Microfluidic AAV Purity Characterization: New Insights into Serotype and Sample Treatment Variability.

Despite recent advances in nucleic acid delivery systems with the success of LNP vehicles, adeno-associated virus (AAV) remains the leading platform for targeted gene delivery due to its low immunogenicity to humans, high transduction efficiency, and range of serotypes with varying tropisms. Depending on the therapeutic goals and serotype used, different production conditions may be more amenable, generating an ever-growing need for rapid yet robust analytical techniques to support the high-quality manufacturing of AAV. A critical bottleneck exists for assessing full capsids where rapid, high-throughput techniques capable of analyzing a range of serotypes are needed. Here, we present a rapid, high-throughput analytical technique, microfluidic electrophoresis, for the assessment of full capsids compatible with AAV1, AAV2, AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9 without the need for assay modifications or optimizations, and AAV5 with some constraints. The method presented in this study uses a mathematical formulation we developed previously with a reference standard to combine the independently obtained capsid protein and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) profiles to estimate the percentage of full capsids in a sample of unknown concentration. We assessed the ability to use a single serotype (AAV8) as the reference standard regardless of the serotype of the sample being analyzed so long as the melting temperature (Tm) of the capsids is within 12 °C from the Tm of AAV8. Using this method, we are able to characterize samples ±6.1% with an average analytical turnaround time of <5 min/sample, using only 10 µL/sample at a concentration of 2.5 × 1012 VG/mL.

Asymmetric Catalysis Using Chiral Salen-Metal Complexes: Recent Advances.

Chiral salen-metal complexes are among the most versatile asymmetric catalysts and have found utility in fields ranging from materials chemistry to organic synthesis. These complexes are capable of inducing chirality in products formed from a wide variety of chemical processes, often with close to perfect stereoinduction. Salen ligands are tunable for steric as well as electronic properties, and their ability to coordinate a large number of metals gives the derived chiral salen-metal complex very broad utility in asymmetric catalysis. This review primarily summarizes developments in chiral salen-metal catalysis over the last two decades with particular emphasis on those applications of importance in asymmetric synthesis.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of new zampanolide mimics.

(-)-Zampanolide is a marine microtubule-stabilizing macrolide that has been shown by in vitro experiments to be a promising anticancer lead compound. Through its unique covalent-binding with ß-tubulin, zampanolide exhibits cytotoxic potency towards multi-drug resistant cancer cells that is superior to paclitaxel. However, the limited availability of zampanolide impedes its further in vivo evaluation as a viable drug candidate. Zampanolide is envisioned to become more drug-like if its chemically fragile side chain can be stabilized; hence, this project aims to develop mimics of zampanolide with a stable side chain using straightforward synthetic methods. To this end, twelve novel zampanolide mimics (51-62) with conjugated and planar side chains have been synthesized via a 24-step sequence for each mimic from commercially available 2-butyn-1-ol as starting material. A Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction incorporates the α,ß-unsaturated ketone side chain and also closes the core macrocycle. WST-1 cell proliferation assays in three docetaxel-sensitive and two docetaxel-resistant human prostate cancer cell models confirm that a suitably designed side chain can serve as a bioisostere for the N-acyl hemiaminal side chain in zampanolide. Mimic 52 with a 17R chiral center was identified as the optimal candidate with IC50 values of 0.29-0.46 µM against both docetaxel-sensitive (PC-3 and DU145) and docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3/DTX and DU145/DTX). Zampanolide mimic 52 exhibited equivalent antiproliferative potency towards both docetaxel-sensitive and docetaxel-resistant cell lines, with relative resistance in the range of 0.9-1.6.

Optimized synthesis and antiproliferative activity of desTHPdactylolides.

