Halogenation of the N-Terminus Tyrosine 10 Promotes Supramolecular Stabilization of the Amyloid-β Sequence 7–12

Here, we demonstrate that introduction of halogen atoms at the tyrosine 10 phenol ring of the DSGYEV sequence derived from the flexible amyloid-β N-terminus, promotes its self-assembly in the solid state. In particular, we report the crystal structures of two halogen-modified sequences, which we found to be stabilized in the solid state by halogen-mediated interactions. The structural study is corroborated by Non-Covalent Interaction (NCI) analysis. Our results prove that selective halogenation of an amino acid enhances the supramolecular organization of otherwise unstructured biologically-relevant sequences. This method may develop as a general strategy for stabilizing highly polymorphic peptide regions.     

Synthetic Approach to Kdo Glycosides Via Exo-Glycal Epoxides and Rationalization of the Stereo Chemical Outcome

Abstract

The use of epoxides obtained by dimethyldioxirane epoxidation of 2,3-anhydro-1,3-dideoxy-4,5:7,8-di-O-isopropylidene-D-manno-oct-1-enitol as glycosyl donors is described. This method offers a simple and stereoselective access to precursors of Kdo glycosides. The stereochemical outcome of the reaction is rationalized by means of semiempirical calculations of the transition states leading to glycosides formation.     

5‐Benzoyl­amino‐3‐bromo‐4‐(4‐methoxy­phenyl)‐4,5‐di­hydro­isoxazole‐5‐carboxyl­ic acid

The title compound, C₁₈H₁₅BrN₂O₅, a promising N‐protected α‐amino acid, was synthesized directly from an unusual bromo dipole and a 4‐(aryl­methyl­ene)­oxazolone. The crystal packing of the title compound is a racemic mixture. Peculiar graph‐set motifs driven by the most important hydrogen bonds are described.     

Comparative LC Enantioseparation of Novel PPAR Agonists on Cellulose- and Amylose-Based Chiral Stationary Phases

The LC enantiomeric separation of several dual PPARα/γ agonists on the commercially available Chiralcel OD and Chiralpak AD columns has been evaluated in normal phase mode using a mobile phase consisting in a mixture of n-hexane, 2-propanol and trifluoroacetic acid at constant volume ratio. Most compounds were separated as underivatized acids without requiring time consuming analysis. Some complementary selectivity was evidenced on the two investigated chiral stationary phases related to the different accessibility of the active sites of the helical cavities. Additional information on the chiral recognition mechanism were deduced from the chromatographic behaviour of some selected methyl esters.     

NF-κB is Not Directly Responsible for Photoresistance Induced by Fractionated Light Delivery in HT-29 Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Our recent study follows up an earlier one which demonstrated hypericin-mediated photocytotoxic effects on HT-29 adenocarcinoma cells by light fractionation with a longer dark pause between two unequal light doses (Sackova, A. [2005] Photochem. Photobiol. 81 , 1411–1416). Here, we present closer study on events invoked by sublethal light dose (1 J cm⁻²) during the period of 6 h that is sufficient to invoke resistance to second lethal dose (11 J cm⁻²). First, we proved that the dark pause of 6 h, but not 1 h, resulted in better cell survival with suppressed phosphatidylserine externalization, decreased reactive oxygen species production and hypericin content as well as altered expression of HSP70, GRP94, clusterin, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IκB-α or Mcl-1. NF-κB activity assay confirmed activation of this early-response pathway. However, inhibition of IκB (IKK) kinase by parthenolide by stopping NF-κB release from the complex with IκB did not prevent onset of resistance, but it invoked some resistance even in groups with shorter, 1 h dark pause. Therefore, we predict involvement of another signaling pathway, located upstream from NF-κB, responsible for onset of resistance to photodynamic therapy with hypericin in colon adenocarcinoma cells HT-29.