The Peripherally Membrane-attached Protein MbFACL6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Activates a Broad Spectrum of Substrates.

The infectious disease tuberculosis is one of the fifteen most common causes of death worldwide (according to the WHO). About every fourth person is infected with the main causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mb). A characteristic of the pathogen is its entrance into a dormant state in which a phenotypic antibiotic resistance is achieved. To target resistant strains, novel dormancy-specific targets are very promising. Such a possible target is the Mb "fatty acid-CoA ligase 6" (MbFACL6), which activates fatty acids and thereby modulates the accumulation of triacylglycerol-containing lipid droplets that are used by Mb as an energy source during dormancy. We investigated the membrane association of MbFACL6 in E. coli and its specific activity towards different substrates after establishing a novel MbFACL6 activity assay. Despite a high homology to the mammalian family of fatty acid transport proteins, which are typically transmembrane proteins, our results indicate that MbFACL6 is a peripheral membrane-attached protein. Furthermore, MbFACL6 tolerates a broad spectrum of substrates including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (C12-C20), some cholic acid derivatives, and even synthetic fatty acids, such as 9(E)-nitrooleicacid. Therefore, the substrate selectivity of MbFACL6 appears to be much broader than previously assumed.

Nonimmunogenic Hydrogel-Mediated Delivery of Antibiotics Outperforms Clinically Used Formulations in Mitigating Wound Infections.

Treatment of chronic wound infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus is highly challenging due to the low efficacy of existing formulations, thereby leading to drug resistance. Herein, we present the synthesis of a nonimmunogenic cholic acid-glycine-glycine conjugate (A6) that self-assembles into a supramolecular viscoelastic hydrogel (A6 gel) suitable for topical applications. The A6 hydrogel can entrap different antibiotics with high efficacy without compromising its viscoelastic behavior. Activities against different bacterial species using a disc diffusion assay demonstrated the antimicrobial effect of the ciprofloxacin-loaded A6 hydrogel (CPF-Gel). Immune profiling and gene expression studies after the application of the A6 gel to mice confirmed its nonimmunogenic nature to host tissues. We further demonstrated that topical application of CPF-Gel clears S. aureus-mediated wound infections more effectively than clinically used formulations. Therefore, cholic acid-derived hydrogels are an efficacious matrix for topical delivery of antibiotics and should be explored further.

Triformyl cholic acid and folic acid functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites: Multiple-targeted dual-modal synergistic chemotherapy/photothermal therapy for liver cancer.

Photo-chemotherapy (PCT) reveals great potential in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, therefore the construct of smart PCT nano-agents with high photothermal conversion efficiency and accurate drug delivery is of great significant. Herein, a novel hybrid nanomaterial MGO-TCA-FA has been designed and constructed by grafting the triformyl cholic acid (TCA) and folic acid (FA) on the surface of Fe3O4 modified graphene oxide (MGO). The doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as a model drug could be effectively loaded on the MGO-TCA-FA via hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking (the drug loading amount was 1040 mg/g). The formed MGO-TCA-FA@DOX has been developed to be an effective PCT nanoplatform with the advantages of multiple-targeted drug delivery, near-infrared light (NIR) and pH triggered drug release, and photothermal conversion efficiency. In vitro experiments showed that compared with other cancer cells and normal liver cells, MGO-TCA-FA@DOX could specifically target liver cancer cells and presented significant killing ability to liver cancer cells. More importantly, in vivo experiments indicated that PCT synergistic therapy (MGO-TCA-FA@DOX) revealed the best tumor inhibition (the tumor inhibition rate was about 85%) compared with chemotherapy and photothermal therapy alone. Thus, this study supplied a viable multiple-targeted PCT nano-agent for chemo-photothermal combination therapy of liver cancer.

Hyocholic acid species improve glucose homeostasis through a distinct TGR5 and FXR signaling mechanism.