Dactylolide and certain analogues are attractive targets for study due to their structural resemblance to zampanolide, a very promising anticancer lead compound and a unique covalent-binding microtubule stabilizing agent. The primary goal of this project is identification and synthesis of simplified analogues of dactylolide that would be easier to prepare and could be investigated for antiproliferative activity in comparison with zampanolide. Extension of Almann's concept of a simplified zampanolide analogue to dactylolide in the form of desTHPdactylolide was attractive not only for reasons of synthetic simplification but also for the prospect that analogues of dactylolide could be prepared in both (17S) and (17R) configurations. Since Altmann's overall yield for the six-step procedure leading to the C9-C18 fragment of desTHPdactylolide was only 8.7%, a study focused on optimized synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of each enantiomer of desTHPdactylolide was initiated using Altmann's route as a framework. To this end, two optimized approaches to this fragment C9-C18 were successfully developed by us using allyl iodide or allyl tosylate as the starting material for a critical Williamson ether synthesis. Both (17S) and (17R) desTHPdactylolides were readily synthesized in our laboratory using optimized methods in yields of 37-43%. Antiproliferative activity of the pair of enantiomeric desTHPdactylolides, together with their analogues, was evaluated in three docetaxel-sensitive and two docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell models using a WST-1 cell proliferation assay. Surprisingly, (17R) desTHPdactylolide was identified as the eutomer in the prostate cancer cell models. It was found that (17S) and (17R) desTHPdactylolide exhibit equivalent antiproliferative potency towards both docetaxel-sensitive (PC-3 and DU145) and docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3/DTX and DU145/DTX).

Shallow magma diversions during explosive diatreme-forming eruptions.

The diversion of magma is an important mechanism that may lead to the relocation of a volcanic vent. Magma diversion is known to occur during explosive volcanic eruptions generating subterranean excavation and remobilization of country and volcanic rocks. However, feedbacks between explosive crater formation and intrusion processes have not been considered previously, despite their importance for understanding evolving hazards during volcanic eruptions. Here, we apply numerical modeling to test the impacts of excavation and subsequent infilling of diatreme structures on stress states and intrusion geometries during the formation of maar-diatreme complexes. Explosive excavation and infilling of diatremes affects local stress states which inhibits magma ascent and drives lateral diversion at various depths, which are expected to promote intra-diatreme explosions, host rock mixing, and vent migration. Our models demonstrate novel mechanisms explaining the generation of saucer-shaped sills, linked with magma diversion and enhanced intra-diatreme explosive fragmentation during maar-diatreme volcanism. Similar mechanisms will occur at other volcanic vents producing crater-forming eruptions.

Delivery of chondroitinase ABC and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor from silk fibroin conduits enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.

Nerve conduits are a proven strategy for guiding axon regrowth following injury. This study compares degradable silk-trehalose films containing chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) and/or glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) loaded within a silk fibroin-based nerve conduit in a rat sciatic nerve defect model. Four groups of silk conduits were prepared, with the following silk-trehalose films inserted into the conduit: (a) empty; (b) 1 µg GDNF; (3) 2 U ChABC; and (4) 1 µg GDNF/2 U ChABC. Drug release studies demonstrated 20% recovery of GDNF and ChABC at 6 weeks and 24 h, respectively. Six conduits of each type were implanted into 15 mm sciatic nerve defects in Lewis rats; conduits were explanted for histological analysis at 6 weeks. Tissues stained with Schwann cell S-100 antibody demonstrated an increased density of cells in both GDNF- and ChABC-treated groups compared to empty control conduits (p < 0.05). Conduits loaded with GDNF and ChABC also demonstrated higher levels of neuron-specific PGP 9.5 protein when compared to controls (p < 0.05). In this study we demonstrated a method to enhance Schwann cell migration and proliferation and also foster axonal regeneration when repairing peripheral nerve gap defects. Silk fibroin-based nerve conduits possess favourable mechanical and degradative properties and are further enhanced when loaded with ChABC and GDNF. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

cis-2,5-Diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane, a New Chiral Scaffold for Asymmetric Catalysis.

