Decrosslinking enables visualization of RNA-guided endonuclease-in situ labeling signals for DNA sequences in plant tissues

Information about the positioning of individual loci in the nucleus and the status of epigenetic modifications at these loci in each cell contained in plant tissue increases our understanding of how cells in a tissue coordinate gene expression. To obtain such information, a less damaging method of visualizing DNA in tissue that can be used with immunohistochemistry is required. Recently, a less damaging DNA visualization method using the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated caspase 9) system, named RNA-guided endonuclease-in situ labeling (RGEN-ISL), was reported. This system made it possible to visualize a target DNA locus in a nucleus fixed on a glass slide with a set of simple operations, but it could not be applied to cells in plant tissues. In this work, we have developed a modified RGEN-ISL method with decrosslinking that made it possible to simultaneously detect the DNA loci and immunohistochemistry signals, including histone modification, in various types of plant tissues and species.

Functions and transport of silicon in plants

Silicon exerts beneficial effects on plant growth and production by alleviating both biotic and abiotic stresses including diseases, pests, lodging, drought, and nutrient imbalance. Recently, two genes (Lsi1 and Lsi2) encoding Si transporters have been identified from rice. Lsi1 (low silicon 1) belongs to a Nod26-like major intrinsic protein subfamily in aquaporin, while Lsi2 encodes a putative anion transporter. Lsi1 is localized on the distal side of both exodermis and endodermis in rice roots, while Lsi2 is localized on the proximal side of the same cells. Lsi1 shows influx transport activity for Si, while Lsi2 shows efflux transport activity. Therefore, Lsi1 is responsible for transport of Si from the external solution to the root cells, whereas Lsi2 is an efflux transporter responsible for the transport of Si from the root cells to the apoplast. Coupling of Lsi1 with Lsi2 is required for efficient uptake of Si in rice.

The fibronectin extra domain A activates matrix metalloproteinase gene expression by an interleukin-1-dependent mechanism

The extra domain-A (EDA), present in fibronectin (FN) molecules arising from alternatively spliced transcripts, appears only during specific biological and pathogenic processes. However, its function is poorly understood. To define the physiologic role of this domain in joint connective tissue, the biological effects on rabbit cartilage explants, chondrocytes, and synovial cells were studied. A recombinant EDA protein (rEDA) increased proteoglycan release (3. 6-fold) in cartilage explant cultures and markedly induced production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 in chondrocytes. In addition, rEDA induced MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in synovial cells. These effects were elicited only by rEDA, while its neighboring type III repeats, III(11) or III(12), scarcely had any such effects. Interestingly, reorganization of F-actin stress fibers accompanied MMP-1 expression in synovial cells treated with rEDA, suggesting alteration of cellular phenotype. Subsequent Northern blotting revealed expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-1beta, was induced by rEDA prior to MMP-1 expression. Delayed MMP-1 expression suggests that rEDA-induced IL-1s promote MMP-1 expression in an autocrine manner. This hypothesis is supported by the reduction of EDA-induced MMP-1 production by IL-1 receptor antagonist. The effect of EDA on MMP-1 production was reduced by connection with an adjacent type III repeat on either the NH(2) or COOH side of EDA and was abolished by connection on both sides of EDA, suggesting that exposure of either the NH(2) or COOH terminus of EDA domain by proteolytic cleavage releases the inducing activity. In agreement with these results, full-length cellular FN did not induce MMP-1 production. Furthermore, a 160-kDa EDA-positive FN fragment, which was purified from human placental tissue and corresponds to the region from NH(2) terminus through the EDA, induced MMP-1 production. Taken together, these results suggest that the EDA in FN fragments triggers alterations of cell physiology and plays a role in matrix degradation in joint connective tissue.

Synthesis of new N-containing maltooligosaccharides, alpha-amylase inhibitors, and their biological activities

Fifteen new N-containing maltooligosaccharides were obtained using the chemoenzymatic method. Among these compounds, maltooligosaccharides having 6-amino-6-deoxy-D-sorbitol residue, (3R,4R,5R,6S)-hexahydro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1H-azepine residue, and (3R,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine residue at the reducing end showed strong inhibitory activities for human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) (EC 3.2.1.1) and human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA). The administration of (3R,4R,5R,6S)-hexahydro-3,5,6-trihydroxy-1H-azepine-4-yl O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (13, IC50 = 4.3 x 10(-5) M for HPA, IC50 = 8.2 x 10(-5) M for HSA) and (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxypiperidine-4-yl O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (18, IC50 = 3.4 x 10(-5) M for HPA, IC50 = 4.6 x 10(-5) M for HSA) to ICR mice suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia.

