Concentration and time-dependent amyloidogenic characteristics of intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1 protein is a ribosomal association factor, which plays an important role in preserving ribosomes in a nutrition-deprived environment. It is also shown to take part in apoptosis-like cell death. Stm1 N-terminal region (Stm1_N1-113) is shown to recognize purine motif DNA triplex and G-quadruplex. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Stm1_N1-113 (enriched in positively-charged Lysine and Arginine; negatively-charged Aspartate; polar-uncharged Threonine, Asparagine, Proline and Serine; hydrophobic Alanine, Valine, and Glycine) collected after 0 and 24 h indicate that the protein assumes beta-sheet conformation at the higher concentrations in contrast to intrinsically disordered conformation seen for its monomeric form found in the crystal structure. Thioflavin-T kinetics experiments indicate that the lag phase is influenced by the salt concentration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images collected for a variety of Stm1_N1-113 concentrations (in the range of 1-400 µM) in the presence of 150 mM NaCl at 0, 24, and 48 h indicate a threshold concentration requirement to observe the time-dependent amyloid formation. This is prominent seen at the physiological salt concentration of 150 mM NaCl with the fibrillation observed for 400 µM concentration at 48 h, whereas oligomerization or proto-fibrillation is seen for the other concentrations. Such concentration-dependent fibrillation of Stm1_N1-113 explains that amyloid fibrils formed during the overexpression of Stm1_N1-113 may act as a molecular device to trigger apoptosis-like cell death.

Destabilizing Effect of Organo Ru(II) Salts on the Intermolecular Parallel CGG Repeat DNA Quadruplex Associated with Neurodegenerative/Neuromuscular Diseases.

The cationic organo ruthenium(II) salts ([Ru(p-cymene)(ipit)(Cl)](Cl) (RuS), 1-isopropyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-imidazol-2-thione (ipit) and [Ru(p-cymene)(ipis)(Cl)](Cl) (RuSe), 1-isopropyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-imidazol-2-selenone (ipis)) are isolated, and their binding efficacy with d(CGG)15 quadruplex is investigated. Circular dichroism (CD) wavelength scan titration experiments of RuS and RuSe compounds with the intermolecular parallel quadruplex formed by d(CGG)15 (associated with neurodegenerative/neuromuscular/neuronal intranuclear inclusion disorders like FXTAS, OPMD, OPDM types 1-4, and OPML as well as FXPOI) and with the control d(CGG)15·d(CCG)15 duplex indicate their specificity toward the former. Electrophoretic mobility shift titration experiments also confirm the binding of the ligands with d(CGG)15. CD thermal denaturation experiments indicate that both RuS and RuSe destabilize the quadruplex, specifically at 10 mM concentration of the ligands. This is further confirmed by 1D 1H NMR experiments. Such a destabilizing effect of these ligands on the d(CGG)15 quadruplex indicates that RuS and RuSe chalcogen complexes can act as a template for the design of novel molecules for the diagnostics and/or therapeutics of CGG repeat expansion-associated diseases.

Flexible Solution-Processable Black-Phosphorus-Based Optoelectronic Memristive Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing and Artificial Visual Perception Applications.

Being renowned for operating with visible-light pulses and electrical signals, optoelectronic memristive synaptic devices have excellent potential for neuromorphic computing systems and artificial visual information processing. Here, a flexible back-end-of-line-compatible optoelectronic memristor based on a solution-processable black phosphorus/HfOx bilayer with excellent synaptic features, toward biomimetic retinas is presented. The device shows highly stable synaptic features such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) for repetitive 1000 epochs, having 400 conductance pulses, each. The device presents advanced synaptic features in terms of long-term memory (LTM)/short term memory (STM), as well as learning-forgetting-relearning when visible light is induced on it. These advanced synaptic features can improve the information processing abilities for neuromorphic applications. Interestingly, the STM can be converted into LTM by adjusting the intensity of light and illumination time. Using the light-induced characteristics of the device, a 6 × 6 synaptic array is developed to exhibit possible use in artificial visual perception. Moreover, the devices are flexed using a silicon back-etching process. The resulting flexible devices demonstrate stable synaptic features when bent down to 1 cm radius. These multifunctional features in a single memristive cell make it highly suitable for optoelectronic memory storage, neuromorphic computing, and artificial visual perception applications.

Hydroxypyridine/Pyridone Interconversions within Ruthenium Complexes and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO2.

