The Enantiomeric Discrimination of 5-Hexyl-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole by Sulfobutyl ether-ß-cyclodextrin: A Case Study.

1-Pyrrolines are important intermediates of active natural products, such as the 2,5-dialkyl-1-pyrroline derivatives found in fire ant venoms. Here, 5-hexyl-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole was synthesized by the enzymatic transamination/cyclization of 2,5-undecadione, and enantiodifferenciation was successfully achieved by capillary electrophoresis with sulfobutyl ether-ß-cyclodextrin as the chiral selector. The rationale of the enantiomeric discrimination was based on the results of a docking simulation that revealed the higher affinity of (S)-5-hexyl-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole for the sulfobutyl ether-ß-cyclodextrin.

Fluorescent Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Compounds as Biocompatible Organic Photosensitizers that Generate Singlet Oxygen: A Potential Tool for Phototheranostics.

Photodynamic therapy has been used to treat a variety of diseases, however, there is continuing search for new biocompatible photosensitizers. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine compounds are able to generate singlet oxygen species and can act as photosensitizers in the intracellular environment. Our results show that this class of compounds absorb and emit in the 400-500 nm region, present low cytotoxicity in the dark, are efficiently uptaken by cells, are fluorescent in intracellular medium, and generate singlet oxygen upon irradiation, killing cancer cells within 2 h at low concentration (2.0 µm). The imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine compounds are a potential new tool for phototheranostics, because they can be simultaneously used for fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy.

Chemical constituents of apolar fractions from fruit latex of twelve Clusia species (Clusiaceae).

The apolar fractions components of fruit latex of twelve species of Clusia belonging to four different taxonomic sections were examined by GC-MS. The latex of Clusia is characterised by large amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as major constituents like germacrene D: C. paralicola (44.28 %), C. criuva subsp. criuva (29.03 %); ß-caryophyllene: C. fluminensis (35.61 %), C. lanceolata (36.39 %), C. hilariana (58.10 %); α-trans-bergamontene: C. spirictus-sanctensis (36.30 %); α-bulnesene: C. weddelliana (25.61 %); bicyclogermacrene: C. panapanari (25.93 %) and trans-ß-farnesene: C. nemorosa (24.63 %), while C. grandiflora is composed of 42.16 % monoterpene hydrocarbons. Verbenone (31.91 %) was the major component. In contrast, C. rosea, C. grandiflora, C. lanceolata and C. criuva subsp. parviflora are rich in 3-methylcyclohexanone (19.56 %), hexadecanol (22.72 %), p-anisaldehyde (23.39 %) and octadecanol (26.81 %), respectively. This study suggests considerable chemical variation among the non-polar fractions of fruit latex of the twelve Clusia species.

Interactions of tetracyclines with ovalbumin, the main allergen protein from egg white: Spectroscopic and electrophoretic studies.

The interactions of tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) with ovalbumin (OVA), the main allergen protein of egg white, were investigated by molecular spectroscopy and electrophoresis at three pH conditions (1.5, 4.6 and 7.4). Molecular and synchronous fluorescence, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrophoresis and 1H NMR were used to study the interaction process. Tetracyclines interact with ovalbumin fluorescence by a static quenching mechanism with non-fluorescent complex formation changing the native protein structure. The binding constant (Kb) ranged from 2.11×104 to 58.4×104Lmol-1, and corresponding thermodynamic parameters were measured at different temperatures and pH values. The binding process was spontaneous (ΔG<0), and the magnitude of the interaction increased in the following order: TC

Synthesis of structured lipids containing behenic acid from fully hydrogenated Crambe abyssinica oil by enzymatic interesterification.

Low-calorie structured lipids (SLs) rich in behenic and oleic acids were produced by enzymatic (EI) and chemical interesterification (CI) of high oleic sunflower oil and fully hydrogenated Crambe abyssinica oil in proportions of 60:40, 50:50, 40:60 and 30:70 (w/w), respectively. The immobilized lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme TL IM) was used for 3 h at 70 °C at a dosage of 7% (w/w) free of organic solvents. The original blend (BE) and the reaction products were evaluated for their fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerols (TAG) compositions, solid fat contents, thermal analysis, regiospecific distribution of the FA, microstructure and polymorphism. The tendency was towards a reduction in the C52, C54, C60, C62 and C64 TAG contents and an increase in the C56, C58 e C66 TAG contents, therefore the solid fat content was reduced. There was lower acyl migration at the sn-2 position of the TAGs in EI as compared to CI in all the blends ratios. Needle-like crystals were predominant in the IE while large symmetrical spherulites were observed in the BE. Reduction in the mean crystal diameter was observed in all the blends, in addition to modifications of the crystal morphology. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a predominance of the ß' form crystals in both the IE and CI. The SLs were produced for application in the food industry as bakery/confectionery fats in the proportions of 60:40/50:50 and as additive in the crystallization of lipids in the proportions of 40:60/30:70.

