Protective effect of d-alanine against acute kidney injury.

Recent studies have revealed the connection between amino acid chirality and diseases. We have previously reported that the gut microbiota produces various d-amino acids in a murine acute kidney injury (AKI) model. Here, we further explored the pathophysiological role of d-alanine (d-Ala) in AKI. Levels of d-Ala were evaluated in a murine AKI model. We analyzed transcripts of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a receptor for d-Ala, in tubular epithelial cells (TECs). The therapeutic effect of d-Ala was then assessed in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the plasma level of d-Ala was evaluated in patients with AKI. The Grin genes encoding NMDA receptor subtypes were expressed in TECs. Hypoxic conditions change the gene expression of Grin1, Grin2A, and Grin2B. d-Ala protected TECs from hypoxia-related cell injury and induced proliferation after hypoxia. These protective effects are associated with the chirality of d-Ala. d-Ala inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improves mitochondrial membrane potential, through NMDA receptor signaling. The ratio of d-Ala to l-Ala was increased in feces, plasma, and urine after the induction of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Moreover, Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella oxytoca, produce d-Ala. Oral administration of d-Ala ameliorated kidney injury after the induction of I/R in mice. Deficiency of NMDA subunit NR1 in tubular cells worsened kidney damage in AKI. In addition, the plasma level of d-Ala was increased and reflected the level of renal function in patients with AKI. In conclusion, d-Ala has protective effects on I/R-induced kidney injury. Moreover, the plasma level of d-Ala reflects the estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with AKI. d-Ala could be a promising therapeutic target and potential biomarker for AKI.NEW & NOTEWORTHY d-Alanine has protective effects on I/R-induced kidney injury. d-Ala inhibits ROS production and improves mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in reduced TEC necrosis by hypoxic stimulation. The administration of d-Ala protects the tubules from I/R injury in mice. Moreover, the plasma level of d-Ala is conversely associated with eGFR in patients with AKI. Our data suggest that d-Ala is an appealing therapeutic target and a potential biomarker for AKI.

Peptide Bond Formation of Amino Acids by Transient Masking with Silylating Reagents.

A one-pot peptide bond-forming reaction has been developed using unprotected amino acids and peptides. Two different silylating reagents, HSi[OCH(CF3)2]3 and MTBSTFA, are instrumental for the successful implementation of this approach, being used for the activation and transient masking of unprotected amino acids and peptides at C-termini and N-termini, respectively. Furthermore, CsF and imidazole are used as catalysts, activating HSi[OCH(CF3)2]3 and also accelerating chemoselective silylation. This method is versatile as it tolerates side chains that bear a range of functional groups, while providing up to >99% yields of corresponding peptides without any racemization or polymerization.

Tantalum-Catalyzed Amidation of Amino Acid Homologues.

A tantalum-catalyzed solvent-free approach for the construction of amide bonds with 1-(trimethylsilyl)imidazole is developed, and the mild reaction conditions are applicable to a wide variety of electrophilic amino acid homologues. This approach delivers a new class of peptides in high yields without any epimerization.

Substrate-Directed Lewis-Acid Catalysis for Peptide Synthesis.

A Lewis-acid-catalyzed method for the substrate-directed formation of peptide bonds has been developed, and this powerful approach is utilized for the new "remote" activation of carboxyl groups under solvent-free conditions. The presented method has the following advantages: (1) the high-yielding peptide synthesis uses a tantalum catalyst for any amino acids; (2) the reaction proceeds without any racemization; (3) the new substrate-directed chemical ligation using the titanium catalyst is applicable to convergent peptide synthesis. These advantages overcome some of the unresolved problems in classical peptide synthesis.

Direct sp3 C-H bond arylation, alkylation, and amidation of tetrahydroisoquinolines mediated by hypervalent iodine(III) under mild conditions.

We have developed a method for the sp(3) C-H bond functionalization of tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) mediated by [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (PIFA). The treatment of the THIQs with various nucleophiles in the presence of PIFA in a green solvent alternative gave the coupled products, with a C-C, C-N, or quaternary carbon center in high yields.

Pseudoirreversible inhibition elicits persistent efficacy of a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 antagonist.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), a G protein-coupled receptor, is required for lymphocyte trafficking, and is a promising therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases. Here, we synthesize a competitive S1PR1 antagonist, KSI-6666, that effectively suppresses pathogenic inflammation. Metadynamics simulations suggest that the interaction of KSI-6666 with a methionine residue Met124 in the ligand-binding pocket of S1PR1 may inhibit the dissociation of KSI-6666 from S1PR1. Consistently, in vitro functional and mutational analyses reveal that KSI-6666 causes pseudoirreversible inhibition of S1PR1, dependent on the Met124 of the protein and substituents on the distal benzene ring of KSI-6666. Moreover, in vivo study suggests that this pseudoirreversible inhibition is responsible for the persistent activity of KSI-6666.

