Directed Ortho and Remote Metalation of Naphthalene 1,8-Diamide: Complementing SEAr Reactivity for the Synthesis of Substituted Naphthalenes.

Mono- and dianion species of 1,8-naphthalene diamide 2 were generated under sec-BuLi/TMEDA conditions and trapped with a variety of electrophiles to give 2- and 2,7- substituted products 3 and 4. Using Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, mono- and di-iodinated products were converted into the corresponding 2-aryl (5) and 2,7-diaryl (6) products, respectively. The amide-amide rotation barrier of 2 was established by VT NMR, and the structure of fluorenone structure 9, obtained by remote metalation, was secured.

Small-molecule targeting of MUSASHI RNA-binding activity in acute myeloid leukemia.

The MUSASHI (MSI) family of RNA binding proteins (MSI1 and MSI2) contribute to a wide spectrum of cancers including acute myeloid leukemia. We find that the small molecule Ro 08-2750 (Ro) binds directly and selectively to MSI2 and competes for its RNA binding in biochemical assays. Ro treatment in mouse and human myeloid leukemia cells results in an increase in differentiation and apoptosis, inhibition of known MSI-targets, and a shared global gene expression signature similar to shRNA depletion of MSI2. Ro demonstrates in vivo inhibition of c-MYC and reduces disease burden in a murine AML leukemia model. Thus, we identify a small molecule that targets MSI's oncogenic activity. Our study provides a framework for targeting RNA binding proteins in cancer.

Nerve growth factor inhibitor with novel-binding domain demonstrates nanomolar efficacy in both cell-based and cell-free assay systems.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is known to regulate the development and survival of a select population of neurons through the binding and activation of the TrkA receptor. Elevated levels of NGF have been associated with painful pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. However, completely inhibiting the NGF signal could hold significant side effects, such as those observed in a genetic condition called congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA). Previous methods of screening for NGF-inhibitors used labeling techniques which have the potential to alter molecular interactions. SPR spectroscopy and NGF-dependent cellular assays were utilized to identify a novel NGF-inhibitor, BVNP-0197 (IC50  = 90 nmol/L), the first NGF-inhibitor described with a high nanomolar NGF inhibition efficiency. The present study utilizes molecular modeling flexible docking to identify a novel binding domain in the loop II/IV cleft of NGF.

Characterizing nerve growth factor-p75(NTR) interactions and small molecule inhibition using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is critical for the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of neurons through its binding to the p75(NTR) and TrkA receptors. Dysregulation of NGF has been implicated in several pathologies, including neurodegeneration (i.e., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and both inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. Therefore, small molecule inhibitors that block NGF-receptor interactions have significant therapeutic potential. Small molecule antagonists ALE-0540, PD90780, Ro 08-2750, and PQC 083 have all been reported to inhibit NGF from binding the TrkA receptor. Interestingly, the characterization of the ability of these molecules to block NGF-p75(NTR) interactions has not been performed. In addition, the inhibitory action of these molecules has never been evaluated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, which has been proven to be highly useful in drug discovery applications. In the current study, we used SPR biosensors to characterize the binding of NGF to the p75(NTR) receptor in addition to characterizing the inhibitory potential of the known NGF antagonists. The results of this study provide the first evaluation of the ability of these compounds to block NGF binding to p75(NTR) receptor. In addition, only PD90780 was effective at inhibiting the interaction of NGF with p75(NTR), suggesting receptor selectivity between known NGF inhibitors.

Using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy to characterize the inhibition of NGF-p75(NTR) and proNGF-p75(NTR) interactions by small molecule inhibitors.

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, acts to influence the survival and differentiation of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems via its binding to the p75(NTR) and TrkA receptors. Its precursor, proNGF, has been shown to be the dominant form of NGF in the central nervous system, suggesting a biological function beyond its role as a precursor. Like NGF, proNGF is known to bind the p75(NTR) receptor. The dysregulation of both NGF and proNGF have been implicated in several pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases linked to p75(NTR)-mediated apoptotic signaling. Therefore, the identification of small molecule inhibitors capable of inhibiting both NGF and proNGF-p75(NTR) interactions may be of therapeutic interest. In the present study, we examine the inhibitory action of known small molecule-based inhibitors PD90780, ALE-0540, Ro 08-2750, and PQC 083, as well as novel derivatives of these compounds, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy.

A Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy Method for Characterizing Small-Molecule Binding to Nerve Growth Factor.

Small-molecule inhibitors have been previously investigated to identify possible therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain. In the present study, known nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitors identified by (125)I-NGF binding were characterized using affinity and binding evaluations by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. A novel strategy for characterizing NGF inhibitors was used to determine the binding affinity (KD) and saturation ability of each compound with immobilized NGF. Seventy-four percent of compounds screened demonstrated a positive binding event to NGF. A KD less than 10 µM and a percent saturation greater than 50% were used as thresholds to identify inhibitors that would warrant further investigation. This study details for the first time a methodology that can be used to directly characterize the binding event between small-molecule inhibitors and NGF.

Microalgae cultivation in a novel top-lit gas-lift open bioreactor.

This work investigated a top-lit open microalgae bioreactor that uses a gas-lift system to enable deeper production depths, thereby significantly reducing the footprint. Growth of Scenedesmus sp. in a one-meter deep system by sparged with 6% CO2-enhanced air was evaluated. The results gave comparable volumetric biomass productivity (0.06 g(dw) L(-1) day(-1)), but around three-times higher areal productivity (60.0 g(dw)m(-)(2) day(-)(1)) than reported for traditional raceways. The lipid content of the Scenedesmus sp. was increased by 27% with an enhanced level of CO2 in the sparging gas.

Antiapoptotic actions of methyl gallate on neonatal rat cardiac myocytes exposed to H2O2.

Reactive oxygen species trigger cardiomyocyte cell death via increased oxidative stress and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The prevention of cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a putative therapeutic target in cardioprotection. Polyphenol intake has been associated with reduced incidences of cardiovascular disease and better overall health. Polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, resulting in better health outcomes in animal models of cardiac disorders. Here, we analyzed whether the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or polyphenols EGCG, gallic acid (GA) or methyl gallate (MG) can protect cardiomyocytes from cobalt or H2O2-induced stress. We demonstrate that MG can uphold viability of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes exposed to H2O2 by diminishing intracellular ROS, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, augmenting endogenous glutathione, and reducing apoptosis as evidenced by impaired Annexin V/PI staining, prevention of DNA fragmentation, and cleaved caspase-9 accumulation. These findings suggest a therapeutic value for MG in cardioprotection.

Bioprospecting for acidophilic lipid-rich green microalgae isolated from abandoned mine site water bodies.

With fossil fuel sources in limited supply, microalgae show tremendous promise as a carbon neutral source of biofuel. Current microalgae biofuel strategies typically rely on growing high-lipid producing laboratory strains of microalgae in open raceways or closed system photobioreactors. Unfortunately, these microalgae species are found to be sensitive to environmental stresses or competition by regional strains. Contamination by invasive species can diminish productivity of commercial algal processes. A potential improvement to current strategies is to identify high-lipid producing microalgae, which thrive in selected culture conditions that reduce the risk of contamination, such as low pH. Here we report the identification of a novel high-lipid producing microalgae which can tolerate low pH growth conditions. Lig 290 is a Scenedesmus spp. isolated from a low pH waterbody (pH = 4.5) in proximity to an abandoned lignite mine in Northern Ontario, Canada. Compared to a laboratory strain of Scendesmus dimorphus, Lig 290 demonstrated robust growth rates, a strong growth profile, and high lipid production. As a consequence, Lig 290 may have potential application as a robust microalgal species for use in biofuel production.