Hyocholic acid (HCA) and its derivatives are found in trace amounts in human blood but constitute approximately 76% of the bile acid (BA) pool in pigs, a species known for its exceptional resistance to type 2 diabetes. Here, we show that BA depletion in pigs suppressed secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and increased blood glucose levels. HCA administration in diabetic mouse models improved serum fasting GLP-1 secretion and glucose homeostasis to a greater extent than tauroursodeoxycholic acid. HCA upregulated GLP-1 production and secretion in enteroendocrine cells via simultaneously activating G-protein-coupled BA receptor, TGR5, and inhibiting farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a unique mechanism that is not found in other BA species. We verified the findings in TGR5 knockout, intestinal FXR activation, and GLP-1 receptor inhibition mouse models. Finally, we confirmed in a clinical cohort, that lower serum concentrations of HCA species were associated with diabetes and closely related to glycemic markers.

Development and validation of a novel immunogenicity assay to detect anti-drug and anti-PEG antibodies simultaneously with high sensitivity.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) represents an effective strategy to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of a molecule as it extends the biotherapeutic's half-life, masks immunogenic epitopes or modifies its distribution. The addition of one or multiple PEG moieties, in either linear or branched form, is known to carry the risk of potentially inducing an immunogenic response against PEG. The importance of accurately quantifying anti-PEG antibodies during a clinical study is well recognized and stems from the fact that anti-PEG antibodies have been shown to negatively impact the efficacy of the biotherapeutic that the PEG is coupled to. As a consequence, sponsors are encouraged to develop immunogenicity assays to assess appropriately the presence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) against the protein component as well as the PEG. However, detection of anti-PEG antibodies is complicated by a number of technical challenges, including the availability of appropriate positive control material. In addition, the fact that some anti-PEG antibodies are known to circulate as low-affinity IgM, drives the need for an assay able to detect low affinity anti-PEG ADA even in the presence of high concentrations of the biotherapeutic. To address this need, we developed and validated an Affinity Capture Elution (ACE)-AGL assay to detect anti-drug and anti-PEG antibodies. In this assay, which we call ACE-AGL, ADA are captured by biotin-PEG-drug, acid eluted and re-captured on a second plate coated with protein AGL. ADA are then detected using Ruthenium-PEG-drug. The new assay format described is highly sensitive to both anti-drug and anti-PEG antibodies and very drug-tolerant. The ACE-AGL assay is easy to perform and has been successfully validated at two separate CROs. We propose the ACE-AGL format as a valid and effective alternative to the currently available assay methods.

Nanodisc scaffold peptide (NSPr) replaces detergent by reconstituting acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 into peptidiscs.

To conduct biochemical studies in vitro, membrane proteins (MPs) must be solubilized with detergents. While detergents are great tools, they can also inhibit the biological activity and/or perturb oligomerization of individual MPs. Nanodisc scaffold peptide (NSPr), an amphipathic peptide analog of ApoA1, was recently shown to reconstitute detergent solubilized MPs into peptidiscs in vitro. Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), also known as sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), plays a key role in cellular cholesterol storage in various cell types and is a drug target to treat multiple human diseases. ACAT1 contains nine transmembrane domains (TMDs) and primarily forms a homotetramer in vitro and in intact cells; deletion of the N-terminal dimerization domain produces a homodimer with full retention in catalytic activity. ACAT1 is prone to inactivation by numerous detergents. Here we pursued the use of NSPr to overcome the detergent-induced inactivation of ACAT1 by generating near detergent-free ACAT1 peptidiscs. Based on native-PAGE analysis, we showed that NSPr reconstitutes ACAT1 into soluble peptidiscs, in which ACAT1 exists predominantly in oligomeric states greater than a homotetramer. The formation of these higher-order oligomeric states was independent of the N-terminal dimerization domain, suggesting that the oligomerization is mediated through hydrophobic interactions of multiple ACAT1 subunits. ACAT1 peptidiscs were still susceptible to heat-mediated inactivation, presumably due to the residual detergent (CHAPS) bound to ACAT1. We then conditioned ACAT1 with phosphatidylcholine (PC) to replace CHAPS prior to the formation of ACAT1 peptidiscs. The results showed, when PC was included, ACAT1 was present mainly in higher-order oligomeric states with greater enzymatic activity. With PC present, the enzymatic activity of ACAT1 peptidiscs was protected from heat-mediated inactivation. These results support the use of NSPr to create a near detergent-free solution of ACAT1 in peptidiscs for various in vitro studies. Our current results also raise the possibility that, under certain conditions, ACAT1 may form higher-order oligomeric states in vivo.

