Assignment of anomeric structure to carbohydrates through geminal13C-H coupling constants

Callipeltosides A, B and C: Total Syntheses and Structural Confirmation

Since their isolation almost 20 years ago, the callipeltosides have been of long standing interest to the synthetic community owing to their unique structural features and inherent biological activity. Herein we present our full research effort that has led to the synthesis of these molecules. Key aspects of our final strategy include 1) synthesis of the C1-C9 pyran core (5) using an AuCl3 -catalysed cyclisation; 2) formation of C10-C22 vinyl iodide (55) by sequential bidirectional Stille reactions and 3) diastereoselective union of these advanced fragments by means of an alkenylzinc addition (d.r.=91:9 at C9). The common callipeltoside aglycon (4) was completed in a further five steps. Following this, all three sugar fragments were appended to provide the entire callipeltoside family. In addition to this, D-configured callipeltose B was synthesised and appended to the callipeltoside aglycon. The (1) H NMR spectrum of this molecule was found to be significantly different to the natural isolate, further supporting our assignment of callipeltoside B (2).

Cranberry Xyloglucan Structure and Inhibition of Escherichia coli Adhesion to Epithelial Cells

Cranberry juice has been recognized as a treatment for urinary tract infections on the basis of scientific reports of proanthocyanidin anti-adhesion activity against Escherichia coli as well as from folklore. Xyloglucan oligosaccharides were detected in cranberry juice and the residue remaining following commercial juice extraction that included pectinase maceration of the pulp. A novel xyloglucan was detected through tandem mass spectrometry analysis of an ion at m/z 1055 that was determined to be a branched, three hexose, four pentose oligosaccharide consistent with an arabino-xyloglucan structure. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis provided through-bond correlations for the α-L-Araf (1→2) α-D-Xylp (1→6) β-D-Glcp sequence, proving the S-type cranberry xyloglucan structure. Cranberry xyloglucan-rich fractions inhibited the adhesion of E. coli CFT073 and UTI89 strains to T24 human bladder epithelial cells and that of E. coli O157:H7 to HT29 human colonic epithelial cells. SSGG xyloglucan oligosaccharides represent a new cranberry bioactive component with E. coli anti-adhesion activity and high affinity for type 1 fimbriae.

A novel rhamno-mannan exopolysaccharide isolated from biofilms of Burkholderia multivorans C1576

Burkholderia multivorans C1576 is a Gram negative opportunistic pathogen causing serious lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. Considering that bacteria naturally form biofilms, and exopolysaccharides are recognized as important factors for biofilm architecture set-up, B. multivorans was grown both in biofilm and in non-biofilm mode on two different media in order to compare the exopolysaccharides biosynthesized in these different experimental conditions. The exopolysaccharides produced were purified and their structure was determined resorting mainly to NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The experimental data showed that both in biofilm and non-biofilm mode B. multivorans C1576 produced a novel exopolysaccharide having the following structure: [Formula: see text]. About 50% of the 2-linked rhamnose residues are substituted on C-3 with a methyl ether group. The high percentage of deoxysugar Rha units, coupled with OMe substitutions, suggest a possible role for polymer domains with marked hydrophobic characteristics able to create exopolysaccharide junction zones favouring the stability of the biofilm matrix.

Effect of phenolic glycolipids from Mycobacterium kansasii on proinflammatory cytokine release. A structure-activity relationship study

The cell wall of pathogenic mycobacteria is abundant with virulence factors, among which phenolic glycolipids (PGLs) are prominent examples. Mycobacterium kansasii, an important opportunistic pathogen, produces seven PGLs and their effect on the release of important proinflammatory cytokines that mediate disease progression has not been investigated. We previously showed that proinflammatory cytokines are modulated by PGLs from M. tuberculosis, M. leprae and M. bovis. In this paper we describe the synthesis of a series of 17 analogs of M. kansasii PGLs containing a truncated aglycone. Subsequently, the effect of these compounds on the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated. These compounds exerted an immunoinhibitory effect on the release of the tested cytokines. The concentration-dependent inhibitory profile of the tested molecules was also found to be dependent on the methylation pattern of the molecule and was mediated via toll-like receptor (TLR)-2. This study led to the discovery of a glycolipid (18) that shows promising potent anti-inflammatory properties making it a potential candidate for further optimization of its anti-inflammatory profile.

