A series of new cobalt(II) beta-keto iminato complexes and cobalt(II) salens have been made and the effect of chirality in the northern, southern and peripheral quadrants of these catalysts, with respect to induced enantiomeric excess, during the ring-opening of 1,2-dioxines has been determined. Synthesis of a series of cobalt beta-keto iminato complexes was achieved after modification of literature procedures used for the synthesis of manganese beta-keto iminato complexes and this procedure was applied to generate ligands with ethyl, t-butyl, (-)-bornyl, (+)-menthyl and (-)-menthyl esters and a methyl side chain. Synthesis of the cobalt salens was also achieved using a modified literature procedure, in respect to the more complex aldehydes made. It was ascertained that chirality in the northern quadrant of these catalysts, obtained by the use of optically pure diamines, was of greatest importance in introducing enantiomeric excess into the products of ring-opening of 1,2-dioxines; namely gamma-hydroxy enones, and chirality in the southern and peripheral quadrants was of lesser, although still significant, importance. The reaction conditions were optimised and the conditions under which the highest enantiomeric excess was introduced were determined. The ideal solvent for the ring-opening was found to be THF with a catalyst concentration between 5 and 10 mol% at a temperature of -15oC. These conditions were found to be applicable to all catalysts and 1,2-dioxines tested. Enantiomeric excess as high as 76 % could be introduced when the optimised reaction conditions were used in large scale syntheses of cyclopropane (61). LC-MS studies indicate the presence of a solvent chelated species present in the reaction mixture when the solvent used is THF, however, the use of non-chelating solvents, such as dichloromethane, did not exhibit this same solvent chelated species. Catalyst dimers were also present in the mixture when analysed by LC-MS. The presence of oxygen in the reaction mixture was found to inhibit rearrangement of the dioxine with catalyst oxygen dimers (two molecules of catalyst bound to a single molecule of oxygen) present when analysed by LC-MS, however, the catalyst could be 're-activated' by de-aeration of the solution and was able to introduce the same enantiomeric excess, as prior to the addition of oxygen was unaffected. It was found that not only cobalt(II) tetradentate complexes were useful in the ring-opening of meso 1,2-dioxines. Achiral iron(II) salen and ruthenium(II) salen were also made and shown to be capable of ring-opening the dioxine. A purchased chiral manganese(III) salen was also shown to be capable of ring-opening the 1,2-dioxine, however, the time taken for the rearrangement to occur led to ring closure of the gamma-hydroxy enone and dehydration of the cyclic hemiacetal. The catalysts were also applied to the enantioselective ring-opening of epoxy-1,2-dioxines for the first time with a high level of success with enantiomeric excesses of between 60 and 90 % introduced with most of the catalysts. To show that these catalysts have the potential for use in the synthesis of potentially bioactive cyclopropyl amino acids, amines, acids and alcohols a small number were prepared, including both racemic and optically enriched or optically pure cyclopropanes. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Chemistry and Physics, 2003.

Investigations pertaining to the rhodium(I)-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to (arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles were undertaken. The resulting carbon-carbon bond forming reaction has led to the efficient synthesis of novel stereoselective (Z)-β-sulfonylvinylamines, which upon acidic hydrolysis, afford useful β-keto sulfones possessing a diverse range of aryl and sulfonyl substituents. The synthetic utility of these (Z)-β-sulfonylvinylamines was subsequently explored by generating the corresponding 1-aza-allyl anion equivalents under basic conditions. This interesting anionic intermediate was then introduced to various α,β-unsaturated systems to produce a diverse array of functionalized pyridine derivatives including unsymmetrical polysubstituted pyridines.