Two highly related odorant receptors specifically detect α-bile acid pheromones in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus).

Pheromones play critical roles in habitat identification and reproductive behavior synchronization in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). The bile acid 3-keto petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS) is a major component of the sex pheromone mixture from male sea lamprey that induces specific olfactory and behavioral responses in conspecific individuals. Olfactory receptors interact directly with pheromones, which is the first step in their detection, but identifying the cognate receptors of specific pheromones is often challenging. Here, we deorphanized two highly related odorant receptors (ORs), OR320a and OR320b, of P. marinus that respond to 3kPZS. In a heterologous expression system coupled to a cAMP-responsive CRE-luciferase, OR320a and OR320b specifically responded to C24 5α-bile acids, and both receptors were activated by the same set of 3kPZS analogs. OR320a displayed larger responses to all 3kPZS analogs than did OR320b. This difference appeared to be largely determined by a single amino acid residue, Cys-792.56, the C-terminal sixth residue relative to the most conserved residue in the second transmembrane domain (2.56) of OR320a. This region of TM2 residues 2.56-2.60 apparently is critical for the detection of steroid compounds by odorant receptors in lamprey, zebrafish, and humans. Finally, we identified OR320 orthologs in Japanese lamprey (Lethenteron camtschaticum), suggesting that the OR320 family may be widely present in lamprey species and that OR320 may be under purifying selection. Our results provide a system to examine the origin of olfactory steroid detection in vertebrates and to define a highly conserved molecular mechanism for steroid-ligand detection by G protein-coupled receptors.

Structural basis of GPBAR activation and bile acid recognition.

The G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR) conveys the cross-membrane signalling of a vast variety of bile acids and is a signalling hub in the liver-bile acid-microbiota-metabolism axis1-3. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of GPBAR-Gs complexes stabilized by either the high-affinity P3954 or the semisynthesized bile acid derivative INT-7771,3 at 3 Å resolution. These structures revealed a large oval pocket that contains several polar groups positioned to accommodate the amphipathic cholic core of bile acids, a fingerprint of key residues to recognize diverse bile acids in the orthosteric site, a putative second bile acid-binding site with allosteric properties and structural features that contribute to bias properties. Moreover, GPBAR undertakes an atypical mode of activation and G protein coupling that features a different set of key residues connecting the ligand-binding pocket to the Gs-coupling site, and a specific interaction motif that is localized in intracellular loop 3. Overall, our study not only reveals unique structural features of GPBAR that are involved in bile acid recognition and allosteric effects, but also suggests the presence of distinct connecting mechanisms between the ligand-binding pocket and the G-protein-binding site in the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily.

Biological Activities and Molecular Docking of Brassinosteroids 24-Norcholane Type Analogs.

The quest and design of new brassinosteroids analogs is a matter of current interest. Herein, the effect of short alkyl side chains and the configuration at C22 on the growth-promoting activity of a series of new brassinosteroid 24-norcholan-type analogs have been evaluated by the rice leaf inclination test using brassinolide as positive control. The highest activities were found for triol 3 with a C22(S) configuration and monobenzoylated derivatives. A docking study of these compounds into the active site of the Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1(BRI1)-ligand-BRI1-Associated Receptor Kinase 1 (BAK1) complex was performed using AutoDock Vina, and protein-ligand contacts were analyzed using LigPlot+. The results suggest that the hydrophobic interactions of ligands with the receptor BRI1LRR and hydrogen bonding with BAK1 in the complex are important for ligand recognition. For monobenzoylated derivatives, the absence of the hydrophobic end in the alkyl chain seems to be compensated by the benzoyl group. Thus, it would be interesting to determine if this result depends on the nature of the substituent group. Finally, mixtures of S/R triols 3/4 exhibit activities that are comparable or even better than those found for brassinolide. Thus, these compounds are potential candidates for application in agriculture to improve the growth and yield of plants against various types of biotic and abiotic stress.