Synthesis of a 1,3 β-glucan hexasaccharide designed to target vaccines to the dendritic cell receptor, Dectin-1

Transformation of 3-O-benzyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose into 2,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-3-O-benzyl glucopyranosyl imidate proceeded efficiently via crystalline benzyl and per-benzoylated derivatives. This imidate glycosylated di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-glucofuranose in high yield and glycosylation of the disaccharide after removal of the 3'-O-benzyl ether afforded the β1,3 linked trisaccharide in excellent yield. Di- and trisaccharides imidates were readily prepared from the furanose terminated glycosylation products but both were unreactive in glycosylation reaction with the debenzylated di- and trisaccharide alcohols. The 3'-O-benzyl perbenzoylated disaccharide pyranose derivative could be selectively debenzoylated and converted to the corresponding perbenzoylated 4,6:4',6'-di-O-benzylidene derivative. Lewis acid catalyzed glycosidation gave the selectively protected disaccharide ethylthioglycoside in good overall yield. Glycosidation of this thioglycoside donor with 5-methoxycarbonylpentanol gave the disaccharide tether glycoside and after catalytic removal of benzyl ether the resulting disaccharide alcohol was glycosylated by the thioglycoside in a 2+2 reaction to yield a tetrasaccharide. Repetition of selective deprotection of the terminal 3-O-benzyl ether followed by glycosylation by the disaccharide thioglycoside gave a protected hexasaccharide. Hydrogenolysis of this hexasaccharide followed by transesterification and second hydrogenolysis to remove a residual benzyl group gave the target hexasaccharide glycoside 1 as a Dectin-1 ligand functionalized to permit covalent attachment to glycoconjugate vaccines and thereby facilitate improved antigen processing by dendritic cells.

Listeria monocytogenes exopolysaccharide: origin, structure, biosynthetic machinery and c-di-GMP-dependent regulation

Elevated levels of the second messenger c-di-GMP activate biosynthesis of an unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS) in the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. This EPS strongly protects cells against disinfectants and desiccation, indicating its potential significance for listerial persistence in the environment and for food safety. We analyzed the potential phylogenetic origin of this EPS, determined its complete structure, characterized genes involved in its biosynthesis and hydrolysis and identified diguanylate cyclases activating its synthesis. Phylogenetic analysis of EPS biosynthesis proteins suggests that they have evolved within monoderms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that L. monocytogenes EPS is cell surface-bound. Secreted carbohydrates represent exclusively cell-wall debris. Based on carbohydrate composition, linkage and NMR analysis, the structure of the purified EPS is identified as a β-1,4-linked N-acetylmannosamine chain decorated with terminal α-1,6-linked galactose. All genes of the pssA-E operon are required for EPS production and so is a separately located pssZ gene. We show that PssZ has an EPS-specific glycosylhydrolase activity. Exogenously added PssZ prevents EPS-mediated cell aggregation and disperses preformed aggregates, whereas an E72Q mutant in the presumed catalytic residue is much less active. The diguanylate cyclases DgcA and DgcB, whose genes are located next to pssZ, are primarily responsible for c-di-GMP-dependent EPS production.

Development of αGlcN(1↔1)αMan-based lipid A mimetics as a novel class of potent Toll-like receptor 4 agonists

The endotoxic portion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a glycophospholipid Lipid A, initiates the activation of the Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)–myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex, which results in pro-inflammatory immune signaling. To unveil the structural requirements for TLR4·MD-2-specific ligands, we have developed conformationally restricted Lipid A mimetics wherein the flexible βGlcN(1→6)GlcN backbone of Lipid A is exchanged for a rigid trehalose-like αGlcN(1↔1)αMan scaffold resembling the molecular shape of TLR4·MD-2-bound E. coli Lipid A disclosed in the X-ray structure. A convergent synthetic route toward orthogonally protected αGlcN(1↔1)αMan disaccharide has been elaborated. The α,α-(1↔1) linkage was attained by the glycosylation of 2-N-carbamate-protected α-GlcN-lactol with N-phenyl-trifluoroacetimidate of 2-O-methylated mannose. Regioselective acylation with (R)-3-acyloxyacyl fatty acids and successive phosphorylation followed by global deprotection afforded bis- and monophosphorylated hexaacylated Lipid A mimetics. αGlcN(1↔1)αMan-based Lipid A mimetics (α,α-GM-LAM) induced potent activation of NF-κB signaling in hTLR4/hMD-2/CD14-transfected HEK293 cells and robust LPS-like cytokines expression in macrophages and dendritic cells. Thus, restricting the conformational flexibility of Lipid A by fixing the molecular shape of its carbohydrate backbone in the “agonistic” conformation attained by a rigid αGlcN(1↔1)αMan scaffold represents an efficient approach toward powerful and adjustable TLR4 activation.

