Amino Acid Alkyl Research Articles

CORR Insights(®): Gamma Radiation Sterilization Reduces the High-cycle Fatigue Life of Allograft Bone.

Where Are We Now? Viral transmission from allograft tissue is rare, but when it occurs, it can be a life-threatening complication. Bacterial infections following allograft reconstructions are both common and limb-threatening. Minimizing the risks are crucial for patient safety. Therefore, any attention we can focus on graft sterilization is effort well spent. The sterilization process—cleaning, defatting, and storing the allograft—must be safe, efficient, and effective. Currently, sterilization generally uses ionizing radiation. Ethylene oxide and autoclave treatments are no longer used because of toxicity, loss of strength of the material, and loss of osteoinductive properties caused by the denaturation of proteins or the alkylation of amino acids [1, 2, 4-6]. Instead, the current standard is gamma-radiation sterilization because of its convenience and effectiveness both against bacterial contaminants as well as viral transmission (HIV and Hepatitis C). However, irradiation damages the collagenous fiber system by cracking the polymer chains and alkylation of free radicals. Crosslinking or free radical scavenging could reduce the damage caused by irradiation. Since both are achieved with chemical solutions, it is important to validate the penetration depth of the chemicals applied. Where Do We Need To Go? In order to achieve safe and efficient graft sterilization, we must combine different treatments. The combination of the safest chemical treatment with the lowest irradiation dose can balance the disadvantages of each of those two approaches. The collagenous fibers resist ice crystal damage, the ground substance, however, not, resulting in loss of tension of the fiber pattern. This is well known from electron microscopy and can be counteracted by antifreezing solutions like dimethylsulfoxide [3]. How Do We Get There? Because most of the radioprotective treatments include chemical solutions, it is important to understand how fast and how deep the radioprotectives can penetrate mineralized bone. Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with a fatigue test, may yield valuable information regarding the integrity of collagenous fiber pattern. Finally, mechanical strength should be compared across the various processing approaches, particularly focusing on fatigue strength, since that is the mode of failure of greatest clinical relevance.

Divergent Reactivity of Amino Acid Alkyl Ester Hydrochlorides with 2-Oxoaldehydes: Role of Selenium Dioxide To Promote Regioselective Synthesis of Imidazoles.

Novel amino acid substituted imidazoles engendered from amino acid alkyl ester hydrochlorides and 2-oxoaldehydes as a result of selenium dioxide promoted unconventional reaction in a basic environment is presented for the first time. Despite the nature of the 2-oxoaldehydes/amino acids used, the imidazoles generated had a functional core structure, and all of the reactions meticulously retained regioselectivity. The imperative feature of these reactions was the uniqueness of selenium dioxide in fixing two nitrogen atoms from amino acids through an in situ generated ArCOCHN1N2 system.

A Functional Interplay between Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease Residues 77 and 93 Involved in Differential Regulation of Precursor Autoprocessing and Mature Protease Activity.

HIV-1 protease (PR) is a viral enzyme vital to the production of infectious virions. It is initially synthesized as part of the Gag-Pol polyprotein precursor in the infected cell. The free mature PR is liberated as a result of precursor autoprocessing upon virion release. We previously described a model system to examine autoprocessing in transfected mammalian cells. Here, we report that a covariance analysis of miniprecursor (p6*-PR) sequences derived from drug naïve patients identified a series of amino acid pairs that vary together across independent viral isolates. These covariance pairs were used to build the first topology map of the miniprecursor that suggests high levels of interaction between the p6* peptide and the mature PR. Additionally, several PR-PR covariance pairs are located far from each other (>12 Å Cα to Cα) relative to their positions in the mature PR structure. Biochemical characterization of one such covariance pair (77–93) revealed that each residue shows distinct preference for one of three alkyl amino acids (V, I, and L) and that a polar or charged amino acid at either of these two positions abolishes precursor autoprocessing. The most commonly observed 77V is preferred by the most commonly observed 93I, but the 77I variant is preferred by other 93 variances (L, V, or M) in supporting precursor autoprocessing. Furthermore, the 77I93V covariant enhanced precursor autoprocessing and Gag polyprotein processing but decreased the mature PR activity. Therefore, both covariance and biochemical analyses support a functional association between residues 77 and 93, which are spatially distant from each other in the mature PR structure. Our data also suggests that these covariance pairs differentially regulate precursor autoprocessing and the mature protease activity.