Identification of novel pyrazoloquinazolinecarboxilate analogues to inhibit nerve growth factor in vitro.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is known to regulate the development and survival of select populations of neurons via its binding/activation of the TrkA and p75(NTR) receptors. However, in some physiological circumstances NGF dysregulation can result in debilitating pathologies, including diabetic neuropathies, interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia. Thus, the identification of small molecules which inhibit NGF signalling have significant therapeutic potential. PD 90780, Ro 08-2750, and ALE 0540 are small molecules that have been reported to bind and inhibit NGF activity. Importantly, the docking site of these compounds is hypothesised to occur at the loop I/IV cleft of NGF-a region which is required for efficient and selective binding of this neurotrophin to its receptor(s). Molecular modelling predicts a number of previously reported NGF antagonists (PD 90780, ALE 0540, and Ro 08-2750) share conserved molecular features, and these drug-like small molecules have the ability to bind and modify the molecular topology of NGF. In order to understand the putative mechanism of binding, we synthesised a pyrazoloquinazolinecarboxilate analogue series and tested each compound in an NGF-dependent PC12 cell differentiation assay. In vitro data confirms that the pyrazoloquinazolinecarboxilate analogues functionally inhibit NGF's effects on PC12 cell differentiation. The results of this study provide evidence to refine the docking mode of pyrazoloquinazolinecarboxilate based compounds for the purposes of inhibiting NGF in vitro. In addition, we identified series analogue PQC 083 (IC50=7.0 µM; CI=5.4-10.1 µM) which displays markedly higher potency than previously described NGF antagonists.

Management of oxidative stress by microalgae.

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current research on oxidative stress in eukaryotic microalgae and the antioxidant compounds microalgae utilize to control oxidative stress. With the potential to exploit microalgae for the large-scale production of antioxidants, interest in how microalgae manage oxidative stress is growing. Microalgae can experience increased levels of oxidative stress and toxicity as a result of environmental conditions, metals, and chemicals. The defence mechanisms for microalgae include antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases, and glutathione reductase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules such as phytochelatins, pigments, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. Discussed herein are the 3 areas the literature has focused on, including how conditions stress microalgae and how microalgae respond to oxidative stress by managing reactive oxygen species. The third area is how beneficial microalgae antioxidants are when administered to cancerous mammalian cells or to rodents experiencing oxidative stress.

Structural, biological, and pharmacological strategies for the inhibition of nerve growth factor.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is critical for the development and maintenance of sympathetic and sensory neurons in the developing nervous system, including nociceptors. In the adult nervous system, NGF is known to produce significant pain signals by binding to the TrkA and p75NTR receptors. Several pathological pain disorders are associated with nerve growth factor dysregulation, including neuropathic pain, osteoarthritic pain, and hyperalgesia. Currently, clinical management of these pathologies has relied on the use of opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). However, several chronic pain conditions demonstrate insensitivity to NSAID treatment or the development of detrimental opioid-related side effects, including addiction. As NGF plays an important role in pain generation; antibodies, small molecules and peptides have been designed to antagonize NGF. In this review, we discuss the structural biology of NGF ligand/receptor interaction, and we review current biological and pharmacological strategies to modulate NGF-related pathologies.

Optimization of staining conditions for microalgae with three lipophilic dyes to reduce precipitation and fluorescence variability.

When the fluorescence signal of a dye is being quantified, the staining protocol is an important factor in ensuring accuracy and reproducibility. Increasingly, lipophilic dyes are being used to quantify cellular lipids in microalgae. However, there is little discussion about the sensitivity of these dyes to staining conditions. To address this, microalgae were stained with either the lipophilic dyes often used for lipid quantification (Nile Red and BODIPY) or a lipophilic dye commonly used to stain neuronal cell membranes (DiO), and fluorescence was measured using flow cytometry. The concentration of the cells being stained was found not to affect the fluorescence. Conversely, the concentration of dye significantly affected the fluorescence intensity from either insufficient saturation of the cellular lipids or formation of dye precipitate. Precipitates of all three dyes were detected as events by flow cytometry and fluoresced at a similar intensity as the chlorophyll in the microalgae. Prevention of precipitate formation is, therefore, critical to ensure accurate fluorescence measurement with these dyes. It was also observed that the presence of organic solvents, such as acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), were not required to increase penetration of the dyes into cells and that the presence of these solvents resulted in increased cellular debris. Thus, staining conditions affected the fluorescence of all three lipophilic dyes, but Nile Red was found to have a stable fluorescence intensity that was unaffected by the broadest range of conditions and could be correlated to cellular lipid content.