Investigations pertaining to the rhodium(I)-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to (arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles were undertaken. The resulting carbon-carbon bond forming reaction has led to the efficient synthesis of novel stereoselective (Z)-β-sulfonylvinylamines, which upon acidic hydrolysis, afford useful β-keto sulfones possessing a diverse range of aryl and sulfonyl substituents. The synthetic utility of these (Z)-β-sulfonylvinylamines was subsequently explored by generating the corresponding 1-aza-allyl anion equivalents under basic conditions. This interesting anionic intermediate was then introduced to various α,β-unsaturated systems to produce a diverse array of functionalized pyridine derivatives including unsymmetrical polysubstituted pyridines.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ᴅ-arginine dehydrogenase (PaDADH) is a flavin-dependent enzyme. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidative deamination of a broad range of ᴅ-amino acids to their corresponding imino-acids, which are non-enzymatically hydrolyzed to α-keto-acids and ammonia. A46, S45 and I335 residues are located in flexible loops, which form a flask-like substrate-binding pocket. In this study, I335, A46, and S45 were mutated to histidine, glycine, and alanine, respectively and individually, through site-directed mutagenesis, to investigate their role in binding and catalysis in PaDADH. The results showed that A46 and S45 residues participate in the optimal orientation of the substrate α-amino group and I335 modulate the active site flexibility.

A series of new cobalt(II) beta-keto iminato complexes and cobalt(II) salens have been made and the effect of chirality in the northern, southern and peripheral quadrants of these catalysts, with respect to induced enantiomeric excess, during the ring-opening of 1,2-dioxines has been determined. Synthesis of a series of cobalt beta-keto iminato complexes was achieved after modification of literature procedures used for the synthesis of manganese beta-keto iminato complexes and this procedure was applied to generate ligands with ethyl, t-butyl, (-)-bornyl, (+)-menthyl and (-)-menthyl esters and a methyl side chain. Synthesis of the cobalt salens was also achieved using a modified literature procedure, in respect to the more complex aldehydes made. It was ascertained that chirality in the northern quadrant of these catalysts, obtained by the use of optically pure diamines, was of greatest importance in introducing enantiomeric excess into the products of ring-opening of 1,2-dioxines; namely gamma-hydroxy enones, and chirality in the southern and peripheral quadrants was of lesser, although still significant, importance. The reaction conditions were optimised and the conditions under which the highest enantiomeric excess was introduced were determined. The ideal solvent for the ring-opening was found to be THF with a catalyst concentration between 5 and 10 mol% at a temperature of -15oC. These conditions were found to be applicable to all catalysts and 1,2-dioxines tested. Enantiomeric excess as high as 76 % could be introduced when the optimised reaction conditions were used in large scale syntheses of cyclopropane (61). LC-MS studies indicate the presence of a solvent chelated species present in the reaction mixture when the solvent used is THF, however, the use of non-chelating solvents, such as dichloromethane, did not exhibit this same solvent chelated species. Catalyst dimers were also present in the mixture when analysed by LC-MS. The presence of oxygen in the reaction mixture was found to inhibit rearrangement of the dioxine with catalyst oxygen dimers (two molecules of catalyst bound to a single molecule of oxygen) present when analysed by LC-MS, however, the catalyst could be 're-activated' by de-aeration of the solution and was able to introduce the same enantiomeric excess, as prior to the addition of oxygen was unaffected. It was found that not only cobalt(II) tetradentate complexes were useful in the ring-opening of meso 1,2-dioxines. Achiral iron(II) salen and ruthenium(II) salen were also made and shown to be capable of ring-opening the dioxine. A purchased chiral manganese(III) salen was also shown to be capable of ring-opening the 1,2-dioxine, however, the time taken for the rearrangement to occur led to ring closure of the gamma-hydroxy enone and dehydration of the cyclic hemiacetal. The catalysts were also applied to the enantioselective ring-opening of epoxy-1,2-dioxines for the first time with a high level of success with enantiomeric excesses of between 60 and 90 % introduced with most of the catalysts. To show that these catalysts have the potential for use in the synthesis of potentially bioactive cyclopropyl amino acids, amines, acids and alcohols a small number were prepared, including both racemic and optically enriched or optically pure cyclopropanes. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Chemistry and Physics, 2003.