Selectivity switch in the catalytic functionalization of nonprotected carbohydrates: selective synthesis in the presence of anomeric and structurally similar carbohydrates under mild conditions.

A catalytic process for the chemo- and regioselective functionalization of nonprotected carbohydrates has been developed. This novel process allows selective thiocarbonylation, acylation, and sulfonylation of a particular hydroxy group in a particular carbohydrate in the simultaneous presence of structurally similar carbohydrates such as anomers. In addition, the chemoselectivity can be switched by regulating only the length of the alkyl chain in the organotin catalyst.

Organotin-catalyzed highly regioselective thiocarbonylation of nonprotected carbohydrates and synthesis of deoxy carbohydrates in a minimum number of steps.

Nonprotected carbohydrates: The catalytic regioselective thiocarbonylation of carbohydrates by using organotin dichloride under mild conditions was demonstrated. The reaction afforded various deoxy saccharides in high yields and excellent regioselectivity in a minimum number of steps. The regioselectivity of the thiocarbonylation is attributed to the intrinsic character of the carbohydrates based on the stereorelationship of their hydroxy groups (see scheme).

Chemo- and regioselective monosulfonylation of nonprotected carbohydrates catalyzed by organotin dichloride under mild conditions.

The catalytic regioselective monosulfonylation of nonprotected carbohydrates using organotin dichloride under mild conditions is examined. The carbohydrates were chemo- and regioselectively converted to the corresponding monosulfonates in the presence of monoalcohols using catalytic dibutyltin dichloride. The regioselectivity of the sulfonylation is attributed to the intrinsic character of the carbohydrates derived from the relative stereochemistry between their hydroxy groups.

Selective monobenzoylation of 1,2- and 1,3-diols catalyzed by Me2SnCl2 in water (organic solvent free) under mild conditions.

We have developed an efficient method for selective monobenzoylation of 1,2- and 1,3-diols in water catalyzed by Me(2)SnCl(2). Treatment of 1,2- and 1,3-diols with benzoyl chlorides, DMT-MM, and potassium carbonate in the presence of a catalytic amount of Me(2)SnCl(2) and DMAP in water at room temperature gave monobenzoates in up to 97% yield.

Organocatalytic Activation of Inert Hydrosilane for Peptide Bond Formation.

We describe the development of a reliable catalytic protocol for peptide bond formation that is generally applicable to natural and unnatural α-amino acids, ß-amino acids, and peptides bearing various functional groups. A 10 mol % loading of HSi[OCH(CF3)2]3 as a catalyst was sufficient to guarantee a consistently high yield of the resulting peptide. This method facilitates the sustainable utilization of natural resources by using a catalyst and an auxiliary based on earth-abundant silicon.

An economical approach for peptide synthesis via regioselective C-N bond cleavage of lactams.

An economical, solvent-free, and metal-free method for peptide synthesis via C-N bond cleavage using lactams has been developed. The method not only eliminates the need for condensation agents and their auxiliaries, which are essential for conventional peptide synthesis, but also exhibits high atom economy. The reaction is versatile because it can tolerate side chains bearing a range of functional groups, affording up to >99% yields of the corresponding peptides without racemisation or polymerisation. Moreover, the developed strategy enables peptide segment coupling, providing access to a hexapeptide that occurs as a repeat sequence in spider silk proteins.

Amide bond formation: beyond the dilemma between activation and racemisation.

The development of methods for amide bond formation without recourse to typical condensation reagents has become an emerging research area and has been actively explored in the past quarter century. Inspired by the structure of vitamin B12, we have developed a metal-templated macrolactamisation that generates a new wave towards classical macrolactam synthesis. Further, distinct from the extensively used methods with condensation reagents or catalysts based on catalyst/reagent control our metal-catalysed methods based on substrate control can effectively address long-standing challenges such as racemisation in the field of peptide chemistry. In addition, the substrate-controlled strategy demonstrates the feasibility of "remote" peptide bond-forming reaction catalysed by a metal-ligand complex. Moreover, an originally designed hydrosilane/aminosilane system can avoid not only racemisation but also unnecessary waste production. This feature article documents our discovery and application of our original approaches in amide bond formation.

Functional group tolerance in organocatalytic regioselective acylation of carbohydrates.

Organocatalytic regioselective acylation of mono- and disaccaharides with various functionalized acid anhydrides has been developed. Acylation of octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside with acid anhydrides derived from alpha-amino acids, cinnamic acid, and gallic acid took place at C(4)-OH with 67-94% regioselectivity in the presence of catalyst 1. Regioselective acylation of disaccharides with functionalized acid anhydrides was also achieved with 78-94% selectivity. Especially, a disaccharide with seven free hydroxy groups (X = OH, R' = H) underwent acylation at C(4)-OH with 78% regioselectivity in the presence of 1. Thus, functional group tolerance in the regioselective acylation catalyzed by 1 was found to be high.