Protective effects of polyphenolic compounds on oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells.

To investigate the beneficial properties associated with polyphenols, we screened 12 polyphenols for their ability to increase the viability of PC12 cells subjected to oxidative stress via CoCl2 and H2O2. Cell viability data demonstrate that 50 micromol/L methyl gallate and 50 micromol/L fisetin significantly increase viability of H2O2-stressed cells. Further, viability data suggest that 100 micromol/L epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) increases basal viability, but has no rescue effect on cells stressed with CoCl2 or H2O2. Analysis of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) shows that EGCG, methyl gallate, and gallic acid are effective in reducing CoCl2-derived ROS, and that methyl gallate is effective in attenuating H2O2-derived ROS. Examination of nitric oxide concentrations shows that methyl gallate significantly increases nitric oxide, both in nonstressed and H2O2-stressed cells, whereas EGCG results are consistent with the scavenging of nitric oxide under nonstressed and stressed conditions. Furthermore, analysis of total glutathione levels reveals that EGCG, methyl gallate, and gallic acid pretreatments with and without H2O2 stress have the ability to significantly alter glutathione metabolism. These findings suggest that EGCG, methyl gallate, and gallic acid may have potential therapeutic properties.

Zinc-metallothionein: a potential mediator of antioxidant defence mechanisms in response to dopamine-induced stress.

Clinically, Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of tremors and rigidity that is found primarily in patients over the age of 50. At the cellular level, it is clear that the pathology of PD results from the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Several lines of evidence have implicated oxidative stress as a contributing factor to the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in PD. Under conditions of oxidative stress, the neurotransmitter dopamine can be oxidized to form neurotoxic quinone and semiquinone products. While dopaquinones are known to be extremely reactive towards sulfhydryl groups of many cellular substrates, mounting evidence suggests that their toxic effects can be quenched by intrinsic antioxidant mechanisms (e.g., glutathione). However, to respond appropriately to differing levels of oxidative stress, cells require a mechanism to regulate an appropriate response. This manuscript proposes metallothionein as a major cellular sensor of oxidized dopamine stress and metallothionein-mediated Zn2+ mobilization as an effecter signal that is used by the cell to manage oxidized dopamine as an intrinsic neurotoxin.

Protective effects of methyl gallate on H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

Neurodegenerative disorders are a class of diseases that have been linked to apoptosis induced by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS activates the apoptotic cascade through mitochondrial dysfunction and damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. Recently, fruit and tea-derived polyphenols have been found to be beneficial in decreasing oxidative stress and increasing overall health. Further, polyphenols including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been reported to inhibit apoptotic signaling and increase neural cell survival. In an effort to better understand the beneficial properties associated with polyphenol consumption, the aim of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of EGCG, methyl gallate (MG), gallic acid (GA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and elucidate potential protective mechanisms. Cell viability data demonstrates that MG and NAC pre-treatments significantly increase viability of H(2)O(2)-stressed cells, while pre-treatments with EGCG and GA exacerbates stress. Quantitation of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential shows that MG pre-treatment prevents mitochondria depolarization, however does not inhibit apoptosis and is thus evidence that MG can inhibit mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Subsequent analysis of DNA degradation and caspase activation reveals that MG inhibits activation of caspase 9 and has a partial inhibitory effect on DNA degradation. These findings confirm the involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis and suggest that MG may have potential therapeutic properties against mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

The association of metal ion exposure with alpha-synuclein-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of fish, Catostomus commersoni.