Metachelins, mannosylated and N-oxidized coprogen-type siderophores from Metarhizium robertsii

Under iron-depleted culture conditions, the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii (Bischoff, Humber, and Rehner) (= M. anisopliae) produces a complex of extracellular siderophores including novel O-glycosylated and N-oxidized coprogen-type compounds as well as the known fungal siderophores N(α)-dimethylcoprogen (NADC) and dimerumic acid (DA). Metachelin A (1), the most abundant component in the M. robertsii siderophore mixture, was characterized as a 1094 Da analogue of NADC that is O-glycosylated by β-mannose at both terminal hydroxyl groups and N-oxidized at the dimethylated α-nitrogen. The mixture also contained a 1078 Da analogue, metachelin B (2), which lacks the N-oxide modification. Also characterized were the aglycone of 1, i.e., the N-oxide of NADC (3), and the monomannoside of DA (6). N-Oxide and O-glycosyl substituents are unprecedented among microbial siderophores. At high ESIMS source energy and at room temperature in DMSO, 1 underwent Cope elimination, resulting in loss of the N(α)-dimethyl group and dehydration of the α-β bond. High-resolution ESIMS data confirmed that all tri- and dihydroxamate siderophores (1-6) complex with trivalent Fe, Al, and Ga. In a chrome azurol S assay, all of the M. robertsii siderophores showed iron-binding activity roughly equivalent to that of desferrioxamine B.

Inhibition of cytokine release by mycobacterium tuberculosis phenolic glycolipid analogues

Infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a disease characterized by alteration of host innate and adaptive immunity. These processes are mediated by a series of bacterial biomolecules, among which phenolic glycolipids (PGLs) and the related p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives have been suggested to play important roles. To probe the importance of structural features of these glycans on cytokine modulation, we synthesized three M. tuberculosis PGL analogues (1-3), which differ from the native glycoconjugates by possessing a simplified lipid algycone. The ability of 1-3 to modulate the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1) and nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated. None of the compounds stimulated the secretion of these signalling molecules. However, all showed a Toll-like Receptor 2-mediated, concentration-dependent inhibition profile that was related to the methylation pattern on the glycan.

HR-HSBC: Measuring heteronuclear one-bond couplings with enhanced resolution

Heteronuclear one-bond couplings have a variety of applications, and their accurate determination is the basis for obtaining specific structural information of mostly small organic compounds. In this context, it is of utmost importance to reduce signal overlap to a minimum, and a number of techniques has been introduced during the last decades. Here, we introduce a modified version of the HR-HMBC (Magn. Reson. Chem. 2010, 48, 179-183) for heteronuclear one-bond coupling measurements with improved resolution because of the J-resolved-like tilt of corresponding multiplet patterns. The pulse sequence is introduced, and its performance is compared with a standard ω(2)-coupled HSQC experiment. Example spectra on glucose and maltose demonstrate that signals can be resolved that overlap otherwise. The approach is discussed in detail.

Convergent synthesis of the pentasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigenic polysaccharide of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O113

An acidic pentasaccharide repeating unit corresponding to the O-antigenic polysaccharide of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O113 as its p-methoxyphenyl glycoside has been synthesized in a convergent manner by adopting a [3+2] block glycosylation strategy. During the synthetic endeavor a one-pot reaction condition for stereoselective glycosylation and protecting group manipulation has been applied. All glycosylation steps are highly stereoselective with good to excellent yield.

