Optically Modulated HfS2-Based Synapses for Artificial Vision Systems

The simulation of human brain neurons by synaptic devices could be an effective strategy to break through the notorious "von Neumann Bottleneck" and "Memory Wall". Herein, opto-electronic synapses based on layered hafnium disulfide (HfS₂) transistors have been investigated. The basic functions of biological synapses are realized and optimized by modifying pulsed light conditions. Furthermore, 2 × 2 pixel imaging chips have also been developed. Two-pixel visual information is illuminated on diagonal pixels of the imaging array by applying light pulses (λ = 405 nm) with different pulse frequencies, mimicking short-term memory and long-term memory characteristics of the human vision system. In addition, an optically/electrically driven neuromorphic computation is demonstrated by machine learning to classify hand-written numbers with an accuracy of about 88.5%. This work will be an important step toward an artificial neural network comprising neuromorphic vision sensing and training functions.

Mineralized and GSH-responsive hyaluronic acid based nano-carriers for potentiating repressive effects of sulforaphane on breast cancer stem cells-like properties

Breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) properties are correlated with the malignancy of tumor cells. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural isothiocyanate, has anti-cancer effects. However, SFN is an oil-like, hydrophobic and unstable substance. To enhance the inhibitory effect of SFN on BCSC-like properties, the mineralized hyaluronic acid-SS-tetradecyl nano-carriers (M-HA-SS-TA) were prepared. The nano-carriers possessed high SFN entrapment rate (92.36%) and drug-loading efficiency (33.64%). The carriers were responsive to the high reducing and mild acidic tumor micro-environment, leading to rapid SFN releasing from SFN-loaded nano-drug (SFN/M-HA-SS-TA). Through the specific recognition of breast cancer cells bearing CD44+ by HA, M-HA-SS-TA nano-carriers showed excellent tumor-targeting ability. Moreover, compared with free SFN, SFN/M-HA-SS-TA showed much stronger inhibition on the BCSC-like properties (invasiveness, self-renewal and tumor growth) both in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results suggested M-HA-SS-TA nano-carriers were promising platforms for tumor-targeted delivery of SFN, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy against BCSC-like properties by SFN.

Probing Variations of Reduction Activity at the Plasma Membrane Using a Targeted Ratiometric FRET Probe

Plasma membrane (PM) is the turntable of various reactions that regulate essential functionalities of cells. Among these reactions, the thiol disulfide exchange (TDE) reaction plays an important role in cellular processes. We herein designed a selective probe, called membrane reduction probe (MRP), that is able to report TDE activity at the PM. MRP is based on a green emitting BODIPY PM probe connected to rhodamine through a disulfide bond. MRP is fluorogenic as it is turned off in aqueous media due to aggregation-caused quenching, and once inserted in the PM, it displays a bright red signal due to an efficient fluorescence energy resonance transfer (FRET) between the BODIPY donor and the rhodamine acceptor. In the PM model, the MRP can undergo TDE reaction with external reductive agents as well as with thiolated lipids embedded in the bilayer. Upon TDE reaction, the FRET is turned off and a bright green signal appears allowing a ratiometric readout of this reaction. In cells, the MRP quickly labeled the PM and was able to probe variations of TDE activity using ratiometric imaging. With this tool in hand, we were able to monitor variations of TDE activity at the PM under stress conditions, and we showed that cancer cell lines presented a reduced TDE activity at the PM compared to noncancer cells.

Semisynthesis and Reconstitution of Nucleosomes Carrying Asymmetric Histone Modifications

Nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin, contain a protein core of histone proteins, which are heavily posttranslationally modified. These modifications form a combinatorial language which defines the functional state of the underlying genome. As each histone type exists in two copies in a nucleosome, the modification patterns can differ between the individual histones, resulting in asymmetry and increasing combinatorial complexity. To systematically explore the regulation of chromatin regulatory enzymes (writers, erasers, or readers), chemically defined nucleosomes are required. We have developed strategies to chemically modify histones and control nucleosome assembly, thereby enabling the reconstitution of asymmetric histone modification patterns. Here, we report a detailed protocol for the modular assembly of such nucleosomes. Employing a three-segment ligation strategy for the semisynthesis of H3, coupled with the use of the protease cleavable "lnc-tag," we provide an efficient and traceless method for the controlled semisynthesis and reconstitution of asymmetrically modified nucleosomes.