Diketopiperazines as Cross-Communication Quorum-Sensing Signals between Cronobacter sakazakii and Bacillus cereus.

Herein, we reveal a second quorum-sensing system produced by Cronobacter sakazakii. A cyclo(l-Pro-l-Leu) diketopiperazine, detected in pure and mixed cultures of C. sakazakii and Bacillus cereus explains the coexistence of both in the same industrial environments. The molecule was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 1H, and 13C NMR, including 2D NMR (correlation spectroscopy, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, and heteronuclear single quantum correlation), and the absolute configuration was compared with that of four synthetic standards produced by solid phase peptide synthesis using a chiral column on a GC-flame ionization detection. This article provides a new method to determine the absolute configuration of cyclo(Pro-Leu) diketopiperazine replacing the joint use of 1H NMR and Marfey's method.

Comparison of the regiospecific distribution from triacylglycerols after chemical and enzymatic interesterification of high oleic sunflower oil and fully hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil blend by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance.

The nutritional and organoleptic attributes of oils can proceed via interesterification of oils blends catalyzed by enzymes or chemicals. Enzymatic interesterification processes are preferred due the regiospecific outcome. Traditionally, monitoring of distribution of fatty acids (FA) in glycerol backbone is performed by enzymatic and chromatographic methods that are time-consuming, involving a series of chemical manipulations employing large volumes of organic solvents. Alternatively, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance ((13)C NMR) is a fast and reliable technique that could be applied to determine the saturated and unsaturated FA distribution of the triacylglycerols (TAGs) present in high oleic sunflower oil (SO) and fully hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil (HSO) blends and their interesterification products. The enzymatic interesterification was conducted employing the immobilized lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme TL IM), the results show that the process was not completely regiospecific at sn-1,3 positions, due to the spontaneous acyl migration from position sn-2 to sn-1,3.

"Omics" Prospective Monitoring of Bariatric Surgery: Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Outcomes Using Mixed-Meal Tolerance Test and Time-Resolved (1)H NMR-Based Metabolomics.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery goes beyond weight loss to induce early beneficial hormonal changes that favor glycemic control. In this prospective study, ten obese subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes underwent bariatric surgery. Mixed-meal tolerance test was performed before and 12 months after RYGB, and the outcomes were investigated by a time-resolved hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR)-based metabolomics. To the best of our knowledge, no previous omics-driven study has used time-resolved (1)H NMR-based metabolomics to investigate bariatric surgery outcomes. Our results presented here show a significant decrease in glucose levels after bariatric surgery (from 159.80 ± 61.43 to 100.00 ± 22.94 mg/dL), demonstrating type 2 diabetes remission (p < 0.05). The metabolic profile indicated lower levels of lactate, alanine, and branched chain amino acids for the operated subject at fasting state after the surgery. However, soon after food ingestion, the levels of these metabolites increased faster in operated than in nonoperated subjects. The lipoprotein profile achieved before and after RYGB at fasting was also significantly different, but converging 180 min after food ingestion. For example, the very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, N-acetyl-glycoproteins, and unsaturated lipid levels decreased after RYGB, while phosphatidylcholine and high-density lipoprotein increased. This study provides important insights on RYGB surgery and attendant type 2 diabetes outcomes using an "omics" systems science approach. Further research on metabolomic correlates of RYGB surgery in larger study samples is called for.

Pterandric acid--its isolation, synthesis and stereochemistry.