Catalysis of widely used chemical transformations in which the goal is to obtain the product as a pure enantiomer has become a major preoccupation of synthetic organic chemistry over the past three decades. A large number of chiral entities has been deployed to this end, many with considerable success, but one of the simplest and most effective catalytic systems to have emerged from this effort is that based on a chiral diamine, specifically trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane. While there have been attempts to improve upon this scaffold in asymmetric synthesis, few have gained the recognition needed to take their place alongside this classic diamine. The challenge is to design a scaffold that retains the assets of trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane while enhancing its intrinsic chirality and maximizing the scope of its applications. It occurred to us that cis-2,5-diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane could be such a scaffold. Synthesis of this diamine in enantiopure form was completed from benzoic acid, and the (1R,2R,4R,5R) enantiomer was used in all subsequent experiments in this laboratory. Condensation of the diamine with various salicyl aldehydes generated imine derivatives which proved to be excellent "salen" ligands for encapsulation of transition and other metals. In total, 12 salen-metal complexes were prepared from this ligand, many of which were crystalline and three of which, along with the ligand itself, yielded to X-ray crystallography. An advantage of this ligand is that it can be tuned sterically or electronically to confer specific catalytic properties on the salen-metal complex, and this feature was used in several applications of our salen-metal complexes in asymmetric synthesis. Thus, replacement of one of the tert-butyl groups in each benzenoid ring of the salen ligand by a methoxy substituent enhanced the catalytic efficiency of a cobalt(II)-salen complex used in asymmetric cyclopropanation of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes; the catalyst was employed in an improved synthesis of the cyclopropane-containing drug candidate Synosutine. Reduction of the pair of imine functions of the ligand to secondary amines permitted formation of a copper(I)-salen complex that catalyzed asymmetric Henry ("nitroaldol") condensation with excellent efficiency; this catalyst was applied in an economical synthesis of three drugs of the "beta-blocker" family including (S)-Propanolol. Chromium(II) and chromium(III) complexes were prepared from our bicyclooctane-salen ligand bearing a pair of tert-butyl groups in each benzenoid ring. These complexes were found to catalyze, respectively, enantioselective formation of homoallylic alcohols from Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi allylation of aromatic aldehydes and dihydropyranones from hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Plausible reaction models emerging from knowledge of the absolute configuration of products from each of these reactions place the metal-coordinated substrate in a quadrant beneath the bicyclooctane scaffold so that one face of the substrate is blocked by an aryl ring of the salen ligand while the opposite face is left open to attack. The consistent and predictable stereochemical outcome from reactions catalyzed by salen-metal complexes derived from our diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane scaffold adds a valuable new dimension to asymmetric synthesis.

Synergistic effect of exogeneous and endogeneous electrostimulation on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells seeded on silk scaffolds.

Bioelectrical regulation of bone fracture healing is important for many cellular events such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultivated on silk scaffolds in response to different modes of electrostimulation (e.g., exogeneous and/or endogeneous). Endogeneous electrophysiology was altered through the use of monensin (10 nM) and glibenclamide (10 µM), along with external electrostimulation (60 kHz; 100-500 mV). Monensin enhanced the expression of early osteogenic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2). When exogeneous electrostimulation was combined with glibenclamide, more mature osteogenic marker upregulation based on bone sialoprotein expression (BSP) and mineralization was found. These results suggest the potential to exploit both exogeneous and endogeneous biophysical control of cell functions towards tissue-specific goals.

Engineered 3D Silk-collagen-based Model of Polarized Neural Tissue.

Despite huge efforts to decipher the anatomy, composition and function of the brain, it remains the least understood organ of the human body. To gain a deeper comprehension of the neural system scientists aim to simplistically reconstruct the tissue by assembling it in vitro from basic building blocks using a tissue engineering approach. Our group developed a tissue-engineered silk and collagen-based 3D brain-like model resembling the white and gray matter of the cortex. The model consists of silk porous sponge, which is pre-seeded with rat brain-derived neurons, immersed in soft collagen matrix. Polarized neuronal outgrowth and network formation is observed with separate axonal and cell body localization. This compartmental architecture allows for the unique development of niches mimicking native neural tissue, thus enabling research on neuronal network assembly, axonal guidance, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and electrical functions.

