A new convenient method for the synthesis of cardiolipin

Controlled synthesis of phosphorylcholine derivatives of poly(serine) and poly(homoserine)

We report methods for the synthesis of polypeptides that are fully functionalized with desirable phosphorylcholine, PC, groups. Because of the inherent challenges in the direct incorporation of the PC group into α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers, we developed a synthetic approach that combined functional NCA polymerization with efficient postpolymerization modification. While poly(L-phosphorylcholine serine) was found to be unstable upon synthesis, we successfully prepared poly(L-phosphorylcholine homoserine) with controlled chain lengths and found these to be water-soluble with disordered chain conformations.

The physicochemical properties of cardiolipin bilayers and cardiolipin-containing lipid membranes

In this review article, we summarize the current state of biophysical knowledge concerning the phase behavior and organization of cardiolipin (CL) and CL-containing phospholipid bilayer model membranes. We first briefly consider the occurrence and distribution of CL in biological membranes and its probable biological functions therein. We next consider the unique chemical structure of the CL molecule and how this structure may determine its distinctive physical properties. We then consider in some detail the thermotropic phase behavior and organization of CL and CL-containing lipid model membranes as revealed by a variety of biophysical techniques. We also attempt to relate the chemical properties of CL to its function in the biological membranes in which it occurs. Finally, we point out the requirement for additional biophysical studies of both lipid model and biological membranes in order to increase our currently limited understanding of the relationship between CL structure and physical properties and CL function in biological membranes.

Synthesis of Naturally Occurring Arsenic-Containing Carbohydrates

We report the synthesis of (S)-2′-hydroxy-3′-sulfonylpropyl 5-deoxy-5-dimethylarsinoyl-β-d-riboside ammonium salt and (S)-2′-hydroxy-3′-sulfooxypropyl 5-deoxy-5-dimethylarsinoyl-β-d-riboside ammonium salt, two common naturally occurring arsenicals.