Angiotensin II restricted analogs with biological activity in the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium falciparum.

The anti-plasmodial activity of conformationally restricted analogs of angiotensin II against Plasmodium gallinaceum has been described. To observe activity against another Plasmodium species, invasion of red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum was analyzed. Analogs restricted with lactam or disulfide bridges were synthesized to determine their effects and constraints in the peptide-parasite interaction. The analogs were synthesized using tert-butoxycarbonyl and fluoromethoxycarbonyl solid phase methods, purified by liquid chromatography, and characterized by mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the lactam bridge restricted analogs 1 (Glu-Asp-Arg-Orn-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) and 3 (Asp-Glu-Arg-Val-Orn-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) showed activity toward inhibition of ring formation stage of P. falciparum erythrocytic cycle, preventing invasion in about 40% of the erythrocytes. The disulfide-bridged analog 10 (Cys-Asp-Arg-Cys-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) was less effective yet significant, showing a 25% decrease in infection of new erythrocytes. In all cases, the peptides presented no pressor activity, and hydrophobic interactions between the aromatic and alkyl amino acid side chains were preserved, a factor proven important in efficacy against P. gallinaceum. In contrast, hydrophilic interactions between the Asp(1) carboxyl and Arg(2) guanidyl groups proved not to be as important as they were in the case of P. gallinaceum, while interactions between the Arg(2) guanidyl and Tyr(4) hydroxyl groups were not important in either case. The β-turn conformation was predominant in all of the active peptides, proving importance in anti-plasmodial activity. This approach provides insight for understanding the importance of each amino acid residue on the native angiotensin II structure and a new direction for the design of potential chemotherapeutic agents.

A facile route for the synthesis of novel S-linked 1,3,5-triazine tethered peptidomimetics

An efficient one-pot synthesis of Nα-protected S-linked 1,3,5-triazine tethered peptidomimetics is described. The protocol involves a three-component condensation reaction employing Nα-protected amino alkyl isothiouronium salt, formaldehyde and amino acid ester or aryl amine as reactants. Various aryl amines with substitutions and amino acids with simple as well as bifunctional side chains were employed to obtain triazine tethered peptidomimetics in good yield.

ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Amidation of Acids Using Formamides as the Amine Source.

Copper-catalyzed amidation of acids with formamides or acetamide for the selective synthesis of amides with the aid of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as the ligand and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant is presented. This method is highly compatible with a wide range of acids, including alkyl acids, aryl acids, α,β-unsaturated acids, and amino acids.

Synthesis, Structures, and Conformations of Linked Bis-Glyoxylamides Derived from Bis-Acylisatins

A series of bis-glyoxylamides possessing hydrophobic alkyl chains was successfully synthesised by ring opening of bis-acylisatins with amines or amino acid alkyl esters. The crystal structures revealed the interplay of intra- and intermolecular interactions (NH···O and C=O···C=O interactions) and the conformations of these long molecules.

Deaminative and Decarboxylative Catalytic Alkylation of Amino Acids with Ketones

Deaminative and Decarboxylative Catalytic Alkylation of Amino Acids with Ketones

Deaminative and Decarboxylative Catalytic Alkylation of Amino Acids with Ketones

It cuts two ways: The cationic [Ru-H] complex catalyzes selective coupling of α- and β-amino acids with ketones to form α-alkylated ketone products. The reaction involves CC and CN bond cleavage which result in regio- and stereoselective alkylation using amino acids. A broad substrate scope and high functional-group tolerance is demonstrated.

Copper‐Catalyzed Amidation of Acids Using Formamides as the Amine Source

AbstractCopper‐catalyzed amidation of acids with formamides or acetamide for the selective synthesis of amides with the aid of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as the ligand and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant is presented. This method is highly compatible with a wide range of acids, including alkyl acids, aryl acids, α,β‐unsaturated acids, and amino acids.