First section of chapter 1 deals with gold catalyzed synthesis of ring fused furo[3,2,b]pyrans and furo[3,2,b]furans. Furo[3,2,b]pyrans and furo[3,2,b]furans are ubiquitous structural segments found in a number of natural products including polyether containing marine toxins. Synthesis of furo[3,2,b]pyrans 2a was accomplished from the bis-propargyl ethers 1a, while the synthesis of furo[3,2,b]furans 2b was accomplished from the prenyl propargyl ethers 1b. Scheme 1: Synthesis of furo[3,2,b]pyrans and furo[3,2,b]furans Second section of chapter 1 describes an unusual ring-contraction rearrangement route to functionalized 2,8-oxymethano-bridged di and triquinane. During the course of investigations concerning the total synthesis of 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework containing natural products, an unusual ring-contraction rearrangement sequence was observed in the reaction of 5-substituted 1-methyl-4-isopropenyl-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-ones 4 to the 2,8-oxymethano-bridged diquinanes 5. The reaction was further demonstrated in the synthesis of triquinane 7 framework. Scheme 2: Synthesis of functionalized di and triquinane In third section of chapter 1 gold catalyzed synthesis of isochromanones and isoquinolones from suitable substituted allyl propargyl ethers was discussed. Synthesis of isochromanones and isoquinolones comprising a quaternary center with high diastereoselectivity was realized via AuCl3 catalyzed tandem intramolecular exo-dig heterocyclization/enol isomerization/Claisen rearrangement sequence in excellent yields. The reaction was general and amenable for the synthesis of structurally diverse analogues. Scheme 3: Synthesis of isochromanones and isoquinolones Forth section of chapter 1 consists of gold catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation assisted ring opening of furans to the corresponding saturated -keto esters. During the course investigations concerning gold catalyzed intramolecular enyne cyclization reactions, an interesting ring opening of furans in furyl propargyl alcohols to the corresponding tetrahydrofuran appended saturated -keto esters exclusively driven by intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of the alkyne was observed. Reaction of furyl propargyl alcohols without free hydroxyl group, under similar conditions afforded the conjugated enynes involving dehydration/ketalization. Scheme 4: Synthesis of saturated -keto esters and enynes Chapter 2 delineates the enantiospecific synthesis of bicyclo[4.2.2]decadienes 15 via gold catalyzed tandem enyne cyclization, semipinacol rearrangement reaction. Bicyclodecadienes are key structural units of natural products nakafuran-8 and pallescensin B. Scheme 5: Synthesis of bicyclo[4.2.2]decadienes

The C-5 modified pyrimidine analogues are well-known anticancer and antiviral drugs which underscore further development of novel probes to study their physical, chemical, and biological properties. In my dissertation the syntheses and properties of (β-halo)vinyl sulfone and/or (β-keto)sulfone analogues of C-5 modified pyrimidine have been discussed. In the first part of the dissertion, the synthesis of 5-(β-halo)vinyl sulfones either by transition metal-catalyzed or iodine-mediated halosulfonylation reaction of 5-acetylene pyrimidine nucleosides have been explored. The novel (β-chloro/bromo/iodo)vinyl sulfones efficiently undergo addition-elimination reaction with different nucleophiles such as thiols, amines, amino acid, peptides to provide (β-substituted)vinyl sulfone analogues. The rate of these substitution reactions depends on the nature of halogen atom presents at the β-position and increases with the order of I ≥ Br > Cl. (β-chloro/bromo/iodo)vinyl sulfones possess exclusively E stereochemistry while their β-substitued analogues possess either E (for β–thio analogues) or Z (for β–amino analogue) stereochemistry. It has been observed that the vinylic proton of (β-chloro) or (β-amino)sulfone analogue undergoes exchanges with deuterium in polar protic deutorated solvents. The antiproliferative activities of those analogues have been explored and was found that protected 5-(E)-(1-chloro-2-tosylvinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine inhibited the growth of L1210, CEM and HeLa cells in lower micromolar range. In the second part of the