A pheromone antagonist liberates female sea lamprey from a sensory trap to enable reliable communication.

The evolution of male signals and female preferences remains a central question in the study of animal communication. The sensory trap model suggests males evolve signals that mimic cues used in nonsexual contexts and thus manipulate female behavior to generate mating opportunities. Much evidence supports the sensory trap model, but how females glean reliable information from both mimetic signals and their model cues remains unknown. We discovered a mechanism whereby a manipulative male signal guides reliable communication in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Migratory sea lamprey follow a larval cue into spawning streams; once sexually mature, males release a pheromone that mimics the larval cue and attracts females. Females conceivably benefit from the mimetic pheromone during mate search but must discriminate against the model cue to avoid orienting toward larvae in nearby nursery habitats. We tested the hypothesis that spawning females respond to petromyzonol sulfate (PZS) as a behavioral antagonist to avoid attraction to the larval cue while tracking the male pheromone despite each containing attractive 3-keto petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS). We found 1) PZS inhibited electrophysiological responses to 3kPZS and abated preferences for 3kPZS when mixed at the same or greater concentrations, 2) larvae released more PZS than 3kPZS whereas males released more 3kPZS than PZS, and 3) mixtures of 3kPZS and PZS applied at ratios measured in larval and male odorants resulted in the discrimination observed between the natural odors. Our study elucidates how communication systems that arise via deception can facilitate reliable communication.

Evaluation of sodium deoxycholate as solubilization buffer for oil palm proteomics analysis.

Protein solubility is a critical prerequisite to any proteomics analysis. Combination of urea/thiourea and 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) have been routinely used to enhance protein solubilization for oil palm proteomics studies in recent years. The goals of these proteomics analysis are essentially to complement the knowledge regarding the regulation networks and mechanisms of the oil palm fatty acid biosynthesis. Through omics integration, the information is able to build a regulatory model to support efforts in improving the economic value and sustainability of palm oil in the global oil and vegetable market. Our study evaluated the utilization of sodium deoxycholate as an alternative solubilization buffer/additive to urea/thiourea and CHAPS. Efficiency of urea/thiourea/CHAPS, urea/CHAPS, urea/sodium deoxycholate and sodium deoxycholate buffers in solubilizing the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis var. Tenera) mesocarp proteins were compared. Based on the protein yields and electrophoretic profile, combination of urea/thiourea/CHAPS were shown to remain a better solubilization buffer and additive, but the differences with sodium deoxycholate buffer was insignificant. A deeper mass spectrometric and statistical analyses on the identified proteins and peptides from all the evaluated solubilization buffers revealed that sodium deoxycholate had increased the number of identified proteins from oil palm mesocarps, enriched their gene ontologies and reduced the number of carbamylated lysine residues by more than 67.0%, compared to urea/thiourea/CHAPS buffer. Although only 62.0% of the total identified proteins were shared between the urea/thiourea/CHAPS and sodium deoxycholate buffers, the importance of the remaining 38.0% proteins depends on the applications. The only observed limitations to the application of sodium deoxycholate in protein solubilization were the interference with protein quantitation and but it could be easily rectified through a 4-fold dilution. All the proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD013255. In conclusion, sodium deoxycholate is applicable in the solubilization of proteins extracted from oil palm mesocarps with higher efficiency compared to urea/thiourea/CHAPS buffer. The sodium deoxycholate buffer is more favorable for proteomics analysis due to its proven advantages over urea/thiourea/CHAPS buffer.

Human biodistribution, dosimetry, radiosynthesis and quality control of the bile acid PET tracer [N-methyl-11C]cholylsarcosine.