Cyclobutane Synthesis and Fragmentation. A Cascade Route to the Lycopodium Alkaloid (-)-Huperzine A.

An asymmetric total synthesis of the nootropic alkaloid (-)-huperzine A was completed using a cascade sequence initiated by an intramolecular aza-Prins reaction and terminated by a stereoelectronically guided fragmentation of a cyclobutylcarbinyl cation as the key step in assembling the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonene core of the natural product. Intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition of the crotyl ether of (S)-4-hydroxycyclohex-2-enone afforded a bicyclo[4.2.0]octanone containing an embedded tetrahydrofuran in which the cyclohexanone moiety was converted to a triisopropylsilyl enol ether and functionalized as an allylic azide. The derived primary amine was acylated with α-phenylselenylacrylic acid, and the resulting amide was reacted with trimethylaluminum to give a [2 + 2]-cycloadduct, which underwent retroaldol fission to produce a fused α-phenylselenyl δ-lactam. Periodate oxidation of this lactam led directly to an α-pyridone, which was converted to a fused 2-methoxypyridine. Reductive cleavage of the activated "pyridylic" C-O bond in this tetracycle and elaboration of the resultant hydroxy ketone to a diketone was followed by chemoselective conversion of the methyl ketone in this structure to an endo isopropenyl group. Condensation of the remaining ketone with methyl carbamate in the presence of acid initiated the programmed cascade sequence and furnished a known synthetic precursor to huperzine A. Subsequent demethylation of the carbamate and the methoxypyridine, accompanied by in situ decarboxylation of the intermediate carbamic acid, gave (-)-huperzine A.

Regioselective and Enantioselective Addition of Sulfur Nucleophiles to Acyclic α,ß,γ,δ-Unsaturated Dienones Catalyzed by an Iron(III)-Salen Complex.

The first regioselective, enantioselective conjugate addition of thiols to acyclic α,ß,γ,δ-unsaturated dienones at the δ carbon is described. The reaction, catalyzed by a chiral iron(III)-salen complex derived from cis-2,5-diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane as the scaffold, provides δ-thia-α,ß-unsaturated ketones in high yield and enantioselectivity. The bicyclooctane scaffold of (2R,3R,5R,6R) configuration affords a δ-thia-α,ß-unsaturated ketone of (R) configuration, indicating that the sulfur nucleophile is introduced at the si face of the γ,δ-double bond. A model providing an explanation for this regio- and stereoselection is proposed.

The Surtsey Magma Series.

The volcanic island of Surtsey (Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland) is the product of a 3.5-year-long eruption that began in November 1963. Observations of magma-water interaction during pyroclastic episodes made Surtsey the type example of shallow-to-emergent phreatomagmatic eruptions. Here, in part to mark the 50(th) anniversary of this canonical eruption, we present previously unpublished major-element whole-rock compositions, and new major and trace-element compositions of sideromelane glasses in tephra collected by observers and retrieved from the 1979 drill core. Compositions became progressively more primitive as the eruption progressed, with abrupt changes corresponding to shifts between the eruption's four edifices. Trace-element ratios indicate that the chemical variation is best explained by mixing of different proportions of depleted ridge-like basalt, with ponded, enriched alkalic basalt similar to that of Iceland's Eastern Volcanic Zone; however, the systematic offset of Surtsey compositions to lower Nb/Zr than other Vestmannaeyjar lavas indicates that these mixing end members are as-yet poorly contained by compositions in the literature. As the southwestern-most volcano in the Vestmannaeyjar, the geochemistry of the Surtsey Magma Series exemplifies processes occurring within ephemeral magma bodies on the extreme leading edge of a propagating off-axis rift in the vicinity of the Iceland plume.

Coculture of dorsal root ganglion neurons and differentiated human corneal stromal stem cells on silk-based scaffolds.