dissertation the syntheses and reactivities of 5-(β-keto) sulfone of pyrimidine nucleosides were investigated. Thus, 5-(β-halovinyl)sulfone of uracil and cytosine nucleosides have been efficiently converted into corresponding 5-(β-keto) sulfone analogues by displacement of halogen with ammonia followed by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the resulting (β-amino)sulfone analogues. A number of electrophiles were trapped at the acidic α-carbon of the 5-(β-keto)sulfones by treatment with electrophiles such as methyl, benzyl, or allyl halide in the presence of base. The 5-(α-iodo-β-keto)sulfone analogues of uracil nucleosides have been tested as an alternative substrates to probe the incorporation of nucleophiles at α-carbon. In the third part of the dissertation, the synthesis of 5'-phosphates of 5-(β-chloro) and 5-(β-keto) sulfones of 2'-deoxyuridine and their polymerase-catalyzed incorporation into DNA were evaluated. Thus, 5'-O-phosphorylated analogues have been efficiently incorporated into the DNA by human DNA repair polymerase (pol β) or bacterial polymerase (pol I).

Endometriosis and breast cancer are sex hormone dependent diseases characterised by the local production of high levels of 17β-oestradiol. The relationship between prostaglandins and sex steroid hormones is one of the focal questions in endometriosis, breast cancer and other sex steroid hormone related disorders. Therefore, the main hypothesis was that the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C isoenzymes are responsible for controlling the availability of 17β-oestradiol, progesterone and prostaglandins in the microenvironment of the endometrium, and surrounding adipose tissues of endometriotic lesions and breast tumours. This was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for measuring the gene expression of AKR1C1-3 enzymes, and prostaglandin E (1-4) and F receptors in the endometrium, and surrounding adipose tissues of endometriotic lesions and breast tumours. This was then followed by investigating the role of one of the AKR1C enzymes - AKR1C3 - by inhibiting its catalysis using bimatoprost, followed by using PGE2 as one of the main candidates acting as a transcription factor for upregulating the expression of AKR1C3 which in turn upregulates the production of the local 17β-oestradiol. The gene expression of AKR1C1 was significantly higher in endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients. However, there was no significant difference in the gene expression of AKR1C (1-3) enzymes in the surrounding adipose tissues of endometriotic lesions between patients with or without endometriosis. Also, there was no significant difference in the gene expression of AKR1C (1-3) enzymes in the breast adipose tissues of patients with breast tumours, regardless of the oestrogen or progesterone receptor status. The gene expression of prostaglandin E (EP) receptor subtype 3 was significantly higher in the endometriotic lesions compared to eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients. In the omental adipose tissue, there was no significant difference in the gene expression of EP1-4 and FP receptors between endometriosis and non-endometriosis patients. In the breast adipose tissue, there was also no significant difference in the gene expression of EP1-4 and FP receptors in patients with breast cancer regardless of the oestrogen or progesterone receptor status. The inhibitory constant (Ki) of bimatoprost was determined using oestrone as a substrate: Ki = 2.9µM and αKi = 0.7µM. Bimatoprost also significantly inhibited the production of 17β-oestradiol and inhibited the production of 9α,11β PGF2 in a dose dependent manner in the human endometrial cells. The effect of PGE2 on the expression of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3 was assessed in the human endometrial cells. The EP4 receptor agonist, L-902688, increased the gene expression of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3. Despite gene expression elevation, L-902688 did not increase the production of 17β-oestradiol. In conclusion, the results were contradictory and highlighted the need for further investigation into the relationship between prostaglandins and sex steroid hormones in the microenvironment of the endometrium, and surrounding adipose tissues of endometriotic lesions and breast tumours.