Stable deuterium internal standard for the isotope-dilution LC–MS/MS analysis of elastin degradation

Chemical synthesis of the deuterium isotope desmosine-d4 has been achieved. This isotopic compound possesses all four deuterium atoms at the alkanyl carbons of the alkyl amino acid substitution in the desmosine molecule and is stable toward acid hydrolysis; this is required in the measurement of two crosslinking molecules, desmosine and isodesmosine, as biomarkers of elastic tissue degradation. The degradation of elastin occurs in several widely prevalent diseases. The synthesized desmosine-d4 is used as the internal standard to develop an accurate and sensitive isotope-dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, which can serve as a generalized method for an accurate analysis of desmosine and isodesmosine as biomarkers in many types of biological tissues involving elastin degradation.

Side reactions in the SPPS of Cys-containing peptides

Alkylation of sensitive amino acids during synthesis of biologically important peptides is a common and well-documented problem in Fmoc-based strategy. Herein, we probed for the first time an unexpected S-alkylation of Cys-containing peptides that occur during the final TFA cleavage of peptides from the Wang solid support. Through a battery of approaches (NMR, UV and LC-MS) the formed by-product was assigned as the alkylation of the cysteine sulfydryl group by the p-hydroxyl benzyl group derived from the acidic Wang linker decomposition. Factors affecting this side reaction were monitored and a protocol that minimizes the presence of the by-product is reported.

Design, Synthesis and Brain Uptake of LAT1-Targeted Amino Acid Prodrugs of Dopamine

Drug delivery to the brain is impeded by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we attempted to enhance the brain uptake of cationic dopamine by utilizing the large amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) at the BBB by prodrug approach. Three amino acid prodrugs of dopamine were synthesized and their prodrug properties were examined in vitro. Their LAT1-binding and BBB-permeation were studied using the in situ rat brain perfusion technique. The brain uptake after intravenous administration and the dopamine-releasing ability in the rat striatum after intraperitoneal administration were also determined for the most promising prodrug. All prodrugs underwent adequate cleavage in rat tissue homogenates. The prodrug with phenylalanine derivative as the promoiety had both higher affinity for LAT1 and better brain uptake properties than those with an alkyl amino acid - mimicking promoiety. The phenylalanine prodrug was taken up into the brain after intravenous injection but after intraperitoneal injection the prodrug did not elevate striatal dopamine concentrations above those achieved by corresponding L-dopa treatment. These results indicate that attachment of phenylalanine to a cationic drug via an amide bond from the meta-position of its aromatic ring could be highly applicable in prodrug design for LAT1-mediated CNS-delivery of not only anionic but also cationic polar drugs.

Discovery and Lead Optimization of a Novel Series of CC Chemokine Receptor 1 (CCR1)-Selective Piperidine Antagonists via Parallel Synthesis

A series of novel, potent CCR1 inhibitors was developed from a moderately active hit using an iterative parallel synthesis approach. The initial hit (composed of three subunits: an amine, a central amino acid, and an N-terminal cap) became the basis for a series of parallel chemical libraries designed to generate SAR data. Libraries were synthesized that explored each of the three subunits; the CCR1 binding data obtained revealed the following: (1) changes to the amine are not well tolerated; (2) small alkylamino acids are preferred in the center of the molecule; (3) substitutions at the N-terminus are generally well tolerated. These data were used to drive the optimization of the series, ultimately providing a lead with a CCR1 binding IC(50) of 28 nM (48). This lead demonstrates high selectivity for CCR1 over other CCR-family members, high microsomal stability, and good pharmacokinetics in mice.

Computational Study of ADD1 Gene Polymorphism Associated with Hypertension

We have determined the non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of α adducin 1 (ADD1) gene and its variations in different populations to understand its role in hypertension. Out of 1,113 SNPs, 9 are found to be non-synonymous, of which 7 showed significant damaging effect and one of them showed SNP variability with large differences among the minor allele frequency observed in various populations. The amino acid change found for rs4961 is from glycine to tryptophan, i.e., from an alkyl amino acid to an aromatic amino acid. This residual change is observed in the coiled region of the protein and is also predicted to be disordered by computational algorithm. Protein disorder plays an important role in structural and functional genomics. Hence, because of the complete change in side chains of the amino acid residues occurring in the coiled and disordered region of the protein, the structure of the protein might be altered and the function might be affected, leading to the risk for hypertension.

