Enzymatic and structural characterization of HAD5, an essential phosphomannomutase of malaria-causing parasites.

The malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for over 200 million infections and 400,000 deaths per year. At multiple stages during its complex life cycle, P. falciparum expresses several essential proteins tethered to its surface by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, which are critical for biological processes such as parasite egress and reinvasion of host red blood cells. Targeting this pathway therapeutically has the potential to broadly impact parasite development across several life stages. Here, we characterize an upstream component of parasite GPI anchor biosynthesis, the putative phosphomannomutase (PMM) (EC 5.4.2.8), HAD5 (PF3D7_1017400). We confirmed the PMM and phosphoglucomutase activities of purified recombinant HAD5 by developing novel linked enzyme biochemical assays. By regulating the expression of HAD5 in transgenic parasites with a TetR-DOZI-inducible knockdown system, we demonstrated that HAD5 is required for malaria parasite egress and erythrocyte reinvasion, and we assessed the role of HAD5 in GPI anchor synthesis by autoradiography of radiolabeled glucosamine and thin layer chromatography. Finally, we determined the three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of HAD5 and identified a substrate analog that specifically inhibits HAD5 compared to orthologous human PMMs in a time-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the GPI anchor biosynthesis pathway is exceptionally sensitive to inhibition in parasites and that HAD5 has potential as a specific, multistage antimalarial target.

Synthesis of 5'-Thymidine-Conjugated Formylphenylboronic Acids as Potential Lysine Targeting Iminoboronate Reversible Covalent Enzyme Probes.

The design of reversible-covalent molecules to selectively target the ε-amino functionality of lysine residues in enzymes or proteins is a highly desirable goal. Herein, we describe synthetic methodology used to prepare a series of 5'-thymidine-linked formylphenylboronic acids as probes to interrogate sugar nucleotide processing enzymes that recognize thymidine. The first synthetic strategy mitigated the need for protecting group manipulations of thymidine by capitalizing upon the straightforward preparation, isolation, and reactivity of 5'-azidothymidine. An alkyne cycloaddition partner was installed through either a propargyl or ethynyl phenyl ketone derived boronic acid. The second strategy directly linked formylphenylboronic acids to 5-thymidine through an ether linkage installed using Mitsunobu conditions with 3'-O,3-dibenzoylthymidine. Iminoboronate formation was observed with a selected probe.

The environmental and economic analysis of grid-connected photovoltaic power systems with silicon solar panels, in accord with the new energy policy in Iran.

In recent years, authorities in Iran have introduced supporting policies for renewable energy resources but there is no comprehensive and updated survey from this perspective. This work aims to give a comprehensive survey on the country's background from energy outlook and its prominent policies for renewable energy resources. Due to the high CO2 emissions alongside with the high solar energy harvesting potential in Iran, We have presented a clear simulation on 20 kW and 1 MW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plants using RETScreen software to determine the environmental and economic aspects based on the net greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions reduction, the annual electricity exported to the grid, the cumulative cash flows, and the payback period for the initial investment. According to this simulation, the annual GHG emissions reduction and the annual electricity exported to the grid for 20 kW and 1 MW PV power plants are 22.06 tCO2, 1103 tCO2, 39 MWh, and 1953 MWh, respectively. From the economic outlook, based on the new feed-in tariff for power plants and the supposed initial costs, the payback period for the initial investments are between 3 and 4, and 5 years for 20 kW and 1 MW PV power plants, respectively.

On the Catalytic Activity of a GT1 Family Glycosyltransferase from Streptomyces venezuelae ISP5230.

GT1 family glycosyltansferase, Sv0189, from Streptomyces venezuelae ISP5230 (ATCC 10721) was characterized. The recombinantly produced protein Sv0189 possessed UDP-glycosyltransferase activity. Screening, using an assay employing unnatural nitrophenyl glycosides as activated donors, resulted in the discovery of a broad substrate scope with respect to both acceptor molecules and donor sugars. In addition to polyphenols, including anthraquinones, simple aromatics containing primary or secondary alcohols, a variety of complex natural products and synthetic drugs were glucosylated or xylosylated by Sv0189. Regioselectivity was established through the isolation and characterization of glucosylated products. Sv0189 and homologous proteins are widely distributed among Streptomyces species, and their apparent substrate promiscuity reveals potential for their development as biocatalysts for glycodiversification.

Inhibitory Evaluation of αPMM/PGM from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Chemical Synthesis, Enzyme Kinetics, and Protein Crystallographic Study.

α-Phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (αPMM/PGM) from P. aeruginosa is involved in bacterial cell wall assembly and is implicated in P. aeruginosa virulence, yet few studies have addressed αPMM/PGM inhibition from this important Gram-negative bacterial human pathogen. Four structurally different α-d-glucopyranose 1-phosphate (αG1P) derivatives including 1-C-fluoromethylated analogues (1-3), 1,2-cyclic phosph(on)ate analogues (4-6), isosteric methylene phosphono analogues (7 and 8), and 6-fluoro-αG1P (9), were synthesized and assessed as potential time-dependent or reversible αPMM/PGM inhibitors. The resulting kinetic data were consistent with the crystallographic structures of the highly homologous Xanthomonas citri αPGM with inhibitors 3 and 7-9 binding to the enzyme active site (1.65-1.9 Å). These structural and kinetic insights will enhance the design of future αPMM/PGM inhibitors.

Ciprofloxacin-functionalized magnetic silica nanoparticles: as a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of 1H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carboxamides and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.