Orientador: Anete Pereira de Souza / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T18:14:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rosselli_LucianaKauer_D.pdf: 3396544 bytes, checksum: 1ed6069e60d6f5966add93778319a1d0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: o programa de seqüenciamento genômico da bactéria Xylella fastidiosa gerou um enorme número de ORFs ("Open Reading Frames" - quadro de leitura aberto ou genes putativos) pertencentes às categorias de patogenicidade, virulência e adaptação deste importante fitopatógeno. Uma destas ORFs (XF 1729) foi anotada como sendo uma fenilacetaldeído desidrogenase de 31,4 kDa. No entanto, a análise de sua seqüência primária de aminoácidos revelou similaridades com proteínas pertencentes à superfamília de aldo-ceto redutases. As proteínas desta superfamília são oxidorredutases NADPH-dependentes relacionadas funcionalmente e estruturalmente. Neste trabalho, a seqüência similar de X fastidiosa foi clonada no vetor de expressão pET32Xa/LIC com o objetivo de super expressar a proteína recombinante fusionada a seis resíduos de histidina em Escherichia colí BL21(DE3). A proteína expressa na fração solúvel foi purificada por cromatografia de afinidade em metal imobilizado (resina Agarose-IDA-Ni). O conteúdo de sua estrutura secundária foi verificado por espectroscopia de dicroísmo circular. As medidas de espalhamento de raios-X a baixo ângulo (SAXS) forneceram os parâmetros estruturais gerais (raio de giro de 27,5 :I: 0,8 Á e máxima dimensão de 90 Á) e indicaram que a proteína apresenta-se como um monômero em solução. Além disto, os cálculos estruturais ab initio mostraram que a proteína apresenta algumas similaridades com uma aldo-ceto redutase previamente cristalizada. A proteína XF 1729 purificada foi capaz de catalisar a redução dos substratos DL-gliceraldeído (Kcat 2.26 S-l, Km 8.20:1: 0.98 mM) e 2-nitrobenzaldeido (Kcat 11.74 S-l, Km 0.14:1: 0.04 mM) na presença de NADPH. A seqüência de aminoácidos da proteína XFI729 apresentou mais alta identidade (maior que 40%) com inúmeras proteínas de função desconhecida. Entre as AKRs identificadas, encontramos aproximadamente 29% dê identidade com YakC (AKRI3) de Schizosaccharomyces pombe, 30% e 28% com AKRIIA e AKRIIB, ambas de Baci/lus subtiZis, respectivamente. Os resultados estabeleceram a proteína XF 1729 como um novo membro da superfamília das AKRs, da nova sub-família AKR13B 1. Finalmente, os experimentos de caracterização por cromatografia de gel filtração indicaram que a proteína apresenta wna forma alongada, gerando wn peso molecular aparente maior que o esperado. Além da proteína AKRl3B 1, selecionamos mais duas proteínas codificadas pelas ORFs XFl934 e XFl532 para estudos de estrutura e função. A proteína HetI (XFI934), de 22,4 kDa, apresenta similaridade proteínas da família phosphopantetheinyl transferase, sendo necessária à síntese de ácido graxo via acetato na bactéria. A proteína XF1532, de 36,8 kDa, é sirpilar a reguladores transcricionais de extresse oxidativo, sendo sua seqüência similar (44%) à proteína OxyR de Escherichia coZi, a qual pertence à família LysR de reguladores transcricionais. As duas ORFs foram clonadas e expressas em Escherichia coZi, no entanto não foi possível obter a proteína na fração solúvel, impossibilitando o seguimento dos estudos de caracterização estrutural e funcional. A descrição da metodologia utilizada para produção destas proteínas e os resultados preliminares obtidos estão descritos no item Resultados Complementares desta tese. Um amplo benefício no conhecimento dos mecanismos de patogenicidade da X fastidiosa tem sido esperado, desde o seqüenciamento completo de seu genoma. Neste sentido, passos iniciais foram dados no sentido de se caracterizar a função das proteínas codificadas por seus genes / Abstract: The Xylella fastidiosa genome program generated a large number of gene sequences that belong to pathogenicity, virulence and adaptation categories from this important plant pathogen. One of these genes (XF 1729) was described in the genome annotation as being a phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase. However, the XF 1729 primary sequence analysis showed similarities to Aldo-keto reductase superfamily proteins. The AKRs are NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases structurally and functionally related. In this work, the similar sequence XF 1729 from Xylella fastidiosa was cloned onto the