Four component Ugi reaction based small-molecule probes for integrated phenotypic screening.

Quorum-sensing (QS) is a cell density-dependent signaling pathway regulated by gene expression for intra- and interspecies communication. We have targeted QS activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen that causes disease in immunocompromised patients, with a set of probes containing a variety of functional groups, including photoreactive (diazirine) and affinity (alkyne) moieties, that were synthesized using a four-component Ugi reaction (Ugi-4CR).

Transcription-replication coordination revealed in single live cells.

The coexistence of DNA replication and transcription during S-phase requires their tight coordination to prevent harmful conflicts. While extensive research revealed important mechanisms for minimizing these conflicts and their consequences, little is known regarding how the replication and transcription machinery are coordinated in real-time. Here, we developed a live-cell imaging approach for the real-time monitoring of replisome progression and transcription dynamics during a transcription-replication encounter. We found a wave of partial transcriptional repression ahead of the moving replication fork, which may contribute to efficient fork progression through the transcribed gene. Real-time detection of conflicts revealed their negative impact on both processes, leading to fork stalling or slowdown as well as lower transcription levels during gene replication, with different trade-offs observed in defined subpopulations of cells. Our real-time measurements of transcription-replication encounters demonstrate how these processes can proceed simultaneously while maintaining genomic stability, and how conflicts can arise when coordination is impaired.

Immunoediting role for major vault protein in apoptotic signaling induced by bacterial N-acyl homoserine lactones.

The major vault protein (MVP) mediates diverse cellular responses, including cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and protection against inflammatory responses to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Here, we report the use of photoactive probes to identify MVP as a target of the N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl) homoserine lactone (C12), a quorum sensing signal of certain proteobacteria including P. aeruginosa. A treatment of normal and cancer cells with C12 or other N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) results in rapid translocation of MVP into lipid raft (LR) membrane fractions. Like AHLs, inflammatory stimuli also induce LR-localization of MVP, but the C12 stimulation reprograms (functionalizes) bioactivity of the plasma membrane by recruiting death receptors, their apoptotic adaptors, and caspase-8 into LR. These functionalized membranes control AHL-induced signaling processes, in that MVP adjusts the protein kinase p38 pathway to attenuate programmed cell death. Since MVP is the structural core of large particles termed vaults, our findings suggest a mechanism in which MVP vaults act as sentinels that fine-tune inflammation-activated processes such as apoptotic signaling mediated by immunosurveillance cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL).

Synthesis of Functionalized ß-Keto Arylthioethers by the Aryne Induced [2,3] Stevens Rearrangement of Allylthioethers.

A mild and transition-metal-free synthesis of ß-keto arylthioethers has been developed by the aryne triggered [2,3] Stevens rearrangement of allylthioethers. The key sulfur ylide intermediate for the rearrangement was formed by the S-arylation of allylthioethers with arynes generated from 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates using CsF. Later, the reaction products are converted into valuable heterocycles in two steps.

Selective Synthesis of N-Unsubstituted and N-Arylindoles by the Reaction of Arynes with Azirines.

The transition-metal-free and temperature-dependent highly selective reaction of arynes with 2H-azirines allowing the synthesis of either N-unsubstituted or N-arylindoles has been developed. At 60 °C, arynes generated from 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates smoothly insert into 2H-azirines to form 2,3-diarylindoles with high selectivity. Interestingly, when the reaction was performed at -10 °C, the selectivity was switched to the formation of 1,2,3-triarylindoles in good yields.

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Selective Reactions of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with 2-Naphthols.

Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions of 2-substituted cyclopropane 1,1-dicarboxylates with 2-naphthols is reported. The reaction exhibits tunable selectivity depending on the nature of Lewis acid employed and proceed as a dearomatization/rearomatization sequence. With Bi(OTf)3 as the Lewis acid, a highly selective dehydrative [3+2] cyclopentannulation takes place leading to the formation of naphthalene-fused cyclopentanes. Interestingly, engaging Sc(OTf)3 as the Lewis acid, a Friedel-Crafts-type addition of 2-naphthols to cyclopropanes takes place, thus affording functionalized 2-naphthols. Both reactions furnished the target products in high regioselectivity and moderate to high yields.

Diels-Alder reaction of tropones with arynes: synthesis of functionalized benzobicyclo[3.2.2]nonatrienones.

A new procedure for the mild, practical, and scalable Diels-Alder reaction of tropones with arynes is reported. Differently substituted tropones undergo selective [4 + 2] cycloaddition with arynes generated in situ by the fluoride-induced 1,2-elimination of 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates, allowing the formation of functionalized benzobicyclo[3.2.2]nonatrienone derivatives in moderate to good yields. In addition, the photophysical properties of the cycloadducts are presented.

Inhibition of Acinetobacter nosocomialis twitching motility by quinolones produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Twitching motility in A. nosocomialis is a key virulence factor linked to antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. This study revealed that the Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) and hydroxy-containing quinolones significantly inhibit motility without affecting bacterial growth, highlighting their potential as targets for controlling bacterial virulence.

Synthesis of functionalized amino epoxides by a three-component coupling involving aziridines, arynes and aldehydes.

A transition-metal-free three-component coupling involving N-substituted aziridines, arynes and aldehydes resulting in the formation of trisubstituted N-aryl α-amino epoxides has been demonstrated. The reaction likely proceeds via the highly strained cyclic nitrogen ylide intermediates generated from aziridines and arynes.

From insertion to multicomponent coupling: temperature dependent reactions of arynes with aliphatic alcohols.

The temperature dependent selectivity switch in the reaction of arynes with aliphatic alcohols in THF has been reported. At -20 °C, arynes smoothly insert into the O-H bond of alcohols to form alkyl aryl ethers. Interestingly, at 60 °C, a highly selective multicomponent coupling occurs with the solvent THF acting as the nucleophilic trigger affording (4-(alkoxy)butoxy)arenes.

The Aryne [2,3] Stevens Rearrangement.

Arynes are employed in the transition-metal-free and mild [2,3] Stevens rearrangement of tertiary allylic amines for the synthesis of functionalized homoallylic amines in moderate to good yield with a broad substrate scope. The key nitrogen ylide intermediate was generated by the N-arylation of allyl amines using arynes. Moreover, the reaction of chiral allyl amines with arynes resulted in the enantiospecific synthesis of homoallylic amines. In addition, preliminary studies on the [1,2] Stevens rearrangement is also presented.

Practical synthesis of phthalimides and benzamides by a multicomponent reaction involving arynes, isocyanides, and CO2/H2O.

Transition-metal-free multicomponent reactions involving arynes and isocyanides with either CO2 or H2O have been reported. With CO2 as the third component, the reactions resulted in the formation of N-substituted phthalimides. The utility of water as the third component furnished benzamide derivatives in moderate to good yields. These reactions took place under mild conditions with broad scope.

Tandem [4 + 2]/[2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions involving indene or benzofurans and arynes.

The reaction of arynes with indene/benzofurans has been developed. The arynes were generated from 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates by the fluoride-induced 1,2-elimination react with indene or various benzofurans proceeding via a cascade reaction involving the Diels-Alder reaction and a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. The tandem process afforded functionalized dihydrobenzocyclobutaphenanthrenes in moderate to good yields. Moreover, the method has been utilized for the one-pot synthesis of benzo[b]fluoranthene.