Some plant families have a specialized type of pollination system, with floral lipid rewards for pollinators, which is common. In neotropical Malpighiaceae species like Pterandra pyroidea, this specialized type of pollination system is apparently shifting from floral oils/lipids to pollen reward. Mass spectrometric analysis (GC/MS-EI) indicated that P. pyroidea floral oil has a unique chemical composition, i.e., few fatty acid constituents possessing acetoxy groups at positions 5 and 7, which is distinct from the other floral oils of sympatric Malpighiaceae species. The structure of the major floral oil constituent, a novel fatty acid, anti-5,7-diacetoxydocosanoic acid, was confirmed based on synthesis, mass fragmentation, and 1H and 13C NMR analyses; the compound is herein named pterandric acid.

Blood Metabolome Changes Before and After Bariatric Surgery: A (1)H NMR-Based Clinical Investigation.

Excessive body fat and obesity have adverse health effects and result in significant morbidity such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The health burden of obesity can be reduced with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) weight-loss bariatric surgery. Little is known on the molecular changes that occur at the metabolome level before and after bariatric surgery, with a view to clinical biomarker development. Hence, we employed a metabolomics approach in 10 obese diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Metabolomics data were obtained by T2- and diffusion-edited hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectra to monitor the metabolic and lipoprotein profiles, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS) to access the fatty acid profile before and 12 months after RYGB. Using hierarchical partial least squares discriminant analysis, we found that RYGB induces several key metabolic alterations associated with glucose homeostasis, as well as fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. The levels of lactate (Krebs' intermediate cycle) decreased after RYGB. The leucine, isoleucine, valine, lactate, and glucose levels were higher in the samples before RYGB (p<0.05). Additionally, the levels of very low-density lipoprotein, unsaturated lipids, and N-acetyl-glycoprotein were higher before RYGB. By contrast, levels of the high-density lipoprotein and phosphatidylcholine were higher after bariatric surgery. These results collectively offer important holistic integrative biology data to develop future clinically relevant metabolomics biomarkers related to bariatric surgery in connection with obesity.

Identification of oxidoreductases from the petroleum Bacillus safensis strain.

A gram-positive bacterium, denominated CFA-06, was isolated from Brazilian petroleum in the Campos Basin and is responsible for the degradation of aromatic compounds and petroleum aromatic fractions. The CFA-06 strain was identified as Bacillus safensis using the 16S rRNA and gyrase B sequence. Enzymatic assays revealed the presence of two oxidoreductases: a catalase and a new oxidoreductase. The oxidoreductases were enzymatically digested and analyzed via ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The mass data revealed a novel oxidoreductase (named BsPMO) containing 224 amino acids and 89% homology with a hypothetic protein from B. safensis (CFA-06) and a catalase (named BsCat) with 491 amino acids and 60% similarity with the catalase from Bacillus pumilus (SAFR-032). The new protein BsPMO contains iron atom(s) and shows catalytic activity toward a monooxygenase fluorogenic probe in the presence of cofactors (NADH, NADPH and NAD). This study enhances our knowledge of the biodegradation process of petroleum by B. safensis.

Genome Sequence of Bacillus safensis CFA06, Isolated from Biodegraded Petroleum in Brazil.

Bacillus safensis is a microorganism recognized for its biotechnological and industrial potential due to its interesting enzymatic portfolio. Here, as a means of gathering information about the importance of this species in oil biodegradation, we report a draft genome sequence of a strain isolated from petroleum.

Methylobacterium-plant interaction genes regulated by plant exudate and quorum sensing molecules

Bacteria from the genus Methylobacterium interact symbiotically (endophytically and epiphytically) with different plant species. These interactions can promote plant growth or induce systemic resistance, increasing plant fitness. The plant colonization is guided by molecular communication between bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-plants, where the bacteria recognize specific exuded compounds by other bacteria (e.g. homoserine molecules) and/or by the plant roots (e.g. flavonoids, ethanol and methanol), respectively. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of quorum sensing molecules (N-acyl-homoserine lactones) and plant exudates (including ethanol) in the expression of a series of bacterial genes involved in Methylobacterium-plant interaction. The selected genes are related to bacterial metabolism (mxaF), adaptation to stressful environment (crtI, phoU and sss), to interactions with plant metabolism compounds (acdS) and pathogenicity (patatin and phoU). Under in vitro conditions, our results showed the differential expression of some important genes related to metabolism, stress and pathogenesis, thereby AHL molecules up-regulate all tested genes, except phoU, while plant exudates induce only mxaF gene expression. In the presence of plant exudates there is a lower bacterial density (due the endophytic and epiphytic colonization), which produce less AHL, leading to down regulation of genes when compared to the control. Therefore, bacterial density, more than plant exudate, influences the expression of genes related to plant-bacteria interaction.