Alpha-synuclein protein aggregates are a major component of Lewy bodies, the intracytoplasmic inclusions found in dopaminergic neurons that are a defining characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Other "synucleopathies" include dementia with Lewy bodies and multisystem atrophy. In vitro, the formation of these deposits can be induced by a number of substances, including metal ions. Fish provide a useful model to study the long-term biological effects of metal ion exposure, but to date no studies have been reported concerning such exposures with respect to alpha-synuclein aggregation. Mature white sucker fish (Catostomus commersoni; aged 5-8 years) were sampled from two sites within the Red Lake area of Northwestern Ontario, a region highly contaminated by metal ions due to mining activity. Individual fish were characterized with respect to liver metal ion uptake and metallothionein levels. Central nervous system (CNS) tissues of fish from test sites representing high and low metal ion contamination were examined immunohistochemically using a polyclonal antibody recognising alpha-synuclein protein. We demonstrate here that the CNS of fish exposed to elevated metal ion environments had increased alpha-synuclein-like immunoreactive aggregates, potentially reflecting metal ion exposure leading to CNS toxicity. These findings demonstrate that fish may be an important new model for studying environmental risk factors and the pathology associated with Parkinson's disease.

Conformational analysis of the effects of methylmercury on nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor.

Methylmercury is a neurotoxicant that is detrimental to the development and physiology of the nervous system. One possible mechanism for methylmercury's toxicity stems from its ability to interfere with the signaling of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophic factor. In this study, we examine the effect of methylmercury to determine if it interferes with neurotrophin conformation in a manner similar to Hg(2+), or if it occurs via an alternate mechanism. Our findings indicate that although MeHg inhibits neurotrophin signaling, its toxic effects are not mediated via an induced conformational change, as seen with other metal ions, including Hg(2+).

Covalent arylation of metallothionein by oxidized dopamine products: a possible mechanism for zinc-mediated enhancement of dopaminergic neuron survival.

Metallothioneins are a group of low molecular weight proteins which can be induced upon exposure to metal ions, including Zn(II). These cysteine-rich proteins are believed to have antioxidant-like properties due to their ability to scavenge free radicals with their multiple sulfhydryl groups. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can form toxic quinone and semi-quinone products in an oxidative environment. While Zn(II) is known to be toxic to some neuron subtypes, here we report a beneficial effect of Zn(II) on dopaminergic neurons and identify a mechanism through which metallothionein may scavenge toxic dopamine oxidation products. Cultured embryonic neurons were treated with Zn(II), and the number of dopaminergic neurons surviving after two or three weeks in culture was determined. We demonstrate that under these conditions metallothionein is upregulated and is able to form covalent arylation products with dopamine and 6-hydroxydopamine both in vitro and in culture. These experiments suggest that Zn(II) enhances the survival of dopaminergic neurons, and we propose that as a mechanism, upregulated metallothioneins form covalent adducts with both dopamine and 6-hydroxydopamine, resulting in the observed neuroprotective effect of Zn(II) on these cells. As Zn(II) homeostasis and modulation of metallothionein expression are hallmarks of neurodegeneration, these studies may have significant implications for understanding the underlying basis of degenerative diseases involving dopaminergic neurons, including Parkinson's disease.

Place preference induced by nucleus accumbens amphetamine is impaired by antagonists of ERK or p38 MAP kinases in rats.

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a role in conditioned place preference (CPP). The authors tested the hypothesis that inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) would inhibit NAc-amphetamine-produced CPP. Results confirmed that NAc amphetamine increased levels of the MAPK extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In CPP studies, NAc injections (0.5 microl per side) of the ERK inhibitor PD98059 (1.0-2.5 microg) or the p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 (15-500 ng) dose dependently impaired CPP. The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 (1.0-2.5 microg) failed to block the CPP effect. The drugs did not block amphetamine-induced motor activity. Results suggest that ERK and p38, but not JNK, MAPKs may be necessary for the establishment of NAc amphetamine-produced CPP and may also mediate other forms of reward-related learning dependent on NAc.