Reaction of a new ligand 6-DiPPon (6-diisopropylphosphino-2-pyridone) with 0.5 equiv of [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 resulted in the formation of a mixture of [RuCl2(p-cymene)(κ1-P-6-DiPPon)]2 (1) and [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]Cl ([2]Cl) (where 6-DiPPin = 6-diisopropylphosphino-2-hydroxypyridine). The ratio between the two products can be controlled by the nature of the solvent. The similar reaction between 6-DiPPon and [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 in the presence of AgOTf and Na[BArF24] (where BArF24 = [{3,5-(CF3)2C6H3}4B]-) resulted in the formation of the complexes [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]OTf, ([2]OTf) and [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]BArF24 ([2]BArF24), respectively. Reactions between complex [2]Cl, [2]OTf, or [2]BArF24 and a base (either DBU or NaOMe) resulted in the deprotonation of the hydroxyl functional group to form a novel neutral orange-colored dearomatized complex, 3. The identity of complex 3 was confirmed as [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPon*)], where 6-DiPPon* is the anionic species (6-diisopropylphosphino-2-oxo-pyridinide), which contains the deprotonated moiety. The new 6-DiPPon ligand and its corresponding air stable half-sandwich derivative ruthenium complexes 1, [2]OTf, [2]BArF24, and 3 were all isolated in good yields and fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. The interconversions between the neutral and anionic forms of the ligands 6-DiPPon, 6-DiPPin, and 6-DiPPon* offer the potential for novel secondary sphere interactions and proton shuttling reactivity. The consequences for this have been explored in the activation of H2 and the subsequent catalytic hydrogenations of CO2 into formate salts in the presence of a base.

Solvent-regulated fluorescence off-on signaling of Ni(II) and Zn(II) with the formation of two mononuclear complexes with an ATP detection ability by Zn(II) assembly.

The current study shows that Schiff base HL, (Z)-2,4-dibromo-6-(((piperidin-2-ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol, can be used successfully as a selective chemosensor for Zn(II) and Ni(II) among several competing cations in purely aqueous and semi-aqueous media. Under UV light in methanol-water (9 : 1) HEPES buffer, the receptor gives its response by changing its color to cyan color in the presence of Zn(II) and to bluish cyan color in the presence of Ni(II). Surprisingly, the chemosensor can only reliably identify Zn(II) in a hundred percent aqueous medium by changing its color to light yellow. UV and fluorescence studies in both aqueous and semi-aqueous media are used to further investigate this Zn(II) and Ni(II) recognition phenomenon. The high values of the host-guest binding constants, obtained by electronic and fluorescence titration, ensure that a strong bond exists between HL and Ni(II)/Zn(II). As anticipated, two highly luminescent mononuclear, crystalline compounds, complexes 1 and 2, have been developed by a separate reaction of HL and Zn(II)/Ni(II), and the high luminous properties are due to the occurrence of Chelation Enhanced Fluorescence (CHEF). According to the single crystal structure, the asymmetric units of both complexes consist of two deprotonated chemosensor units and one Zn(II)/Ni(II), leading to the formation of an octahedral complex. For Ni(II) and Zn(II) sensing, the predicted LOD is in the nanomolar range. Both complexes 1 and 2 are fluorescence active and studies to check their ATP detection ability, but intriguingly, only complex 2 is capable of detecting ATP in a fully aqueous solution. Finally, the live cell imaging study validates the two sensors' biosensing functionality.

Magnesium Pincer Complexes and Their Applications in Catalytic Semihydrogenation of Alkynes and Hydrogenation of Alkenes: Evidence for Metal-Ligand Cooperation.

The development of catalysts for environmentally benign organic transformations is a very active area of research. Most of the catalysts reported so far are based on transition-metal complexes. In recent years, examples of catalysis by main-group metal compounds have been reported. Herein, we report a series of magnesium pincer complexes, which were characterized by NMR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Reversible activation of H2 via aromatization/dearomatization metal-ligand cooperation was studied. Utilizing the obtained complexes, the unprecedented homogeneous main-group metal catalyzed semihydrogenation of alkynes and hydrogenation of alkenes were demonstrated under base-free conditions, affording Z-alkenes and alkanes as products, respectively, with excellent yields and selectivities. Control experiments and DFT studies reveal the involvement of metal-ligand cooperation in the hydrogenation reactions. This study not only provides a new approach for the semihydrogenation of alkynes and hydrogenation of alkenes catalyzed by magnesium but also offers opportunities for the hydrogenation of other compounds catalyzed by main-group metal complexes.

Antioxidant Properties of Trianthema Portulacastrum and Protection Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Liver Damage Ex vivo.