Study of intramolecular aminolysis in peptides containing N-alkylamino acids at position 2

Many peptides and proteins, containing Nα-alkylamino acids (including proline) at the second position, are prone to intramolecular aminolysis (IA) with elimination of N-terminal dipeptide sequence as 2,5-diketopiperazines (DKP). We synthesized a series of short peptides, containing N-alkylamino acids at position 2, and studied their stability in the presence of acetic acid and amines. The presence of side chains in the second and the third amino acid residues and alkylation at Nα of the third amino acid residue slowed down IA. Nα-Alkyl residue in the first amino acid residue impeded IA only in peptides, containing three or more residues. Side chains of the first amino acids did not affect significantly the cleavage rates. Acetic acid promoted IA more strongly than aqueous ammonia, while tertiary amines were less effective. Peptides with methionine-S-oxide residues were more labile than the unoxidized analogs, suggesting intramolecular assistance of the S-oxide group in aminolysis. Surprisingly, intermediate compounds of the formula Boc–Met-MeXaa-Sar–NHR underwent rapid cleavage (endopeptolysis) upon attempted acidolytic deprotection.

Chiral Nβ-Fmoc-amino alkyl isonitriles in Ugi-4CR: an assembly of novel 1,1′-iminodicarboxylated peptidomimetics

Enantiopure Nβ-Fmoc-amino alkyl isonitriles and amino acid esters have been employed as building blocks in Ugi four-component reaction (U-4CR) to yield 1,1′-iminodicarboxylated peptidomimetics. By employing trifluoroacetic acid as one of the components, a different outcome has been observed and rationalized. Ugi products are obtained as trifluoroacetamide adducts, which on further reaction under mild acidic conditions lead to the title compounds. The method has also been proven to be useful for the preparation of ethyl, benzyl and tert-butyl esters.

Enhanced Synthesis of Alkyl Amino Acids in Miller’s 1958 H2S Experiment

Stanley Miller's 1958 H(2)S-containing experiment, which included a simulated prebiotic atmosphere of methane (CH(4)), ammonia (NH(3)), carbon dioxide (CO(2)), and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) produced several alkyl amino acids, including the α-, β-, and γ-isomers of aminobutyric acid (ABA) in greater relative yields than had previously been reported from his spark discharge experiments. In the presence of H(2)S, aspartic and glutamic acids could yield alkyl amino acids via the formation of thioimide intermediates. Radical chemistry initiated by passing H(2)S through a spark discharge could have also enhanced alkyl amino acid synthesis by generating alkyl radicals that can help form the aldehyde and ketone precursors to these amino acids. We propose mechanisms that may have influenced the synthesis of certain amino acids in localized environments rich in H(2)S and lightning discharges, similar to conditions near volcanic systems on the early Earth, thus contributing to the prebiotic chemical inventory of the primordial Earth.

Enhancement of availability of cloricromene at brain level by a lipophilic prodrug

The pharmacokinetics of a lipophilic alkylamino acid (LAA) prodrug of cloricromene (AD6), name CLOR-C4, was studied in rat plasma and brain. In particular, we observed that the intraperitoneal administration of CLOR-C4 to rats was able to provide a slight but statistically significant higher concentration of the active drug metabolite (cloricromene acid) in the brain compared with the parent drug administered by the same way. The correlation between pharmacokinetic data and calculated partition (LogP) and brain distribution coefficients (LogBB) supported the hypothesis that the amphiphilic nature of the LAA promoiety could be responsible for a better penetration into the brain, more than the simple increase of lipophilicity gained with respect to the parent drug.

A Novel Synthesis of N-Alkoxycarbonyl Amino Acids and Surfactant Properties of Their Sodium Salts

N-Acyl amino acids have been prepared from fatty acid chlorides and amino acids, but it may not be easy to vary the hydrophobic groups on the view point of availability. In this work, instead of acid halides, long alkyl chloroformates were prepared by the facile reaction of alcohols and triphosgene as an induction agent of hydrophobic group on amino acids. N-Alkoxycarbonyl amino acids were synthesized from alkyl chloroformate and amino acids under Schötten-Baumann reaction condition with some modification. Surfactant properties of their sodium salts were studied by surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering and foaming test, and compared with those of N-acyl amino acids. Sodium salts of N-alkoxycarbonyl amino acids showed an excellent surface tension lowering ability comparable to N-acyl amino acids, and they also exhibited good foaming ability and stability.