Exposure of mycobacteria to cell wall-inhibitory drugs decreases production of arabinoglycerolipid related to Mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan metabolism

The "cell wall core" consisting of a mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan (mAGP) complex represents the hallmark of the mycobacterial cell envelope. It has been the focus of intense research at both structural and biosynthetic levels during the past few decades. Because it is essential, mAGP is also regarded as a target for several antitubercular drugs. Herein, we demonstrate that exposure of Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin or Mycobacterium marinum to thiacetazone, a second line antitubercular drug, is associated with a severe decrease in the level of a major apolar glycolipid. This inhibition requires MmaA4, a methyltransferase reported to participate in the activation process of thiacetazone. Following purification, this glycolipid was subjected to detailed structural analyses, combining gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. This allowed to identify it as a 5-O-mycolyl-β-Araf-(1→2)-5-O-mycolyl-α-Araf-(1→1)-Gro, designated dimycolyl diarabinoglycerol (DMAG). The presence of DMAG was subsequently confirmed in other slow growing pathogenic species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. DMAG production was stimulated in the presence of exogenous glycerol. Interestingly, DMAG appears structurally identical to the terminal portion of the mycolylated arabinosyl motif of mAGP, and the metabolic relationship between these two components was provided using antitubercular drugs such as ethambutol or isoniazid known to inhibit the biosynthesis of arabinogalactan or mycolic acid, respectively. Finally, DMAG was identified in the cell wall of M. tuberculosis. This opens the possibility of a potent biological function for DMAG that may be important to mycobacterial pathogenesis.

Potential Drug Abuse Therapeutics Derived from the Hallucinogenic Natural Product Salvinorin A

Previous structure-activity relationship studies of salvinorin A have shown that modification of the acetate functionality off the C-2 position to a methoxy methyl or methoxy ethyl ether moiety leads to increased potency at KOP receptors. However, the reason for this increase remains unclear. Here we report our efforts towards the synthesis and evaluation of C-2 constrained analogs of salvinorin A. These analogs were evaluated at opioid receptors in radioligand binding experiments as well as in the GTP-γ-S functional assay. One compound, 5, was found to have affinity and potency at κ opioid (KOP) receptors comparable to salvinorin A. In further studies, 5 was found to attenuate cocaine-induced drug seeking behavior in rats comparably to salvinorin A. This finding represents the first example of a salvinorin A analog that has demonstrated anti-addictive capabilities.

N,N'-methyleno-didemnin A from the ascidian Trididemnum solidum. Complete NMR assignments and confirmation of the imidazolidinone ring by strategic analysis of 1J(CH)

The complete NMR assignments of N,N'-methyleno-didemnin A from Trididemnum solidum Van Name 1902 are reported along with a strategic analysis of (1)J(CH) coupling constants that confirm the presence of the imidazolidinone ring.

Selective formation of glycosidic linkages of N-unsubstituted 4-hydroxyquinolin-2-(1H)-ones

A comparative study for selective glucosylation of N-unsubstituted 4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-ones into 4-(tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)quinolin-2(1H)-ones is reported. Four glycosyl donors including tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide, beta-D-glucose pentaacetate, glucose tetraacetate and tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate were tested, along with different promoters and reaction conditions. The best results were obtained with tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl bromide with Cs(2)CO(3) in CH(3)CN. In some cases the 4-O-glucosylation of the quinolinone ring was accompanied by 2-O-glucosylation yielding the corresponding 2,4-bis(tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)quinoline. Next, 4-(tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)quinolin-2(1H)-ones were deacetylated into 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)quinolin-2(1H)-ones with Et(3)N in MeOH. In some instances the deacetylation was accompanied by the sugar-aglycone bond cleavage. Structure elucidation, complete assignment of proton and carbon resonances as well as assignment of anomeric configuration for all the products under investigation were performed by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.

Kinetics of the accumulation of jasmonic acid and its derivatives in systemic leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi nc) and translocation of deuterium-labeled jasmonic acid from the wounding site to the systemic site

In plants, the mobile signal needed for wound-induced systemic acquired resistance (WSR) has been elusive. The signal compound involved in WSR is supposed to be JA or its derivatives. On the basis of kinetic study of the accumulation of JA or its derivatives, it was discovered that JA, JA-Ile, tuberonic acid (TA, 12-OH epi-JA), and tuberonic acid glucoside (TAG) accumulated in systemic tissues in response to mechanical wounding stress in the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum). Attempts to recover deuterium-labeled JA in systemic leaves after feeding the wounded leaves with deuterium-labeled JA were successfully done. It was also found that the translocated deuterium-labeled JA was metabolized to TA in systemic leaves under feeding of deuterium-labeled JA to the wounding leaves.