Corneal tissue displays the highest peripheral nerve density in the human body. Engineering of biomaterials to promote interactions between neurons and corneal tissue could provide tissue models for nerve/cornea development, platforms for drug screening, as well as innovative opportunities to regenerate cornea tissue. The focus of this study was to develop a coculture system for differentiated human corneal stromal stem cells (dhCSSCs) and dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) to mimic the human cornea tissue interactions. Axon extension, connectivity, and neuron cell viability were studied. DRG neurons developed longer axons when cocultured with dhCSSCs in comparison to neuron cultures alone. To assess the mechanism involved in the coculture response, nerve growth factors (NGF) secreted by dhCSSCs including NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurotrophin-3 were characterized with greater focus on BDNF secretion. DhCSSCs also secreted collagen type I, an extracellular matrix molecule favorable for neuronal outgrowth. This coculture system provides a slowly degrading silk matrix to study neuronal responses in concert with hCSSCs related to innervation of corneal tissue with utility toward human corneal nerve regeneration and associated diseases.

Synthesis of two subunits of the macrolide domain of the immunosuppressive agent sanglifehrin a and assembly of a macrolactone precursor. application of masamune anti-aldol condensation.

Asymmetric anti-aldol coupling of a norephedrine-derived ester with an α-chiral aldehyde was used to synthesize a carboxylic acid representing the C13-C19 segment of the macrocyclic domain present in the immunosuppressive agent sanglifehrin A. Felkin addition set configuration at the C14-C17 stereotetrad in this unit in which hydroxyl functions at C15 and C17 were masked as an internal ketal. The carboxyl group of this segment was coupled to the N-terminus of the tripeptide portion (C1-N12) of sanglifehrin A macrolactone to assemble the C1-C19 domain. Synthesis of the C20-C25 subunit of sanglifehrin A containing a (23S) alcohol was completed via asymmetric allylation of (E)-3-iodo-2-methylprop-2-enal followed by oxidative cleavage of the terminal vinyl appendage and a Takai olefination with pinacol dichloromethylboronate. Esterification of this alcohol with a C1-C19 carboxylic acid furnished an open C1-C25 macrolactone precursor, but this substance failed to undergo macrocyclization via intramolecular Suzuki-Miyaura coupling.

Silk-tropoelastin protein films for nerve guidance.

Peripheral nerve regeneration may be enhanced through the use of biodegradable thin film biomaterials as highly tuned inner nerve conduit liners. Dorsal root ganglion neuron and Schwann cell responses were studied on protein films comprising silk fibroin blended with recombinant human tropoelastin protein. Tropoelastin significantly improved neurite extension and enhanced Schwann cell process length and cell area, while the silk provided a robust biomaterial template. Silk-tropoelastin blends afforded a 2.4-fold increase in neurite extension, when compared to silk films coated with poly-d-lysine. When patterned by drying on grooved polydimethylsiloxane (3.5 µm groove width, 0.5 µm groove depth), these protein blends induced both neurite and Schwann cell process alignment. Neurons were functional as assessed using patch-clamping, and displayed action potentials similar to those cultured on poly(lysine)-coated glass. Taken together, silk-tropoelastin films offer useful biomaterial interfacial platforms for nerve cell control, which can be considered for neurite guidance, disease models for neuropathies and surgical peripheral nerve repairs.

A new iron(III)-salen catalyst for enantioselective Conia-ene carbocyclization.

A chiral iron(III)-salen complex based on a cis-2,5-diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane scaffold catalyzes asymmetric Conia-ene-type cyclization of α-functionalized ketones containing an unactivated terminal alkyne and produces an exo-methylenecycloalkane possessing a stereodefined quaternary center.

Bioengineered functional brain-like cortical tissue.

The brain remains one of the most important but least understood tissues in our body, in part because of its complexity as well as the limitations associated with in vivo studies. Although simpler tissues have yielded to the emerging tools for in vitro 3D tissue cultures, functional brain-like tissues have not. We report the construction of complex functional 3D brain-like cortical tissue, maintained for months in vitro, formed from primary cortical neurons in modular 3D compartmentalized architectures with electrophysiological function. We show that, on injury, this brain-like tissue responds in vitro with biochemical and electrophysiological outcomes that mimic observations in vivo. This modular 3D brain-like tissue is capable of real-time nondestructive assessments, offering previously unidentified directions for studies of brain homeostasis and injury.