CC chemokine receptors, CCR-1 and CCR-3, are potentially involved in antigen-presenting cell function of human peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells

We examined the potential involvement of two CC chemokine receptors (CCRs), CCR-1 and CCR-3, in the functional activation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus interleukin-4 (IL-4)-generated human peripheral blood monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (DCs). Flow cytometric analysis showed that CCR-1, CCR-3, CCR-5, and CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)-4 were expressed on the cell surface of monocyte-derived DCs. Treatment with a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to either CCR-1 or CCR-3 but not MoAbs to CCR-5 and CXCR-4 abolished chemotactic migration of monocyte-derived DCs. The DCs treated with either the anti-CCR-1 MoAb or anti-CCR-3 MoAb were less efficient than untreated DCs in proliferation of allogeneic T cells (TCs) and TC-derived secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The homotypic aggregation of DCs and heterotypic aggregation of DCs with TCs were suppressed by the anti-CCR-1 MoAb or anti-CCR-3 MoAb. These results indicate that CCR-1 and CCR-3 specifically regulate interaction of TCs and DCs in the process of antigen presentation.

New enzymatic synthesis of 6(3)-modified maltooligosaccharides and their inhibitory activities for human alpha-amylases

Ten new 6(3)-modified maltopentaoses and tetraoses were synthesized by enzymatic reactions utilizing cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.19) and subsequent human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA) (EC 3.2.1.1). Among these compounds, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose (11) and alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose (12) showed strong inhibitory activities for human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) and HSA. The IC50 of 6(3)-deoxymaltopentaose 11 (8.0 x 10(-5) M for HPA, 1.0 x 10(-4) M for HSA) and 6(3)-deoxymaltotetraose 12 (2.0 x 10(-3) M for HPA, 2.0 x 10(-3) M for HSA) were lower than that of 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose [(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-D-glucopyranose 13; 2.0 x 10(-3) M for HPA, 4.2 x 10(-2) M for HSA].

Constitutively active BMP type I receptors transduce BMP-2 signals without the ligand in C2C12 myoblasts

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a member of transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, inhibits the terminal differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and changes their differentiation pathway into cells expressing osteoblast phenotypes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin production (Katagiri et al., 1994, J. Cell Biol. 127, 1755-1766). Two type I receptors for BMP-2 (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB) have been cloned, but the role of the respective receptors in signal transduction is not clear. In the present study, we examined the signal transduction of BMP-2 in C2C12 cells using constitutively activated mutant BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB. C2C12 cells expressed BMPR-IA and BMPR-II mRNAs, but not BMPR-IB mRNA at detectable levels in Northern blotting. When mutated BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB were transiently transfected into C2C12 cells, both BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB similarly induced ALP activity in the absence of BMP-2. We also established subclonal cell lines of C2C12 cells by stably transfecting mutated BMPR-IB. When the mutated BMPR-IB-transfected cells were cultured in medium with low serum (differentiation medium) without BMP-2, the cells differentiated into ALP-positive mononuclear cells and not into myosin heavy chain-positive myotubes. These mutated BMPR-IB-transfected cells expressed ALP activity and osteocalcin mRNA in a time-dependent manner, but neither muscle creatine kinase nor myogenin mRNAs. These results indicate that the mutated BMP-2 type I receptors can constitutively transduce BMP-2 signals in the absence of the ligand in C2C12 cells.

A kinase domain-truncated type I receptor blocks bone morphogenetic protein-2-induced signal transduction in C2C12 myoblasts

