A unique quinolineboronic acid-based supramolecular structure that relies on double intermolecular B-N bonds for self-assembly in solid state and in solution

Supramolecular assembly of crosslinkable monomers for degradable and fluorescent polymer nanoparticles

Intermolecular B-N coordination has been recognized as a promising driving force for molecular self-organization. However, direct utilization of this intermolecular interaction as building bridge for the supramolecular self-assembly of chemical functionalities to form nano-sized architectures remains a daunting challenge. Here, we outline a multiple intermolecular B-N coordination based supramolecular system, where small boronate molecules can be brought together in solution to form nanoparticles with controllable sizes and morphologies. We not only demonstrate the intrinsic switchable fluorescence and the stimuli-responsive capabilities of the designed boronate molecule, but also show that the stabilized or surface functionalized nanoparticles are degradable in response to pH and D-glucose and able to retain the fluorescence features of the boronate molecule. Additionally, the degraded nanoparticles can repair themselves through the reformation of B-N coordination.

3-Amino-phenyl-boronic acid monohydrate

In the title compound, C(6)H(8)BNO(2)·H(2)O, the almost planar boronic acid mol-ecules (r.m.s. deviation = 0.044 Å) form inversion dimers, linked by pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The water mol-ecules link these dimers into [100] chains by way of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and N-H⋯O links generate (100) sheets.

Bis[3-(dihydroxy-boryl)anilinium] sulfate

In the title compound, 2C₆H₉BNO₂⁺·SO₄²⁻, the dihydroxy­boryl group of one of the two independent boronic acid mol­ecules participates in (B)O—H⋯O_B and N—H⋯O_B hydrogen bonds, while the second is involved mainly in the formation of the charge-assisted heterodimeric synthon –B(OH)₂⋯⁻O₂SO₂⁻. These aggregates are further connected through N—H⋯O_sulfate inter­actions, forming a complex three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network.

Carbohydrate biomarkers for future disease detection and treatment

Carbohydrates are considered as one of the most important classes of biomarkers for cell types, disease states, protein functions, and developmental states. Carbohydrate "binders" that can specifically recognize a carbohydrate biomarker can be used for developing novel types of site specific delivery methods and imaging agents. In this review, we present selected examples of important carbohydrate biomarkers and how they can be targeted for the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Examples are arranged based on disease categories including (1) infectious diseases, (2) cancer, (3) inflammation and immune responses, (4) signal transduction, (5) stem cell transformation, (6) embryo development, and (7) cardiovascular diseases, though some issues cross therapeutic boundaries.

The development of a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that shows antitumor activity

Normal progression through the cell cycle requires the sequential action of cyclin-dependent kinases CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. Direct or indirect deregulation of CDK activity is a feature of almost all cancers and has led to the development of CDK inhibitors as anticancer agents. The CDK-activating kinase (CAK) plays a critical role in regulating cell cycle by mediating the activating phosphorylation of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6. As such, CDK7, which also regulates transcription as part of the TFIIH basal transcription factor, is an attractive target for the development of anticancer drugs. Computer modeling of the CDK7 structure was used to design potential potent CDK7 inhibitors. Here, we show that a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-derived compound, BS-181, inhibited CAK activity with an IC(50) of 21 nmol/L. Testing of other CDKs as well as another 69 kinases showed that BS-181 only inhibited CDK2 at concentrations lower than 1 micromol/L, with CDK2 being inhibited 35-fold less potently (IC(50) 880 nmol/L) than CDK7. In MCF-7 cells, BS-181 inhibited the phosphorylation of CDK7 substrates, promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis to inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines, and showed antitumor effects in vivo. The drug was stable in vivo with a plasma elimination half-life in mice of 405 minutes after i.p. administration of 10 mg/kg. The same dose of drug inhibited the growth of MCF-7 human xenografts in nude mice. BS-181 therefore provides the first example of a potent and selective CDK7 inhibitor with potential as an anticancer agent.