Optical Manipulation of Gb3 Enriched Lipid Domains: Impact of Isomerization on Gb3 -Shiga Toxin B Interaction.

The plasma membrane is a complex assembly of proteins and lipids that can self-assemble in submicroscopic domains commonly termed "lipid rafts", which are implicated in membrane signaling and trafficking. Recently, photo-sensitive lipids were introduced to study membrane domain organization, and photo-isomerization was shown to trigger the mixing and de-mixing of liquid-ordered (lo ) domains in artificial phase-separated membranes. Here, we synthesized globotriaosylceramide (Gb3 ) glycosphingolipids that harbor an azobenzene moiety at different positions of the fatty acid to investigate light-induced membrane domain reorganization, and that serve as specific receptors for the protein Shiga toxin (STx). Using phase-separated supported lipid bilayers on mica surfaces doped with four different photo-Gb3 molecules, we found by fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy that liquid disordered (ld ) domains were formed within lo domains upon trans-cis photo-isomerization. The fraction and size of these ld domains were largest for Gb3 molecules with the azobenzene group at the end of the fatty acid. We further investigated the impact of domain reorganization on the interaction of the B-subunits of STx with the photo-Gb3 . Fluorescence and atomic force micrographs clearly demonstrated that STxB binds to the lo phase if Gb3 is in the trans-configuration, whereas two STxB populations are formed if the photo-Gb3 is switched to the cis-configuration highlighting the idea of manipulating lipid-protein interactions with a light stimulus.

The Interaction of Gb3 Glycosphingolipids with ld and lo Phase Lipids in Lipid Monolayers Is a Function of Their Fatty Acids.

The glycosphingolipid Gb3 is a specific receptor of the bacterial Shiga toxin (STx). Binding of STx to Gb3 is a prerequisite for its internalization into the host cells, and the ceramide's fatty acid of Gb3 has been shown to influence STx binding. In in vitro studies on liquid ordered (lo)/liquid disordered (ld) coexisting artificial membranes, Shiga toxin B (STxB) binds solely to lo domains, thus harboring Gb3 concomitant with an observed lipid redistribution process. These findings raise the question of how the molecular structure of the fatty acid of Gb3 influences the interaction of Gb3 with the different lipids preferentially either found in the lo phase, namely, sphingomyelin and cholesterol, or in the ld phase. We addressed this question by using a series of synthetically available and unlabeled Gb3 glycosphingolipids carrying different long chain C24 fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated, and α-hydroxylated). In conjunction with surface tension experiments on Langmuir monolayers, we quantified the excess of free energy of mixing of the different Gb3 species in monolayers composed of either sphingomyelin or cholesterol or composed of a fluid phase lipid (DOPC). From a calculation of the total free energy of mixing, we conclude that mixing of the saturated Gb3 species with the ld lipid DOPC is energetically less favorable than all other combinations, while the unsaturated species mix equally well with the lo phase lipids sphingomyelin and cholesterol and the ld phase lipid DOPC. Furthermore, we found that STxB partially penetrates in mixed lipid monolayers (DOPC/sphingomyelin/cholesterol) containing the Gb3 sphingolipid with a saturated or a monounsaturated C24 fatty acid. The maximum insertion pressure, as a measure for protein insertion, is >30 mN/m for both Gb3 molecules and is not significantly different for the two Gb3 species.

GlycoBODIPYs: Sugars Serving as a Natural Stock for Water-soluble Fluorescent Probes of Complex Chiral Morphology.

A range of unprocessed, reducing sugar substrates (mono-, di-, and trisaccharides) is shown to take part in a straightforward four-step synthetic route to water-soluble, uncharged BODIPY derivatives with unimpaired chiral integrity and high fluorescence efficiency. A wide compatibility with several postfunctionalizations is demonstrated, thus suggesting a universal utility of the multifunctional glycoconjugates, which we call GlycoBODIPYs. Knoevenagel condensations are able to promote a red-shift in the spectra, thereby furnishing strongly fluorescent red and far-red glycoconjugates of high hydrophilicity. The synthetic outcome was studied by X-ray crystallography and by comprehensive photophysical investigations in several solvent systems. Furthermore, cell experiments illustrate efficient cell uptake and demonstrate differential cell targeting as a function of the integrated chiral information.

Chemically synthesized Gb3 glycosphingolipids: tools to access their function in lipid membranes.

Gb3 glycosphingolipids are the specific receptors for bacterial Shiga toxin. Whereas the trisaccharidic head group of Gb3 defines the specificity of Shiga toxin binding, the lipophilic part composed of sphingosine and different fatty acids is suggested to determine its localization within membranes impacting membrane organisation and protein binding eventually leading to protein internalisation. While most studies use Gb3 extracts, chemical synthesis provides a unique tool to access different tailor-made Gb3 glycosphingolipids. In this review, strategies to synthesize these complex glycosphingolipids are presented. Special emphasis is put on the preparation of Gb3 molecules differing only in their fatty acid part (saturated, unsaturated, α-hydroxylated and both, unsaturated and α-hydroxylated). With these molecules in hand, it became possible to investigate the phase behaviour of liquid ordered/liquid disordered supported membranes doped with the Gb3 species by means of fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. The results clearly highlight the influence of the different fatty acids of the Gb3 sphingolipids on the phase behaviour and the binding properties of Shiga toxin B subunits, even though the membranes were only doped with 5 mol% of the receptor lipid. To obtain fluorescent Gb3 derivatives, either fatty acid labelled Gb3 molecules or head group labelled ones were synthesized. These molecules enabled us to address the question, where the Gb3 sphingolipids are localized prior protein binding by means of fluorescence microscopy on giant unilamellar vesicles. The results again demonstrate that the fatty acid of Gb3 plays a pivotal role for the overall membrane organisation.