In this research, synthesis and characterization of new surface-functionalized magnetic silica nanoparticles are reported. The magnetic silica nanoparticle was synthesized by a silica coating of the magnetite nanoparticles through a sol-gel process, and then, their surface was modified by (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane and covalently functionalized by ciprofloxacin. The catalyst activity of prepared functionalized nanoparticle was investigated by isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of 1H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carboxamides and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. This catalyst was recycled by magnetic filtration and reprocessed five times without having a significant loss of catalytic activity.

Isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions: synthesis of alkyl-2-(1-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate and isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrrole derivatives.

A novel four-component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile, isocyanides, and alcohols has been developed for a highly efficient preparation of alkyl-2-(1-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate derivatives. This high atom economy reaction led to the construction of two carbon-carbon bonds, one amide, and one ester group in a single synthetic step. Furthermore, a three-component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile, and isocyanides in dichloromethane for the preparation of isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles has been reported.

An efficient approach to quinolines via Friedländer synthesis catalyzed by cuprous triflate.

A mild and efficient route for the synthesis of quinolines utilizing cuprous triflate (Cu(OTf)(2)) as a novel catalyst via Friedländer annulation in excellent yields at room temperature under solvent-free conditions was described.

A novel class of extended pi-conjugated systems: one-pot synthesis of bis-3-aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, pyrimidines and pyrazines.

Bis-3-aminoimidazo[1, 2-a] pyridines, pyrimidines and pyrazines as extended pi-conjugated systems were synthesized for the first time by a novel pseudo five-component condensation of 2-aminopyridine pyrimidines and pyrazines derivatives with terephthalaldehyde or isoph-thalaldehyde and isocyanides in the presence of p-toluene-sulfonic acid in methanol.

Increasing the anticancer activity of azidothymidine toward the breast cancer via rational design of magnetic drug carrier based on molecular imprinting technology.

Cancer treatment based anticancer drugs face serious obstacles. To prevail these obstacles, an effective targeted drug carrier can be imperative. This study aimed to design rationally an imprinting strategy for the carrying of a model anticancer drug, Azidothymidine via molecular imprinting technology. Considering the identity and affinity of monomers and cross-linkers to AZT, this work succeeded to establish an exclusive procedure to significantly improve the process of imprinting the Azidothymidine. Imprinting process was carried out on the surface of vinyl-modified silica coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles toward the delivery of azidothymidine to targeted tissue by external magnetic field. The resultant carrier was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, VSM, FESEM, EDX, BET, TGA. The AZT loading process on the nanocarrier is followed with Freundlich adsorption isotherm (QMAX:170 mg/g) and pseudo-second order fast adsorption kinetic (5 min). The release process of AZT from nanocarrier was fitted with First-Order and Higuchi dynamic model. Eventually, the involvement of magnetic nanocarrier was investigated on apoptosis in MCF-7 (cancer cell line) and MCF-10 (normal cell line). The cytotoxicity percentage on MCF-7 cells for magnetic nanocarrier was about 49 times greater than the azidothymidine, but did not affect MCF-10 cells. The corresponding results appropriately disclosed that the cytotoxicity of proposed nanocarrier on MCF-7 cells is through the caspase3 activity. The drug loading and release process as well as in-vitro studies of magnetic carrier were compared with bare carrier. This study indicates that the proposed magnetic carrier can be used as a promising drug carrier toward the breast cancer treatment.

Novel isocyanide-based four-component reaction: a facile synthesis of fully substituted 3,4-dihydrocoumarin derivatives.

A novel isocyanide-based four-component reaction between a 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, Meldrum's acid, an isocyanide, and an aromatic or an aliphatic alcohol efficiently provide 3,4-dihydrocoumarin derivatives in good to excellent yields without using any catalyst or activation. The reaction can be carried out as a simple one-pot protocol at room temperature.

A simple and efficient approach to the synthesis of 4H-furo[3,4-b]pyrans via a three-component reaction of isocyanides.

A three-component reaction of an isocyanide, a dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and tetronic acid in dichloromethane at room temperature afforded 4H-furo[3,4-b]pyran derivatives. These compounds are closely related with ring systems, TAN-2483B, TAN-2483A, and FD-211 which have a broad spectrum of biological activity.

Synthesis of 1-aminoimidazo[5,1-a]isoquinolinium salts based on multicomponent reactions of isocyanides.

A novel pseudo-four-component condensation yielding 1-aminoimidazo[5,1- a]isoquinolinium salts from isocyanides, isoquinoline, and sulfonic or bromic acids is described. The method offers several advantages including high yields of products and an easy experimental workup procedure.

Homolytic cleavage of Lawesson's reagent: N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of ArPS2 (Ar = 4-CH3O-C6H4).

Lawesson's reagent (LR) has been shown to react with the N-heterocyclic carbenes [1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) and 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene (SIPr)] to give adducts of the general form NHC·P(S)2-C6H4OCH3. Full characterizations, including X-ray crystal structures, are provided. The reaction of Woollins' reagent (WR) with IMes gave the known selanone, (IMes)Se.

A novel method for the synthesis of substituted 3,4-dihydrocoumarin derivatives via isocyanide-based three-component reaction.

A new one-pot procedure for the efficient synthesis of novel 3,4-dihydrocoumarin derivatives using commercially available substituted 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes, Meldrum's acid, and isocyanides by a three-component condensation reaction in dichloromethane at room temperature without using any catalysts and activation was developed.

Cellulose sulfuric acid catalyzed one-pot three-component synthesis of imidazoazines.

Imidazoazines have been synthesized by a one-pot three-component condensation reaction of an aldehyde, a 2-aminoazine and an isocyanide in the presence of the cellulose sulfuric acid, as an effective bio-supported catalyst in excellent yields. The reaction work-up is simple and the catalyst can be easily separated from the product and reused in several times.