Members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily bind the transmembrane serine/threonine kinase complex consisting of type I and type II receptors. Their intracellular signals are propagated via respective type I receptors. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, induces ectopic bone formation when implanted into muscular tissues. Two type I receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB) have been identified for BMP-2. We have reported that BMP-2 inhibits the terminal differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and converts their differentiation pathway into that of osteoblast lineage cells (Katagiri, T., Yamaguchi, A., Komaki, M., Abe, E., Takahashi, N., Ikeda, T., Rosen, V., Wozney, J. M., Fujisawa-Sehara, A. and Suda, T. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127, 1755-1766). In the present study, we examined the involvement of functional BMP-2 type I receptors in signal transduction in C2C12 cells, which expressed mRNA for BMPR-IA, but not for BMPR-IB in Northern blotting. TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaR-I) mRNA was also expressed in C2C12 cells. Subclonal cell lines of C2C12 that stably expressed a kinase domain-truncated BMPR-IA (DeltaBMPR-IA) differentiated into myosin heavy chain-expressing myotubes but not into alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive cells, even in the presence of BMP-2. In contrast, the differentiation of the DeltaBMPR-IA-transfected C2C12 cells into myotubes was suppressed by TGF-beta1, as in the parental C2C12 cells. BMP-2 did not efficiently suppress the mRNA expression of muscle-specific genes such as muscle creatine kinase, MyoD, and myogenin, nor did it induce the expression of ALP mRNA in the DeltaBMPR-IA-transfected C2C12 cells. In contrast, TGF-beta1 inhibited mRNA expression of the muscle-specific genes in those cells. When wild-type BMPR-IA was transiently transfected into the DeltaBMPR-IA-transfected C2C12 cells, a number of ALP-positive cells appeared in the presence of BMP-2. Transfection of wild-type BMPR-IB or TbetaR-I failed to increase the number of ALP-positive cells. These results suggest that the BMP-2-induced signals, which inhibit myogenic differentiation and induce osteoblast differentiation, are transduced via BMPR-IA in C2C12 myoblasts.

Ectopic induction of tendon and ligament in rats by growth and differentiation factors 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene family

Little is known about the regulatory signals involved in tendon and ligament formation, and this lack of understanding has hindered attempts to develop biologically based therapies for tendon and ligament repair. Here we report that growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene superfamily that are most related to the bone morphogenetic proteins, induce neotendon/ligament formation when implanted at ectopic sites in vivo. Analysis of tissue induced by GDF-5, 6, or 7, containing implants by currently available morphological and molecular criteria used to characterize tendon and ligament, adds further evidence to the idea that these GDFs act as signaling molecules during embryonic tendon/ligament formation. In addition, comparative in situ localizations of the GDF-5, 6, and 7 mRNAs suggest that these molecules are important regulatory components of synovial joint morphogenesis.

Effect of the sugar chain of soluble recombinant CD59 on complement inhibitory activity

A soluble recombinant CD59#77 (rCD59#77), consisting of 77 amino acids starting from the N terminus of membrane-bound CD59, was prepared using a gene expression system in CHO cells. The rCD59#77 preparation was composed of glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms (G and NG forms). Unexpectedly, NG form was 7 times more potent than G form in complement inhibitory activity. Postulating that sialic acids on G-form molecules make it difficult for rCD59#77 to access nascent membrane attack complexes on the cell surface, the sialic acids were removed by neuraminidase treatment. However, the inhibitory activity was not changed. Next, one of two putative N-glycosylation sites was mutated by substituting Gln18 for Asn18. The mutant, designated rCD59#77(N/Q), had no sugar moiety and was as active as the NG form of rCD59#77. These results suggest that the bulky sugar moiety at Asn18 is not necessary for the complement-inhibitory activity of rCD59 and actually hampers that function.

Automated measurement of alpha-amylase isoenzymes with 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose as selective amylase inhibitor

We developed an automated method for measurement of alpha-amylase isoenzymes in serum by a single kinetic assay (SKA) and a double kinetic assay (DKA) with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-6(5)-azido-6(5)-deoxy-beta-maltopentaoside as a substrate and 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose (DOG3) as a novel selective amylase inhibitor. DOG3 showed a large difference in inhibitory activity between human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA; 86.9% inhibition) and salivary alpha-amylase (32.1% inhibition) at 0.33 mmol/L. Constant inhibition was obtained immediately after addition of DOG3. The inhibitory effect did not change with variation in concentrations of amylase up to approximately 3000 U/L. The results obtained by SKA correlated well with those obtained by three methods: monoclonal antibody (r = 0.988), wheat germ inhibitor (r = 0.989), and DKA (r = 0.995). The within-run and between-run CVs for HPA were 0.63-2.32% on SKA, 0.69-1.81% on DKA. No significant interferences by endogenous serum compounds were observed with the proposed methods.