INTRODUCTION: [N-methyl-11C]cholylsarcosine ([11C]CSar) is a tracer for imaging and quantitative assessment of intrahepatic cholestatic liver diseases and drug-induced cholestasis by positron emission tomography (PET). The purpose of this study is to determine whole-body biodistribution and dosimetry of [11C]CSar in healthy humans. The results are compared with findings in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and a patient with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) as well as with preclinical findings in pigs. Radiosynthesis and quality control for preparation of [11C]CSar for clinical use are also presented. METHODS: Radiosynthesis and quality control of [11C]CSar were set up in compliance with Danish/European regulations. Both healthy participants (3 females, 3 males) and patients underwent whole-body PET/CT to determine the biodistribution of [11C]CSar. The two patients were under treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid at the time of the study. Dosimetry was estimated from the PET data using the Olinda 2.0 software. RESULTS: The radiosynthesis provided [11C]CSar in a solution ready for injection. The biodistribution studies revealed that gallbladder wall, small intestine, and liver were critical organs in both healthy participants and patients with the gallbladder wall receiving the highest dose (up to 0.5 mGy/MBq). The gender-averaged (±SD) effective dose for the healthy participants was 6.2 ±â€¯1.4 µSv/MBq. The effective dose for the PSC and the PBC patient was 5.2 and 7.0 µSv/MBq, respectively. CONCLUSION: A radiosynthesis for preparation of [11C]CSar for clinical use was developed and approved by the Danish Medicines Agency. The most critical organ was the gallbladder wall although the amount of [11C]CSar in the gallbladder was found to vary significantly between individuals. The estimated effective dose for humans was comparable to that estimated in anesthetized pigs although the absorbed dose estimates to some organs, such as the stomach, was different. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: [11C]CSar PET/CT enables detailed quantitative assessment of patients with cholestatic liver disease by tracing the separate hepatobiliary transport steps of endogenous bile acids. The present work offers a radiosynthetic method and dosimetry data suitable for clinical implementation of [11C]CSar.

Triton X-100 or octyl glucoside inactivates acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 by dissociating it from a two-fold dimer to a two-fold monomer.

Cholesterol is an important lipid molecule and is needed for all mammalian cells. In various cell types, excess cholesterol is stored as cholesteryl esters; acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) plays an essential role in this storage process. ACAT1 is located at the endoplasmic reticulum and has nine transmembrane domains (TMDs). It is a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family, in which members contain multiple TMDs and participate in a variety of biological functions. When solubilized in the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS, ACAT1 can be purified to homogeneity with full enzyme activity and behaves as a homotetrameric protein. ACAT1 contains two dimerization motifs. The first motif is located near the N-terminus and is not conserved in MBOATs. Deletion of the N-terminal dimerization domain converts ACAT1 to a dimer with full catalytic activity; therefore, ACAT1 is a two-fold dimer. The second dimerization domain, located near the C-terminus, is conserved in MBOATs; however, it was not known whether the C-terminal dimerization domain is required for enzyme activity. Here we show that treating ACAT1 with non-ionic detergent, Triton X-100 or octyl glucoside, causes the enzyme to become a two-fold monomer without any enzymatic activity. Detergent exchange of Triton X-100 with CHAPS restores ACAT1 to a two-fold dimer but fails to restore its enzymatic activity. These results implicate that ACAT1 requires hydrophobic subunit interactions near the C-terminus in order to remain active as a two-fold dimer. Our results also caution the use of Triton X-100 or octyl glucoside to purify other MBOATs.

The Fluidity of Phosphocholine and Maltoside Micelles and the Effect of CHAPS.

