy surface calculated using CCSD(T)/6-311++G(d,p)//QCISD/6-31G(d), the rate constants and branching fractions for the H-abstraction channels of the reaction of OH with 1-butene were calculated in the temperature range 300-1500 K. Corrections for variational and tunneling effects as well as hindered-rotation treatments were included. The calculations are in good agreement with current and previous experimental data and with a recent theoretical study.