Total synthesis of macrodiolide ionophores aplasmomycin A and boromycin via double ring contraction.

The half structure of the symmetrical macrodiolide aplasmomycin A was synthesized by alkylation of a C3-C10 α-sulfonyl ketone subunit, prepared from (R)-pulegone and protected as a C3 ortholactone with (2R,3R)-butanediol, by a protected 15,16-dihydroxy (12E)-allylic chloride representing C11-C17. The latter was obtained from (2S,3R)-1,2-epoxy-3-butanol and propargyl alcohol. Regio- and stereoselective 5-exo-trig cyclization of the ene diol moiety in this segment, mediated by N-bromosuccinimide, led to the (2R,3S,5R)-tetrahydrofuran substructure of aplasmomycin A. Attachment of an α-acetic ester at the C3 carboxylic acid and esterification of the 3'-hydroxyl group of the tetrahydrofuran as its α-bromoacetate enabled coupling of two aplasmomycin half structures as an α-acyloxy acetate. Mukaiyama macrolactonization of this hydroxy acid afforded a symmetrical 36-membered diolide. Base-mediated double Chan rearrangement of this bis α-acyloxy dilactone caused ring contraction to the 34-membered macrocycle of desboroaplasmomycin A while generating the transannular 2-hydroxy-3-hemiketal motif of the natural product in the correct configuration. Final incorporation of boron into the tetraol core produced aplasmomycin A, isolated as its sodium borate. Extension of this route to the unsymmetrical macrodiolide boromycin was accomplished by modifications that included reversal of C12-C13 olefin geometry to (Z) for the southern half structure along with stereoselective hydride reductions of the C9 ketone that produced (9R) and (9S) alcohols for northern and southern half structures, respectively. Coupling of these half structures was made using an α-acyloxy ester linkage as for aplasmomycin A, but ring closure in this case was orchestrated via a blocked C16 alcohol that left open the C15 hydroxyl group of the southern half for Mukaiyama macrolactonization. A double Chan rearrangement of the resulting 35-membered macrocycle produced the 33-membered diolide of desborodesvalinylboromycin which had been obtained previously by degradation of natural boromycin. Insertion of boron into the tetraol core followed by esterification of the C16 alcohol with a masked d-valine and final deprotection furnished boromycin as its zwitterionic (Böeseken) complex.

A new cobalt-salen catalyst for asymmetric cyclopropanation. Synthesis of the serotonin-norepinephrine repuptake inhibitor (+)-synosutine.

A new C2 symmetric cobalt(II)-salen catalyst based on cis-2,5-diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane as the chiral scaffold was prepared which, in the presence of potassium thioacetate as the promoter, catalyzed the formation of cyclopropanes from 1,1-disubstituted ethylenes and ethyl diazoacetate in high yield and with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Asymmetric cyclopropanation with the catalyst was used in a short, efficient synthesis of the dual serotonin-epinephrine reuptake inhibitor (+)-synosutine.

On the fate of pumice rafts formed during the 2012 Havre submarine eruption.

Pumice rafts are floating mobile accumulations of low-density pumice clasts generated by silicic volcanic eruptions. Pumice in rafts can drift for years, become waterlogged and sink, or become stranded on shorelines. Here we show that the pumice raft formed by the impressive, deep submarine eruption of the Havre caldera volcano (Southwest Pacific) in July 2012 can be mapped by satellite imagery augmented by sailing crew observations. Far from coastal interference, the eruption produced a single >400 km(2) raft in 1 day, thus initiating a gigantic, high-precision, natural experiment relevant to both modern and prehistoric oceanic surface dispersal dynamics. Observed raft dispersal can be accurately reproduced by simulating drift and dispersal patterns using currents from an eddy-resolving ocean model hindcast. For future eruptions that produce potentially hazardous pumice rafts, our technique allows real-time forecasts of dispersal routes, in addition to inference of ash/pumice deposit distribution in the deep ocean.