The dynamics of phosphocholine and maltoside micelles, detergents frequently used for membrane protein structure determination, were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance of spin probes doped into the micelles. Specifically, phosphocholines are frequently used detergents in NMR studies, and maltosides are frequently used in x-ray crystallography structure determination. Beyond the structural and electrostatic differences, this study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the local chain dynamics (i.e., fluidity). The nitroxide probe rotational dynamics in longer chain detergents is more restricted than in shorter chain detergents, and maltoside micelles are more restricted than phosphocholine micelles. Furthermore, the micelle microviscosity can be modulated with mixtures, as demonstrated with mixtures of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate with n-dodecylphosphocholine, n-tetradecylphosphocholine, n-decyl-ß-D-maltoside, or n-dodecyl-ß-D-maltoside. These results indicate that observed differences in membrane protein stability in these detergents could be due to fluidity in addition to the already determined structural differences.

5ß-Cholanic Acid/Glycol Chitosan Self-Assembled Nanoparticles (5ß-CHA/GC-NPs) for Enhancing the Absorption of FDs and Insulin by Rat Intestinal Membranes.

The absorption-enhancing effects of glycol chitosan modified by 5ß-cholanic acid nanoparticles (5ß-CHA/GC-NPs) on a drug with poor absorption in the intestine were studied by the method of in situ closed loop. We chose fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans (FDs) and insulin as the model drugs. 5ß-CHA/GC-NPs loaded to different drugs were prepared by the dialysis method, and the physicochemical characteristics and in vitro release profiles of nanoparticles were also estimated. The results showed that 5ß-CHA/GC-NPs markedly increased the absorption of insulin and FDs in the jejunum, ileum, and colon. The ratios of absorption for all the drugs in the jejunum were higher than those in the ileum and colon. In addition, the enhancing effect of 5ß-CHA/GC-NPs for the absorption of FDs from the jejunum was decreased with increasing molecular weights. In the toxicity test, 5ß-CHA/GC-NPs did not significantly increase the release of protein and the activities of LDH, indicating that the nanoparticles did not cause any membrane damage to the intestine. These findings suggested that 5ß-CHA/GC-NPs were safe and useful carriers for enhancing the absorption of the drug with poor absorption by intestinal membranes.

Distinct Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Dictates Antimicrobial Action of Membrane-Targeting Amphiphiles.

As mechanisms underpinning the molecular interactions between membrane-targeting antimicrobials and Gram-negative bacterial membranes at atomistic scale remain elusive, we used cholic acid (CA)-derived amphiphiles with different hydrophobicities as model antimicrobials and assessed the effect of their conformational flexibility on antimicrobial activity. Relative to other hydrophobic counterparts, a compound with a hexyl chain (6) showed the strongest binding with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacterial membranes and acted as an effective antimicrobial. Biomolecular simulations, validated by complementary approaches, revealed that specific intramolecular hydrogen bonding imparts conformationally rigid character to compound 6. This conformational stability of compound 6 allows minimum but specific interactions of the amphiphile with LPS that are a sum of exothermic processes like electrostatic interactions, membrane insertion, and endothermic contributions from disaggregation of LPS. Therefore, our study reveals that a membrane-targeting mechanism with the help of conformationally selective molecules offers a roadmap for developing future therapeutics against bacterial infections.

Chloro-formyl steroids as precursors for hybrid heterosteroids: synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and molecular and supramolecular structures.

Two new functionalized steroids containing both chloro and formyl substituents in ring A, and intended as precursors for the synthesis of hybrid systems, have been synthesized from ketosteroid precursors. 3-Chloro-2-formyl-17,17-dimethyl-18-nor-5α-androstane-2,13-diene, (I), and methyl 3-chloro-4-formyl-12-oxo-5ß-cholan-3-ene-24-oate, C26H37ClO4, (IV), have been synthesized using Vilsmeier reactions with 17ß-hydroxy-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one and methyl 3,13-dioxo-5ß-cholan-24-oate, respectively. These products have been fully characterized using IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and in the case of (IV), a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Crystal structures have also been determined for the known analogues 3-chloro-2-formyl-17-oxo-5α-androst-2-ene, C20H27ClO2, (II), 3-chloro-2-formyl-5α-cholest-2-ene, C28H45ClO, (III), and the absolute and relative configurations are assigned for all four compounds (I)-(IV): when the fusion between rings A and B is trans, 3-chloro-2-formyl products are formed, but when this ring fusion is cis, a 3-chloro-4-formyl product results. The formation of (I) involves not only chloroformylation at ring A, but also dehydration and the 1,2 migration of a methyl group at ring D. In each of (II), (III) and (IV), rings B and C adopt almost perfect chair conformations, while ring A adopts a half-chair conformation. Ring D adopts an envelope conformation in each of (II) and (III), albeit differently folded in the two compounds, while in (IV), it adopts a half-chair conformation. A single C-H...O hydrogen bond links the molecules of (II) into C(6) chains which are linked into sheets by means of carbonyl-carbonyl interactions. The molecules of (IV) are linked into simple C(7) chains, again by a single C-H...O hydrogen bond, but there are no direction-specific interactions in (III) that are structurally significant.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Reveals Energy Landscape for Rhodopsin Photoactivation.