Automated measurement of alpha-amylase isoenzymes with 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose as selective amylase inhibitor

We developed an automated method for measurement of alpha-amylase isoenzymes in serum by a single kinetic assay (SKA) and a double kinetic assay (DKA) with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-6(5)-azido-6(5)-deoxy-beta-maltopentaoside as a substrate and 6(3)-deoxymaltotriose (DOG3) as a novel selective amylase inhibitor. DOG3 showed a large difference in inhibitory activity between human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA; 86.9% inhibition) and salivary alpha-amylase (32.1% inhibition) at 0.33 mmol/L. Constant inhibition was obtained immediately after addition of DOG3. The inhibitory effect did not change with variation in concentrations of amylase up to approximately 3000 U/L. The results obtained by SKA correlated well with those obtained by three methods: monoclonal antibody (r = 0.988), wheat germ inhibitor (r = 0.989), and DKA (r = 0.995). The within-run and between-run CVs for HPA were 0.63-2.32% on SKA, 0.69-1.81% on DKA. No significant interferences by endogenous serum compounds were observed with the proposed methods.

A mammalian serine/threonine kinase receptor specifically binds BMP-2 and BMP-4

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a class of related growth and differentiation factors within the TGF-beta superfamily of proteins which are known to induce cartilage and bone formation in adult animals and to be involved in many inductive events throughout embryonic development. Here we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of a mammalian receptor, CFK-43a, which specifically binds BMP-2 and BMP-4. This molecule is a member of the serine/threonine kinase receptor family which includes receptors for other TGF-beta superfamily members. CFK-43a binds other BMP family members with lower affinity, but does not bind TGF-beta. During embryogenesis, in situ hybridization analysis indicates that CFK-43a mRNA is localized in developing skeletal tissues in a complementary fashion to the transcripts for its ligands.

A truncated bone morphogenetic protein receptor affects dorsal-ventral patterning in the early Xenopus embryo

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, have been implicated in bone formation and the regulation of early development. To better understand the roles of BMPs in Xenopus laevis embryogenesis, we have cloned a cDNA coding for a serine/threonine kinase receptor that binds BMP-2 and BMP-4. To analyze its function, we attempted to block the BMP signaling pathway in Xenopus embryos by using a dominant-negative mutant of the BMP receptor. When the mutant receptor lacking the putative serine/threonine kinase domain was expressed in ventral blastomeres of Xenopus embryos, these blastomeres were respecified to dorsal mesoderm, eventually resulting in the formation of a secondary body axis. These findings suggest that endogenous BMP-2 and BMP-4 are involved in the dorsal-ventral specification in the embryo and that ventral fate requires induction rather than resulting from an absence of dorsal specification.

Syntheses of subtractively modified 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-maltopentaosides and their application to the differential assay of human alpha-amylases

Three novel maltopentaosides, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-xylo-hex-5-enopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D - glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-tris[O- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10), and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(3,6-anhydro-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyran osyl- (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (26) were synthesized by chemical and enzymatic reactions. Two human alpha-amylases, salivary alpha-amylase (HSA) and pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA), hydrolyzed 3 and 10 with the same specificity, almost entirely at a single D-glucosidic linkage, but had no hydrolytic activity for 26. Compound 3 was hydrolyzed by each of these amylases at an approximately equal rate, while 10 was hydrolyzed by HSA 4-fold faster than by HPA. Taking advantage of the difference in the hydrolytic rate of 10, we developed a new method for the differential assay of these two human alpha-amylases.

Syntheses of modified 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-maltopentaosides as useful substrates for assay of human alpha amylase

Twenty-three novel 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-D-maltopentaosides modified at the 6(5) and/or 4(5) position were synthesized as substrates for human alpha amylase. Two human alpha amylases hydrolyzed 6(5)-deoxy-6(5)-, 6(5)-O-, and 4(5),6(5)-di-O-substituted derivatives at essentially a single D-glucosidic linkage, but 4(5),6(5)-O-bridged and 4(5)-O-substituted derivatives were hydrolyzed at two or more linkages. The amylases displayed smaller Km values for the compounds having hydrophobic modifications. In these derivatives, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-bromo-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-azido-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)- tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (19), and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-[6-O-(N-isopropyl)carbamoyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl]-(1-->4)- tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (30), which were rapidly hydrolyzed by the two amylases at a limited position at an approximately equal rate, were shown to be very useful blocked-type substrates for assay of human alpha amylase.