pET32Xa/LIC vector in order to over-express a recombinant His- Tag fusion protein in E. coli BL21(DE3). The expressed protein in the soluble fraction was purified 'by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (agarose-IDA-Ni resin). Secondary structure contents were verified by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Small-Angle X Ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements furnish general structural parameters (the particle radius of gyration of 27.5:J::0.8A and the particle maximum dimension of 90A) and provide a strong indication that the protein has a monomeric form in solution. Also, ab initio calculations show that the protein has some similarities with a previously crystallized aldo-keto reductase protein. The recombinant XF1729 purified to homogeneity catalyzed the reduction ofDL-glyceraldehyde (Kcat 2.26 S-I, Km 8.20:J:: 0.98 mM) and 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (Kcat 11.74 S-I, Km 0.14:J:: 0.04 mM) in the presence of NADPH The amino acid sequence deduced from XF 1729 showed the highest identity (40% or higher) with several functionally unknown proteins. Among the identified AKRs, we found approximately 29% of identity with YakC (AKR13) from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, 30% and 28% with AKR11A and AKR11B, both from Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The results establish XF 1729 as the new member of AKR family, AKR13B1. Finally, the first characterization by gel filtration chromatography assays indicates that the protein has an elongated shape, which generates an apparent higher rnolecular weight. Since Xylellafastidiosa 9a5c strain (associated with CVC) is the first plant pathogen to be fully sequenced, a large benefit for the whole field of disease research can be expected. An initial step has been taken towards the characterization the protein function encoded by its genes / Doutorado / Genetica de Microorganismos / Doutor em Genetica e Biologia Molecular

Chloroperoxidase (CPO) is a potential biocatalyst for use in asymmetric synthesis. The mechanisms of CPO catalysis are therefore of interest. The halogenation reaction, one of several chemical reactions that CPO catalyzes, is not fully understood and is the subject of this dissertation. The mechanism by which CPO catalyzes halogenation is disputed. It has been postulated that halogenation of substrates occurs at the active site. Alternatively, it has been proposed that hypochlorous acid, produced at the active site via oxidation of chloride, is released prior to reaction, so that halogenation occurs in solution. The free-solution mechanism is supported by the observation that halogenation of most substrates often occurs non-stereospecifically. On the other hand, the enzyme-bound mechanism is supported by the observation that some large substrates undergo halogenation stereospecifically. The major purpose of this research is to compare chlorination of the substrate beta-cyclopentanedione in the two environments. One study was of the reaction with limited hydration because such a level of hydration is typical of the active site. For this work, a purely quantum mechanical approach was used. To model the aqueous environment, the limited hydration environment approach is not appropriate. Instead, reaction precursor conformations were obtained from a solvated molecular dynamics simulation, and reaction of potentially reactive molecular encounters was modeled with a hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical approach. Extensive work developing parameters for small molecules was pre-requisite for the molecular dynamics simulation. It is observed that a limited and optimized (active-site-like) hydration environment leads to a lower energetic barrier than the fully solvated model representative of the aqueous environment at room temperature, suggesting that the stable water network near the active site is likely to facilitate the chlorination mechanism. The influence of the solvent environment on the reaction barrier is critical. It is observed that stabilization of the catalytic water by other solvent molecules lowers the barrier for keto-enol tautomerization. Placement of water molecules is more important than the number of water molecules in such studies. The fully-solvated model demonstrates that reaction proceeds when the instantaneous dynamical water environment is close to optimal for stabilizing the transition state.