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables protect cells against radiation induced damage. Trianthema portulacastrum is used as vegetables from ancient time. The effects of T. Portulacastrum ethanolic extracts against γ-radiation induced liver tissue damage ex vivo were evaluated in this study. Antioxidant phytochemicals present in T. Portulacastrum includes flavonoids [3.3 ± 0.15 to 10 ± 0.16 mg catethin equivalent (CE)/g fresh weight (fw)], ascorbic acid (0.15 ± 0.03 to 0.21 ± 0.03 mg/g fw), glutathione s-transferase (GST) (1.57 ± 0.06 to 3.59 ± 0.05 nmole/mg fw/min), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.6 ± 0.03 to 1.79 ± 0.04 U/min), peroxidase (3.26 ± 0.18 to 6.38 ± 0.03 U/g fw) and catalase (0.51 ± 0.03 to 2.84 ± 0.15 mg H2O2 decomposed/g fw/min). Total phenolic content varied from 122.9 ± 8.7 to 302.8 ± 15.7 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, and flavonoid content varied from 316.7 ± 33.3 to 800.7 ± 28.9 CE mg/g extract. The IC50 value of Nitric oxide (NO•) scavenging activity of extracts varies from 208.7 to 387.4 µg/ ml. Pre-treatment with the T. portulacastrum extracts mitigated the 4-Gy gamma(γ) radiation-induced oxidative stress related parameters in hepatic tissue such as TBARS, catalase, nitrite, Glutathione reductase (GR), SOD and GST in dose dependent manner. The ethanolic extract of the stem from T. Portulacastrum demonstrated highest protection in comparison to leaf and whole plant extracts. This study demonstrated the hepatoprotective efficacy of T. portulacastrum extracts against γ-radiation in ex-vivo condition was possibly due to its potential antioxidant properties of phenolic and flavonoids present in extracts.

Effect of ancillary ligand on DNA and protein interaction of the two Zn (II) and Co (III) complexes: experimental and theoretical study.

In the present work we have developed one mononuclear Zn(II) complex [Zn(L)(H2O)] (Complex 1) by utilizing a tetracoordinated ligand H2L, formed by simple condensation of 2, 2 dimethyl 1,3 diamino propane and 3- ethoxy salicylaldehyde and one newly designed mononuclear Co (III) complex [Co(L)(L1)] (complex 2) by utilizing (H2L) and 3- ethoxy salicylaldehyde(HL1) as an ancillary ligand. The newly developed complex 2 have been spectroscopically characterized. An interesting phenomenon has been noticed that in presence of ancillary ligand, the solubility in buffer solution and the thermal stability of complex 2 comparatively increases than 1. To check the effect of ancillary ligand, present in complex 2 towards the DNA and HSA binding efficacy, both the complexes have been taken into consideration to inspect their binding potentiality with the macromolecules. The 'on', 'off' fluorescence changes in presence of DNA and HSA, the binding constant values, obtained from electronic spectral titration, iodide induced quenching, competitive binding assay, circular dichroism (CD) spectral titration, time resolved fluorescence experiment unambiguously assure the better binding efficacy of complex 2 with the signal of minor groove binding mode with DNA along with no significant conformational changes of the macromolecules. The strong and spontaneous binding of complex 2 with CT-DNA is further supported by the Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) study. Furthermore TDDFT calculation of DNA with and without complex 2 significantly authorize the formation of complex 2-DNA adduct during the association. Finally Molecular Docking study properly verifies the experimental findings and provides justified explanation behinds experimental findings.

Effects of mobile phone emissions on human red blood cells.

Raman spectroscopy was performed on GSM 900 and 1800 MHz mobile phone signal exposed red blood cells (RBCs). The observed changes in the Raman spectra of mobile signal exposed RBCs compared to unexposed control suggest reduced hemoglobin-oxygen affinity for the exposed cells. The possible mechanism may involve activation of the voltage gated membrane Ca2+ channels by the mobile phone emissions resulting in an increase in the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in cells via altered metabolic activities. Further studies carried out with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator confirmed increased intracellular Ca2+ level in the exposed cells. Since intracellular ATP level influences the shape and mechanics of RBCs, exposed cells were studied using diffraction phase microscopy and optical tweezers. Detectable changes in shape and mechanical properties were observed due to mobile signal exposure.

Manganese Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Carbamates and Urea Derivatives.

We report the hydrogenation of carbamates and urea derivatives, two of the most challenging carbonyl compounds to be hydrogenated, catalyzed for the first time by a complex of an earth-abundant metal. The hydrogenation reaction of these CO2-derived compounds, catalyzed by a manganese pincer complex, yields methanol in addition to amine and alcohol, which makes this methodology a sustainable alternative route for the conversion of CO2 to methanol, involving a base-metal catalyst. Moreover, the hydrogenation proceeds under mild pressure (20 bar). Our observations support a hydrogenation mechanism involving the Mn-H complex. A plausible catalytic cycle is proposed based on informative mechanistic experiments.