Glycosides of arylnaphthalene lignans from Acanthus mollis having axial chirality

Glycosides of arylnaphthalene lignans having axial chirality were isolated from Acanthus mollis. Owing to the axial chirality, their structure, including absolute configuration, was determined by means of extensive spectroscopic data such as UV, IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and computational chiroptical methods. A compound, 2',4-dihydroxyretrohelioxanthin (2'-hydroxy-justirumalin), has a structure containing two aromatic moieties with substituents hindering rotation about the biaryl axis. The aglycone was connected to a saccharide moiety linked at C-4 or C-2' and made up of one or four sugars (rhamnose or quinovose, and tetrasaccharide 4-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1'''''-6'')-O-[beta-D-rhamnopyranosyl-(1''''-3'')]-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1''''-2'')-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and quinovose). Two mono- and one tetraglycoside gave positive results in the sea urchin eggs test (Paracentrotus lividus) of cytotoxicity and in a crown gall tumor on potato disks test (Agrobacterium tumefaciens).

Stereoselective synthesis of sugar nucleotides using neighboring group participation

A straightforward, efficient method for the chemical synthesis of sugar nucleotides derived from D-mannose and L-fucose precursors is described. This synthetic strategy involves the coupling of acylated glycosyl bromides with nucleoside 5'-diphosphates, which enables the exploitation of neighboring group participation to exclusively prepare diastereomerically pure sugar nucleotides of desired 1,2-trans anomeric configuration. This is the first stereoselective direct coupling approach to sugar nucleotide synthesis. Following deprotection using triethylamine and purification via C18 reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography, UDP- and GDP-alpha-D-mannose as well as UDP- and GDP-beta-L-fucose were obtained in good yield in only four synthetic steps from D-mannose and L-fucose.

Acylated triterpenoid saponins from Schima noronhae and their cell growth inhibitory activity

Two new acylated triterpenoid saponins were isolated from the branches of Schima noronhae by bioassay-guided purification. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical means as 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl 22-O-angeloyl-A1-barrigenol (1) and 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl 22-O-angeloylerythrodiol (2). Compounds 1 and 2 showed cell growth inhibitory activity against both HeLa and DLD1 cells at a concentration of less than 10 microM.

Hirtusneanoside, an unsymmetrical dimeric tetrahydroxanthone from the lichen Usnea hirta

Hirtusneanoside, a new O-deoxyglycoside of a dimeric tetrahydroxanthone, was isolated from the lichen Usnea hirta. Its structure, including the absolute configuration, was determined by means of extensive spectroscopic data (UV, IR, MS, CD, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical degradation. Hirtusneanoside has a unique structure comprising L-rhamnopyranoside of a tetrahydroxanthone dimer and showed growth inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacteria.

Exopolysaccharides produced by Inquilinus limosus, a new pathogen of cystic fibrosis patients: novel structures with usual components

The major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis, an autosomal recessive disorder, is chronic microbial colonisation of the major airways that leads to exacerbation of pulmonary infection. Several different microbes colonise cystic fibrosis lungs, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most threatening, since the establishment of mucoid (alginate producing) strains is ultimately associated with the patient's death. Very recently a new bacterium, named Inquilinus limosus, was repeatedly found infecting the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis patients. Its multi-resistance characteristic to antibiotics might result in the spreading of I. limosus infection among the cystic fibrosis community, as recently happened with strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. Since exopolysaccharides are recognised as important virulence factors in lung infections, the primary structure of the polysaccharide produced by I. limosus strain LMG 20952(T) was investigated as the first step in understanding its role in pathogenesis. The structure was determined by means of methylation analysis, acid degradations, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The results showed that the bacterium produced a mixture constituted of the following polymers: [3)-[4,6-O-(1-carboxyethylidene)]-beta-D-Glcp(1-->]n; [2)-[4,6-O-(1-carboxyethylidene)]-alpha-D-Manp(1-->]n. Both polymers were completely substituted with pyruvyl ketal groups, a novel structural characteristic not previously found in bacterial polysaccharides. The absolute configuration of all pyruvyl groups was S. Inspection of possible local conformations assumed by the two polysaccharide chains showed features, which might provide interesting clues for understanding structure-function relationships.

A new 5-deoxyflavone glycoside from the aerial parts of Calea clausseniana

A new 5-deoxyflavone glycoside, identified as 7-O-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-3',4',7-trihydroxyflavone (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Calea clausseniana. Its structure was determined by spectral analysis.