Inhibition of salvage synthesis of nucleic acid by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic decylphosphoramidate in mastocytoma P-815 cells

Constant exposure of mastocytoma P-815 cells to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic decylphosphoramidate (1), which is permeable to the cell membrane and resistant to the action of phosphodiesterase, caused a dose-dependent (1 to 50 microM) inhibition in the synthesis of DNA and cell proliferation. Pretreating the cells with compound 1 (20 microM, 4 h) caused considerable inhibition of the incorporation of [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) into [3H]deoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate ([3H]dTTP) and that of [14C]hypoxanthine into nucleic acid, but not the synthesis of [14C]dTTP from [U-14C]aspartate. These results indicate that compound 1 preferentially inhibits the salvage synthesis of intracellular nucleotides and nucleic acids. Thymidine kinase, a key enzyme in salvage synthesis of nucleotides, was almost undetectable in cells pretreated with compound 1 at 20 microM for 4 h or at 5 microM for 15 h. On the other hand, compound 1 activated partially purified cAMP-dependent protein kinase A from bovine heart. Judging from these observations, it is likely that compound 1 readily permeates the cell membrane, activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase, then inhibits the salvage synthesis of nucleotides and nucleic acids by inhibiting thymidine kinase, which results in the inhibition of cell growth.

Syntheses of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl beta-D-maltopentaosides with bulky modification and their application to the differential assay of human alpha-amylases

Four novel maltopentaosides, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-O-p-toluenesulfonyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-tris[O- alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-[6-O-(tert-butyldimethyl)silyl-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl]-(1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D- glucopyranoside (5), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-[6-deoxy-6-(phenyl)sulfonyl-alpha-D- glucopyranosyl]-(1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D- glucopyranoside (10), and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl O-(6-deoxy-6-phthalimido-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)- (1-->4)-tris[O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (11) were synthesized. Substrates 4, 5, 10, and 11 were hydrolyzed by human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) from 1.1 to 2.9-fold faster than by human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA). Taking advantage of the difference in the hydrolytic rate of 5 (2.9-fold faster), we developed a new method for the differential assay of these two human alpha-amylases.

Effect of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate derivatives on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride

The inhibitory effects of 12 synthetic N6-alkyl cAMPs, 8-substituted cAMPs and cAMP alkylphosphoramidate derivatives (50 or 100 mg/kg, bolus, i.p.) on serum GOT and GPT activities and hepatocyte cytoplasmic vacuolation were examined in male Fischer 344 rats, which were exposed to CCl4 (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) 30 min prior to the administration of cAMP derivatives. In CCl4-treated rats 6 h later, serum GOT and GPT levels were elevated 10- and 12-fold higher than those of vehicle rats, respectively. Treating CCl4-exposed rats with all cAMP derivatives, except those of alkylphosphoramidate, significantly decreased the levels of serum enzymes. Based on the effects of both serum GOT and GPT elevation, N6-butyl- and N6-heptyl-cAMP were the most potent. It was also observed histopathologically, that both compounds inhibited the occurrence of cytoplasmic vacuolation in CCl4-treated liver cells. This is the first report that cAMP derivatives possess a protective effect in the liver injury model induced by CCl4.

Studies on the synthesis of compounds related to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate. IX. Synthesis and cytotoxic effect of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic alkylphosphoramidates

A series of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphoramidates (3, cAMP amidates), including long-chain alkyl amidates, were synthesized from adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (1, cAMP) by means of a one-pot reaction. This reaction proceeded by the treatment of cAMP tributylammonium salt (2) with phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) and alkylamine in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Compounds 3 synthesized were investigated to determine their cytotoxic activities on the growth of mouse mastocytoma P-815 cells, mouse mammary tumor FM3A cells, and human mammary tumor ZR-75 cells in culture. It was found that compounds 3h-m showed significant cytotoxic activities against these cell lines, and that cAMP decylamidate (3j) was the most cytotoxic compound (the concentration required for 50% inhibition of cell growth, ID50 = 6.0, 15.0, 2.2 microM, respectively); the antitumor effect on P-815 cells by a total packed cell volume method showed 81.8% inhibition. The cytotoxic activity of 3 increased with the increase in alkyl chain length up to 10 carbon atoms and decreased in compounds having longer alkyl chain.