Regional differences in end-stage renal disease and amount of protein intake in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: We recently showed regional differences in the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within Japan, which is generally ethnically homogenous, suggesting that factors other than genetic may contribute to the difference. We examined regional differences in the amounts of dietary nutrient intake, especially protein in our search for an explanation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Annually, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy reports the numbers of patients entering maintenance dialysis in each prefecture of Japan. We used these numbers from 1984 to 2002 to calculate the annual ESRD incidence in each of 12 regions of Japan. The regional differences were analyzed in relation to the amounts of nutrient intake reported annually by National Nutrition Survey in corresponding regions for these 19 years. Each year, approximately 15,000 subjects from 5000 households in randomly selected 300 districts were included to obtain a representative sample of the entire population of Japanese in a manner of age, sex, and body mass matched. RESULTS: There were marked regional differences in the annual ESRD incidence and small regional differences in dietary intake of each nutrient. Multiple regression analysis showed that the annual ESRD incidence was negatively correlated with energy intake (r = -0.65, F = 240, n = 228) and positively correlated with animal protein intake (r = 0.25, F = 30). Across 12 regions in the values averaged for 19 years in each region, however, the incidence of ESRD was negatively correlated only with the amounts of energy intake (r = -0.74, F = 12, n = 12), but not with animal protein (r = 0.07, F = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The present study, relating regional differences between ESRD dynamics and the amounts of nutrient intake in a nationwide population of Japan, revealed that the renal protective effects of dietary restriction of protein, suggested by animal models of progressive nephropathies but yet unproved by large-scale clinical trials, remained unestablished even on a macro level of whole Japan through mapping approaches.

Efficient C(sp³)-H bond functionalization of isochroman by AZADOL catalysis.

A novel organocatalytic C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization of isochroman under practical conditions has been developed. In the presence of 5.0 mol % of AZADOL, the catalysis proceeded successfully with a broad range of substrates and nucleophiles in excellent yields.

Catalytic and regioselective oxidation of carbohydrates to synthesize keto-sugars under mild conditions.

A new catalytic and regioselective approach for the synthesis of keto-sugars is described. An organotin catalyst, Oc2SnCl2, in the presence of trimethylphenylammonium tribromide ([TMPhA](+)Br3(-)) accelerates the regioselective oxidation at the "axial"-OH group of 1,2-diol moieties in galactopyranosides. The reaction conditions can also be used for the regioselective oxidation of various carbohydrates.

Organocatalytic approach for C(sp3)-H bond arylation, alkylation, and amidation of isochromans under facile conditions.

A new catalytic approach for the synthesis of isochroman derivatives via direct C(sp(3))-H bond arylation is described. The oxidation reaction with [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene facilitates the regeneration of 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone in the C(sp(3))-H bond arylation of isochroman. The reaction conditions can also be used for alkyl Grignard reagents and amides to afford the corresponding isochroman derivatives.

Simple and direct sp3 C-H bond arylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines and isochromans via 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone oxidation under mild conditions.

The 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ)-mediated sp(3) C-H bond arylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines and isochromans is described. The corresponding products were facilely synthesized via a simple nucleophilic addition reaction between readily available aryl Grignard reagents and iminium (or oxonium) cations generated in situ by DDQ oxidation of tetrahydroisoquinolines (or isochromans) under mild conditions.

A catalytic one-step process for the chemo- and regioselective acylation of monosaccharides.

An organocatalytic method for the chemo- and regioselective acylation of monosaccharides has been developed. Treatment of octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside with isobutyric anhydride in the presence of 10 mol % of a C2-symmetric chiral 4-pyrrolidinopyridine catalyst (1) at -50 degrees C gave the 4-O-isobutyryl derivative as the sole product in 98% yield. Thus, chemoselective acylation, favoring a secondary hydroxyl group in the presence of a free primary hydroxyl group, and regioselective acylation, favoring one of three secondary hydroxyl groups, took place with perfect selectivity. A competitive acylation between octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside and a primary alcohol (2-phenylethanol) with 1.1 equiv of isobutyric anhydride in the presence of 1 gave the 4-O-isobutyrate of octyl beta-D-glucopyranoside with 99% regioselectivity in 98% yield, which indicates that acylation of the secondary hydroxyl group at C(4) of the carbohydrate proceeds in an accelerative manner. A possible mechanism, involving multiple hydrogen-bonding between 1 and the monosaccharide, is proposed for the chemo- and regioselective acylation.