First biosynthetic pathway of 1-hepten-3-one in Iporangaia pustulosa (Opiliones).

Arthropods produce a great variety of natural compounds, many of which have unexplored biosynthesis. Among the armored harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of the suborder Laniatores, the defensive gland exudates contain vinyl ketones and other constituents of supposed polyketide origin. We have studied the biosynthesis of 1-hepten-3-one in the Neotropical harvestman Iporangaia pustulosa by feeding individuals with ¹³C-labeled precursors, demonstrating its mixed acetate/propionate origin. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy showed an unusual labeling pattern suggesting different propionate sources for starting and extender units. Our analysis also indicates the presence of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, converting acetate into propionyl-CoA via succinyl-CoA, together with other C3 unit routes. This is the first biosynthetic study of alkyl vinyl ketones in arthropods. Our results shed light on the origin and diversification of chemical compounds in a major arthropod group.

Harvestman phenols and benzoquinones: characterisation and biosynthetic pathway.

Benzoquinones are usually present in arthropod defence exudates. Here, we describe the chemical profiles of 12 harvestman species belonging to the neotropical family Gonyleptidae. Nine of the studied species produced benzoquinones, while three produced alkyl phenols. Two benzoquinones and one phenol exhibited biological activity against bacteria and fungi. We also studied the biosynthesis of 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone by feeding Magnispina neptunus individuals with ¹³C-labelled precursors; the benzoquinones were biosynthesised through a polyketide pathway using acetate and propionate building blocks.

Additional vinyl ketones and their pyranyl ketones in gonyleptid harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) suggest these metabolites are widespread in this family.

Four species of gonyleptid harvestmen, Acanthogonyleptes pulcher, Gonyleptes saprophilus (Gonyleptinae), Sodreana barbiellini, and Sodreana leprevosti (Sodreaninae), were examined by GC-MS and ¹³H NMR. All of these species release vinyl ketones, and three of them produce the corresponding pyranyl ketones, which are presumed hetero-Diels-Alder (HDA) dimers. The vinyl ketones 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, rac-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and (S)-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one were synthesized. Natural 4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one is present as a single stereoisomer and has the R-configuration. Vinyl ketone dimers (HDA dimers) were also observed in the scent gland exudate and characterized by HRMS, ¹³C NMR, and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the pyranyl moiety.

A novel and enantioselective epoxide hydrolase from Aspergillus brasiliensis CCT 1435: purification and characterization.

A novel epoxide hydrolase from Aspergillus brasiliensis CCT1435 (AbEH) was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells with a 6xHis-tag and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. Gel filtration analysis and circular dichroism measurements indicated that this novel AbEH is a homodimer in aqueous solution and contains the typical secondary structure of an α/ß hydrolase fold. The activity of AbEH was initially assessed using the fluorogenic probe O-(3,4-epoxybutyl) umbelliferone and was active in a broad range of pH (6-9) and temperature (25-45°C); showing optimum performance at pH 6.0 and 30°C. The Michaelis constant (KM) and maximum rate (Vmax) values were 495µM and 0.24µM/s, respectively. Racemic styrene oxide (SO) was used as a substrate to assess the AbEH activity and enantioselectivity, and 66% of the SO was hydrolyzed after only 5min of reaction, with the remaining (S)-SO ee exceeding 99% in a typical kinetic resolution behavior. The AbEH-catalyzed hydrolysis of SO was also evaluated in a biphasic system of water:isooctane; (R)-diol in 84% ee and unreacted (S)-SO in 36% ee were produced, with 43% conversion in 24h, indicating a discrete enantioconvergent behavior for AbEH. This novel epoxide hydrolase has biotechnological potential for the preparation of enantiopure epoxides or vicinal diols.

Methylobacterium-plant interaction genes regulated by plant exudate and quorum sensing molecules.