Direct Conversion of Alcohols into Alkenes by Dehydrogenative Coupling with Hydrazine/Hydrazone Catalyzed by Manganese.

We have developed unprecedented methods for the direct transformation of primary alcohols to alkenes in the presence of hydrazine, and for the synthesis of mixed alkenes by the reaction of alcohols with hydrazones. The reactions are catalyzed by a manganese pincer complex and proceed in absence of added base or hydrogen acceptors, liberating dihydrogen, dinitrogen, and water as the only byproducts. The proposed mechanism, based on preparation of proposed intermediates and control experiments, suggests that the transformation occurs through metal-ligand cooperative N-H activation of a hydrazone intermediate.

N-Substituted Hydrazones by Manganese-Catalyzed Coupling of Alcohols with Hydrazine: Borrowing Hydrogen and Acceptorless Dehydrogenation in One System.

An unprecedented one-step synthesis of N-substituted hydrazones by coupling of alcohols with hydrazine is reported. This partial hydrogen-borrowing reaction is catalyzed by a new manganese pincer complex under mild reaction conditions, thus liberating water and dihydrogen as the only byproducts. Mechanistic insight, based on the observation of intermediates, is provided.

Iron(II) Complexes of a Hemilabile SNS Amido Ligand: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity.

We report an easily prepared bis(thioether) amine ligand, SMeNHSMe, along with the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the paramagnetic iron(II) bis(amido) complex, [Fe(κ3-SMeNSMe)2] (1). Binding of the two different thioethers to Fe generates both five- and six-membered rings with Fe-S bonds in the five-membered rings (av 2.54 Å) being significantly shorter than those in the six-membered rings (av 2.71 Å), suggesting hemilability of the latter thioethers. Consistent with this hypothesis, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and computational (TD-DFT) studies indicate that 1 in solution contains a five-coordinate component [Fe(κ3-SMeNSMe)(κ2-SMeNSMe)] (2). This ligand hemilability was demonstrated further by reactivity studies of 1 with 2,2'-bipyridine, 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane, and 2,6-dimethylphenyl isonitrile to afford iron(II) complexes [L2Fe(κ2-SMeNSMe)2] (3-5). Addition of a Brønsted acid, HNTf2, to 1 produces the paramagnetic, iron(II) amine-amido cation, [Fe(κ3-SMeNSMe)(κ3-SMeNHSMe)](NTf2) (6; Tf = SO2CF3). Cation 6 readily undergoes amine ligand substitution by triphos, affording the 16e- complex [Fe(κ2-SMeNSMe)(κ3-triphos)](NTf2) (7; triphos = bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; 1H NMR, Mössbauer, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy; and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Preliminary results of amine-borane dehydrogenation catalysis show complex 7 to be a selective and particularly robust precatalyst.

Imidazole synthesis by transition metal free, base-mediated deaminative coupling of benzylamines and nitriles.

A transition metal free, straightforward synthetic method for the preparation of substituted imidazoles is reported herein. Base promoted, deaminative coupling of benzylamines with nitriles results in the one-step synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles with liberation of ammonia. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of valuable imidazole derivatives from readily available starting materials.

Manganese Catalyzed α-Olefination of Nitriles by Primary Alcohols.

Catalytic α-olefination of nitriles using primary alcohols, via dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols with nitriles, is presented. The reaction is catalyzed by a pincer complex of an earth-abundant metal (manganese), in the absence of any additives, base, or hydrogen acceptor, liberating dihydrogen and water as the only byproducts.

Mononuclear, Dinuclear, and Trinuclear Iron Complexes Featuring a New Monoanionic SNS Thiolate Ligand.

The new tridentate ligand, S(Me)N(H)S = 2-(2-methylthiophenyl)benzothiazolidine, prepared in a single step from commercial precursors in excellent yield, undergoes ring-opening on treatment with Fe(OTf)2 in the presence of base affording a trinuclear iron complex, [Fe3(µ2-S(Me)NS(-))4](OTf)2 (1) which is fully characterized by structural and spectroscopic methods. X-ray structural data reveal that 1 contains four S(Me)NS(-) ligands meridionally bound to two pseudooctahedral iron centers each bridged by two thiolates to a distorted tetrahedral central iron. The combined spectroscopic (UV-vis, Mössbauer, NMR), magnetic (solution and solid state), and computational (DFT) studies indicate that 1 includes a central, high-spin Fe(II) (S = 2) with two low-spin (S = 0) peripheral Fe(II) centers. Complex 1 reacts with excess PMePh2, CNxylyl (2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide), and P(OMe)3 in CH3CN to form diamagnetic, thiolate-bridged, dinuclear Fe(II) complexes {[Fe(µ-S(Me)NS(-))L2]2}(OTf)2 (2-4). These complexes are characterized by elemental analysis; (1)H NMR, IR, UV-vis, and Mössbauer spectroscopy; and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, addition of excess P(OMe)3 to complex 1 in CH2Cl2 produces primarily the diamagnetic, mononuclear Fe(II) complex, {Fe(S(Me)NS(-))[P(OMe)3]3}(OTf) (5).