Total Synthesis of Tri-, Hexa- and Heptasaccharidic Substructures of the O-Polysaccharide of Providencia rustigianii O34.

A general and efficient strategy for synthesis of tri-, hexa- and heptasaccharidic substructures of the lipopolysaccharide of Providencia rustigianii O34 is described. For the heptasaccharide seven different building blocks were employed. Special features of the structures are an α-linked galactosamine and the two embedded α-fucose units, which are either branched at positions-3 and -4 or further linked at their 2-position. Convergent strategies focused on [4+3], [3+4], and [4+2+1] couplings. Whereas the [4+3] and [3+4] coupling strategies failed the [4+2+1] strategy was successful. As monosaccharidic building blocks trichloroacetimidates and phosphates were employed. Global deprotection of the fully protected structures was achieved by Birch reaction.

Highly efficient construction of bisspirooxindoles containing vicinal spirocenters through an organocatalytic modified Feist-Bénary reaction.

We have developed an organocatalytic modified Feist-Bénary reaction of cyclic dicarbonyl compounds, isatins and cyclic α-bromo dicarbonyl compounds. This method affords bisspirooxindole-fused dihydrofurans containing two vicinal spiro centers. To the best of our knowledge, employing cyclic α-halo dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of bisspirooxindole-fused dihydrofurans has not been previously reported.

An efficient one-pot organocatalyzed synthesis of spiro[chroman-3,6'- furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine]-tetraones.

An efficient synthesis of new spiro[chroman-3,6'-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine]- tetraones by an organocatalyzed three-component condensation reaction of aldehydes, barbituric acids and 3-bromo-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one in refluxing acetic acid in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) is reported. We are hopeful that the products will lead to a wider range pharmacological and physiological activity.

A diastereoselective synthesis of pyrano fused coumarins via organocatalytic three-component reaction.

A new method for the synthesis of pyran fused coumarins by 3-bromo-4-hydroxycoumarins as cyclic α-halo ketones based on an organocatalyst assisted three-component tandem reaction is investigated. To the best of our knowledge, cyclic α-halo ketones have not yet been used for the synthesis of pyran fused coumarins.

Organocatalytic three-component cascade reaction for the synthesis of spiro[indeno[1,2-b]furan]-triones.

New methods for the synthesis of spiro compounds containing dihydrofuran and coumarin moieties from 3-bromo-4-hydroxycoumarins as cyclic α-halo compound based on a pyridinium-ylide-assisted three-component tandem reaction is investigated. To the best of our knowledge, employing cyclic α-halo compounds for the synthesis of dihydrofuran-fused coumarin via a pyridinium ylide has not been reported yet.

Three-component synthesis of new unsymmetrical oxindoles via Friedel-Crafts type reaction.

The synthesis of 2-(3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-diones as new unsymmetrical oxindoles via a Friedel-Crafts type three-component reaction of 1,3-indandion, N,N-dimethylaniline and isatins in ethanol in the presence of LiClO4 is reported.

Ultrasound-assisted one-pot, three-component synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine]-2,6'(1'H)-diones in water.

A simple, facile, efficient and three-component procedure for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine]-2,6'(1'H)-diones by the reaction of 4-hydroxycumarin, isatins and 1H-pyrazol-5-amines in water under ultrasonic irradiation is reported. The advantages of this method are the use of an inexpensive and readily available catalyst, easy work-up, good yields, and the use of water as a solvent that is considered to be relatively environmentally benign.

One-pot, pseudo four-component synthesis of a spiro[diindeno[1,2-b:2',1'-e]pyridine-11,3'-indoline]-trione library.

A one-pot, pseudo four-component method for the efficient and simple synthesis of spiro[diindeno[1,2-b:2',1'-e]pyridine-11,3'-indoline]-2',10,12-trione derivatives in refluxing acetonitrile is reported. The features of this procedure are mild reaction conditions, high yields of products, and operational simplicity.

Novel one-pot, three-component synthesis of spiro[indoline-pyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine]trione library.

A one-pot method for the efficient and simple synthesis of the novel spiro[indoline-pyrazolo[4',3':5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine]trione derivatives by a three-component condensation reaction of barbituric acids, 1H-pyrazol-5-amines and isatins in aqueous media is reported.

A Clean synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,9'-xanthene]trione derivatives.

A simple, clean and efficient method for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,9'-xanthene]trione derivatives and spiro[acenaphthene-1,9'-xanthene]-1',2,8'(2'H,5'H)-trione by condensation reaction of dimedone and isatins or acenaphthene in aqueous media is reported.