Bacteria from the genus Methylobacterium interact symbiotically (endophytically and epiphytically) with different plant species. These interactions can promote plant growth or induce systemic resistance, increasing plant fitness. The plant colonization is guided by molecular communication between bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-plants, where the bacteria recognize specific exuded compounds by other bacteria (e.g. homoserine molecules) and/or by the plant roots (e.g. flavonoids, ethanol and methanol), respectively. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of quorum sensing molecules (N-acyl-homoserine lactones) and plant exudates (including ethanol) in the expression of a series of bacterial genes involved in Methylobacterium-plant interaction. The selected genes are related to bacterial metabolism (mxaF), adaptation to stressful environment (crtI, phoU and sss), to interactions with plant metabolism compounds (acdS) and pathogenicity (patatin and phoU). Under in vitro conditions, our results showed the differential expression of some important genes related to metabolism, stress and pathogenesis, thereby AHL molecules up-regulate all tested genes, except phoU, while plant exudates induce only mxaF gene expression. In the presence of plant exudates there is a lower bacterial density (due the endophytic and epiphytic colonization), which produce less AHL, leading to down regulation of genes when compared to the control. Therefore, bacterial density, more than plant exudate, influences the expression of genes related to plant-bacteria interaction.

Could petroleum biodegradation be a joint achievement of aerobic and anaerobic microrganisms in deep sea reservoirs?

Several studies suggest that petroleum biodegradation can be achieved by either aerobic or anaerobic microorganisms, depending on oxygen input or other electron acceptors and appropriate nutrients. Evidence from in vitro experiments with samples of petroleum formation water and oils from Pampo Field indicate that petroleum biodegradation is more likely to be a joint achievement of both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial consortium, refining our previous observations of aerobic degradation. The aerobic consortium depleted, in decreasing order, hydrocarbons > hopanes > steranes > tricyclic terpanes while the anaerobic consortium depleted hydrocarbons > steranes > hopanes > tricyclic terpanes. The oxygen content of the mixed consortia was measured from time to time revealing alternating periods of microaerobicity (O2 ~0.8 mg.L-1) and of aerobicity (O2~6.0 mg.L-1). In this experiment, the petroleum biodegradation changed from time to time, alternating periods of biodegradation similar to the aerobic process and periods of biodegradation similar to the anaerobic process. The consortia showed preferences for metabolizing hydrocarbons > hopanes > steranes > tricyclic terpanes during a 90-day period, after which this trend changed and steranes were more biodegraded than hopanes. The analysis of aerobic oil degrading microbiota by the 16S rRNA gene clone library detected the presence of Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Mesorhizobium and Achromobacter, and the analysis of the anaerobic oil degrading microbiota using the same technique detected the presence of Bacillus and Acinetobacter (facultative strains). In the mixed consortia Stenotrophomonas, Brevibacterium, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Achromobacter and 5% uncultured bacteria were detected. This is certainly a new contribution to the study of reservoir biodegradation processes, combining two of the more important accepted hypotheses.

Pterandra pyroidea: a case of pollination shift within neotropical Malpighiaceae.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most Neotropical species of Malpighiaceae produce floral fatty oils in calyx glands to attract pollinating oil-collecting bees, which depend on this resource for reproduction. This specialized type of pollination system tends to be lost in members of the family that occur outside the geographic distribution (e.g. Africa) of Neotropical oil-collecting bees. This study focused on the pollination ecology, chemical ecology and reproductive biology of an oil flower species, Pterandra pyroidea (Malpighiaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado. Populations of this species consist of plants with oil-secreting (glandular) flowers, plants with non-oil-secreting flowers (eglandular) or a mix of both plant types. This study specifically aims to clarify the role of eglandular morphs in this species. METHODS: Data on pollinators were recorded by in situ observations. Breeding system experiments were conducted by isolating inflorescences and by enzymatic reactions. Floral resources, pollen and floral oils offered by this species were analysed by staining and a combination of various spectroscopic methods. KEY RESULTS: Eglandular flowers of P. pyroidea do not act as mimics of their oil-producing conspecifics to attract pollinators. Instead, both oil-producing and oil-free flowers depend on pollen-collecting bees for reproduction, and their main pollinators are bumble-bees. Floral oils produced by glandular flowers are less complex than those described in closely related genera. CONCLUSIONS: Eglandular flowers represent a shift in the pollination system in which oil is being lost and pollen is becoming the main reward of P. pyroidea flowers. Pollination shifts of this kind have hitherto not been demonstrated empirically within Neotropical Malpighiaceae and this species exhibits an unusual transition from a specialized towards a generalized pollination system in an area considered the hotspot of oil-collecting bee diversity in the Neotropics. Transitions of this type provide an opportunity to study ongoing evolutionary mechanisms that promote the persistence of species previously involved in specialized mutualistic relationships.