Knowledge of the activation principles for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is critical to development of new pharmaceuticals. Rhodopsin is the archetype for the largest GPCR family, yet the changes in protein dynamics that trigger signaling are not fully understood. Here we show that rhodopsin can be investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in fully protiated detergent micelles under contrast matching to resolve light-induced changes in the protein structure. In SANS studies of membrane proteins, the zwitterionic detergent [(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) is advantageous because of the low contrast difference between the hydrophobic core and hydrophilic head groups as compared with alkyl glycoside detergents. Combining SANS results with quasielastic neutron scattering reveals how changes in volumetric protein shape are coupled (slaved) to the aqueous solvent. Upon light exposure, rhodopsin is swollen by the penetration of water into the protein core, allowing interactions with effector proteins in the visual signaling mechanism.

Stability of Vegetal Diamine Oxidase in Simulated Intestinal Media: Protective Role of Cholic Acids.

Food biogenic amines, in particular, histamine, are often responsible for various enteric and vascular dysfunctions. Several years ago, the oral administration of copper-containing diamine oxidase (DAO), also called histaminase, able to oxidatively deaminate biogenic amines, had been suggested as a food supplement to control food allergy and enteric dysfunctions. This report is aimed to generate a global image on the behavior of orally administrated DAO dosage forms in the intestinal tract. The catalytic stability of DAO from Lathyrus sativus seedlings in various simulated intestinal media with different pH and containing different association of cholic acids, pancreatic proteases, bicarbonate, lipids, or alcohol was investigated. Cholic acids and lipids protected the enzyme in the simulated intestinal fluids. However, they were not able to protect against the inhibitory effect of 24-36% (v/v) ethanol. These observations may be relevant for oral administration of enzymes as food supplements or therapeutic bioactive agents.

Synthesis of 3ß-tert-Butyldimethylsiloxy-22-phenylthio-23,24-bisnorchola-5,9(11)-diene and Reductive Nucleophilic Attack on a Branched Aliphatic Aldehyde.

3ß-tert-Butyldimethylsiloxy-22-phenylthio-23,24-bisnorchola-5,9(11)-diene, which has a double bond between C-9 and C-11 and a phenylsulfenyl group on the terminus of the side chain, is a potential synthetic intermediate for steroids with 9,11-unsaturation or 9,11-seco skeletons. We describe here the synthesis of the title compound from 17-ethylenedioxy-3-acetoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-11-one. The introduction of an ethylene unit to 3ß-tert-butyldimethylsiloxyandrosta-5,9(11)-dien-17-one by the action of ethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide under basic conditions resulted in an inseparable mixture of two stereoisomeric products (5 : 1). However, in the subsequent step, only the (Z)-isomer was susceptible to the Lewis acid-catalyzed ene reaction with formaldehyde, giving a stereochemically pure product with the desired configuration. Within three steps, the ene-product was derivatized to the title compound, with a total yield of 53% over seven steps. Reductive terminal anion formation by treatment with lithium di-tert-butylbiphenyl (LiDBB) and subsequent nucleophilic attack on a branched aliphatic aldehyde was demonstrated, with an eye toward the introduction of side chains, especially for steroids with oxygen functionality at C-23.