Structure-selectivity relationship in ruthenium-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective addition of alkynes to pyrazoles: an experimental and theoretical investigation.

Ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(dppe)(PPh3)(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl][BPh4] {dppe = diphenylphosphinoethane} (1) and [Ru(dppp)2(CH(3)CN)Cl][BPh4] (2){dppp = diphenylphosphinopropane}, are efficient catalysts for vinylation of pyrazoles by alkynes. While the 1-catalyzed reaction is trans-selective, the corresponding 2-catalyzed reaction is cis-selective. The experimental results have been rationalized by density functional theory calculations.

Remarkable shape-sustaining, load-bearing, and self-healing properties displayed by a supramolecular gel derived from a bis-pyridyl-bis-amide of L-phenyl alanine.

A series of bis-amides decorated with pyridyl and phenyl moieties derived from L-amino acids having an innocent side chain (L-alanine and L-phenyl alanine) were synthesized as potential low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs). Both protic and aprotic solvents were found to be gelled by most of the bis-amides with moderate to excellent gelation efficiency (minimum gelator concentration=0.32-4.0 wt.% and gel-sol dissociation temperature T(gel)=52-110 °C). The gels were characterized by rheology, DSC, SEM, TEM, and temperature-variable (1)H NMR measurements. pH-dependent gelation studies revealed that the pyridyl moieties took part in gelation. Structure-property correlation was attempted using single-crystal X-ray and powder X-ray diffraction data. Remarkably, one of the bis-pyridyl bis-amide gelators, namely 3,3-Phe (3-pyridyl bis-amide of L-phenylalanine) displayed outstanding shape-sustaining, load-bearing, and self-healing properties.

Primary ammonium monocarboxylate synthon in designing supramolecular gels: a new series of chiral low-molecular-weight gelators derived from simple organic salts that are capable of generating and stabilizing gold nanoparticles.

The primary ammonium monocarboxylate (PAM) synthon has been exploited to generate a new series of PAM salts from the free amine of L-phenylalanine-3-pyridyl amide, (S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-N-(pyridine-3-yl)propanamine (designated as "B"), and various substituted benzoic acids (designated as "A(R)"; R=4-Me, 4-Cl, 4-Br, 4-NO2, 3-Me, 3-Cl, 3-Br, 3-NO2, 2-Me, 2-Cl, 2-Br, 2-NO2). The 4- and 3-substituted benzoate salts showed moderate-to-excellent gelation ability with a number of polar and apolar solvents. The gels were characterized by DSC, rheology, SEM and TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, etc. Structure-property studies based on single-crystal powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and FTIR data provided insights into the role of the PAM synthon in the formation of the gel networks. Interestingly, some of the gels were capable of forming and stabilizing gold nanoparticles at room temperature without the use of any exogenous reducing agents.

Supramolecular chirality in organo-, hydro-, and metallogels derived from bis-amides of L-(+)-tartaric acid: formation of highly aligned 1D silica fibers and evidence of 5-c net SnS topology in a metallogel network.

A series of bis-amides derived from L-(+)-tartaric acid was synthesized as potential low-molecular-weight gelators. Out of 14 bis-amides synthesized, 13 displayed organo-, hydro-, and ambidextrous gelation behavior. The gels were characterized by methods including circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and electron microscopy, and rheology. One of the gels derived from di-3-pyridyltartaramide (D-3-PyTA) displayed intriguing nanotubular morphology of the gel network, which was exploited as a template to generate highly aligned 1D silica fibers. The gelator D-3-PyTA was also exploited to generate metallogels by treatment with various Cu(II) /Zn(II) salts under suitable conditions. A structure-property correlation on the basis of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data was attempted to gain insight into the structures of the gel networks in both organo- and metallogels. Such study led to the determination of the gel-network structure of the Cu(II) coordination-polymer-based metallogel, which displayed a 2D sheet architecture made of a chloride-bridged double helix that resembled a 5-c net SnS topology.