Studies on the synthesis of compounds related to adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphate. VII. Synthesis and cardiac effects of N6,N6-dialkyl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphates

A series of novel N6,N6-dialkyl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic phosphates N6,N6-dialkyl cAMPs) was synthesized from 2'-O-p-toluenesulfonyl cAMP (2'-O-tosyl cAMP, 2) and tested for inotropic and chronotropic activities in vitro. Treatment of 2 with excess alkyl halides and sodium hydride followed by detosylation with aqueous NaOH readily gave N6,N6-dialkyl cAMPs (3) in good yields. Various N6,N6-dialkyl cAMPs having different alkyl groups at the N6-position (9-12) were prepared by alkylation followed by detosylation of N6-alkyl-2'-O-tosyl cAMPs (4) which were obtained by the reductive alkylation of 2 with aldehydes in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride in acetic acid or tosylation of N6-methyl cAMP. The mechanism of the detosylation is briefly discussed. Among the N6,N6-dialkylated derivatives, N6,N6-dipentyl (3f) and N6-ethyl-N6-heptyl (10e) derivatives were found to exhibit a potent positive inotropic effect and a weak positive chronotropic effect. The structure-activity relationships for the position and the length of alkyl residue are discussed.

Studies on the synthesis of compounds related to adenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphate. VI. Synthesis and cardiac effects of N6,N6,2'-O-trialkyl-, N6,2'-O-dialkyl-, and 2'-O-alkyladenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphates

The alkylation of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphate (cAMP, 1) with alkyl bromides was investigated and various new alkylated cAMP derivatives, N6,N6,2'-O-trialkyl cAMPs (2), N6,2'-O-dialkyl cAMPs (3) and 2'-O-alkyl cAMPs (4), were prepared by a one step reaction without the introduction of a protecting group into 1. Compounds (2) were synthesized from 1 by treatment with alkyl bromides in the presence of NaH or potassium tert-butoxide in dimethyl sulfoxide. Compounds (3) were also synthesized from 1 under conditions similar to those of the synthesis of 2 except for the use of MeONa as a base. Compounds (4) were prepared from 1 by treatment with alkyl bromides in the presence of 18-crown-6 in dioxane-aqueous KOH solution. N6,2'-O-Dibenzyl cAMP (3e) was obtained from 1 by the same method as the preparation of 4. These new alkylated derivatives were evaluated for cardiotonic activity in vitro. Some of them showed weak positive inotropic effects and strong negative chronotropic effects. Thus, the presence of the 2'-hydroxyl group seemed to be essential for the appearance of potent positive inotropic activity caused by cAMP derivatives.

Molecular cloning and characterization of MACIF, an inhibitor of membrane channel formation of complement

Human erythrocytes contain a membrane protein, MACIF, which inhibits the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. We have cloned and sequenced the complementary DNA of MACIF messenger RNA. The amino acid sequence predicted from its nucleotide sequence consists of 128 amino acids. The amino-terminal 25 residues may correspond to a signal peptide. The carboxy-terminal sequence confirmed that MACIF is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein. The amino acid sequence of MACIF was partially determined by established techniques for protein chemistry and the resultant sequence was consistent with that predicted from the nucleotide sequence. The results of sequence analyses also suggested that asparagine at the 18th position was N-glycosylated. When mRNA obtained from the MACIF cDNA clone with SP6 RNA polymerase was microinjected into Xenopus oocytes, the oocytes synthesized a product which exhibited MACIF activity and reacted with anti-MACIF antibody. Comparison of the predicted sequence revealed significant homology with mouse Ly-6 antigens.

Cytotoxic effect of 8-amino adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate on FM3A mouse mammary tumor cells

Derivatives of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) with modifications at the 8-position were synthesized and examined for their cytotoxic effects on FM3A mouse mammary tumor cells and ZR-75 human mammary tumor cells. On in vitro tests of these derivatives, 8-amino (8-NH2) cAMP was the most effective against both cell lines. This compound showed the dose-dependent inhibition of FM3A cell growth in the concentration of over 2.5 microM with the ID50 value of 4 microM. Furthermore, antitumor activity of 8-NH2 cAMP was also tested against FM3A cells in vivo. T/C% values of 8-NH2 cAMP were respectively 162% and 138% in response to doses of 30 and 10 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injections of 8-NH2 cAMP for 5 d. 8-NH2 cAMP was converted to 8-NH2 adenosine via 8-NH2 adenosine 5'-monophosphate by some enzymes in the fetal bovine serum and the cytotoxic effect of 8-NH2 cAMP on FM3A cells was actually stemmed from 8-NH2 adenosine.