Disulfide-Mediated Bioconjugation: Disulfide Formation and Restructuring on the Surface of Nanomanufactured (Microfluidics) Nanoparticles

This study is about (1) nanomanufacturing (focusing on microfluidic-assisted nanoprecipitation), (2) advanced colloid characterization (focusing on field flow fractionation), and (3) the possible restructuring of surface disulfides. Disulfides are dynamic and exchangeable groups, and here we specifically focus, first, on their use to introduce biofunctional groups and, second, on their re-organization, which may lead to variable surface chemistries and uncontrolled cell interactions. The particles were obtained via microfluidic-assisted (flow-focused) nanoprecipitation of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) bearing or not a 2-pyridyl disulfide (PDS) terminal group, which quantitatively exchanges with thiols in solution. In this study, we have paid specific attention to size characterization, thereby also demonstrating the limitations of dynamic light scattering (DLS) as a stand-alone technique. By using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled with DLS, static light scattering (SLS), and refractive index detectors, we show that relatively small amounts of >100 nm aggregates (cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and SLS/DLS comparison suggesting them to be wormlike micelles) dominated the stand-alone DLS results, whereas the "real" size distributions picked <50 nm. Our key result is that the kinetics of the conjugation based on PDS-thiol exchange was controlled by the thiol pK_a, and this also determined the rate of the exchange between the resulting disulfides and glutathione (GSH). In particular, more acidic thiols (e.g., peptides, where a cysteine is flanked by cationic residues) react faster with PDS, but their disulfides hardly exchange with GSH; the reverse applies to thiols with a higher pK_a. Disulfides that resist against restructuring via thiol-disulfide exchange allow for a stable bioconjugation, although they may be bad news for payload release under reducing conditions. However, experiments of both thiol release and nanoparticles uptake in cells (HCT116) show that also the disulfides formed from less-acidic and, therefore, less-reactive, and more exchangeable thiols were stable for at least a few hours even in a GSH-rich (10 mM) environment; this suggests a sufficiently long stability of surface groups to achieve, for example, a cell-targeting effect.

All MoS2-Based Large Area, Skin-Attachable Active-Matrix Tactile Sensor

Large-area, ultrathin flexible tactile sensors with conformal adherence are becoming crucial for advances in wearable electronics, electronic skins and biorobotics. However, normal passive tactile sensors suffer from high crosstalk, resulting in inaccurate sensing, which consequently limits their use in such advanced applications. Active-matrix-driven tactile sensors could potentially overcome such hurdles, but it demands the high performance and reliable operations of the thin-film-transistor array that could efficiently control integrated pressure gauges. Herein, we utilized the benefit of the semiconducting and mechanical excellence of MoS₂ and placed it between high- k Al₂O₃ dielectric sandwich layers to achieve the high and reliable performance of MoS₂-based back-plane circuitry and strain sensor. This strategical combination reduces the fabrication complexity and enables the demonstration of an all MoS₂-based large area (8 × 8 array) active-matrix tactile sensor offering a wide sensing range (1-120 kPa), sensitivity value (Δ R/ R₀: 0.011 kPa^-1), and a response time (180 ms) with excellent linearity. In addition, it showed potential in sensing multitouch accurately, tracking a stylus trajectory, and detecting the shape of an external object by grasping it using the palm of the human hand.

Current and future envision on developing biosensors aided by 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) productions

Two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials have triggered an intensive interest due to the fascinating physiochemical properties with the exceptional physical, optical and electrical characteristics that transpired from the quantum size effect of their ultra-thin structure. Among the family of 2D nanomaterials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) features distinct characteristics related to the existence of direct energy bandgap, which significantly lowers the leakage current and surpasses other 2D materials. In this overview, we expatiate the novel strategies to synthesize MoS₂ that cover techniques such as liquid exfoliation, chemical vapour deposition, mechanical exfoliation, hydrothermal reaction, and Van Der Waal epitaxial growth on the substrate. We extend the discussion on the recent progress in biosensing applications of the produced MoS₂, highlighting the important surface-to-volume of ultrathin MoS₂ structure, which enhances the overall performance of the devices. Further, envisioned the missing piece with the current MoS₂-based biosensors towards developing the future strategies.

Zwitterionic Reduction-Activated Supramolecular Prodrug Nanocarriers for Photodynamic Ablation of Cancer Cells

An adamantane-containing zwitterionic copolymer poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine)- co-poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl adamantane-1-carboxylate) (poly(MPC- co-MAda)) was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The hydrophobic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) was conjugated to β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) by glutathione (GSH)-sensitive disulfide bonds. The Ce6 conjugated supramolecular prodrug nanocarriers were fabricated due to the host-guest interaction between adamantane and β-CD, which was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Ce6 conjugated prodrug nanocarriers showed reduction-responsive release of Ce6, which could result in the activation of Ce6. The generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly enhanced due to the activation of Ce6. In additiona, the Ce6 conjugated prodrug nanocarriers could effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells upon light irradiation.

One-Pot Synthesis of a Zwitterionic Small Molecule Bearing Disulfide Moiety for Antibiofouling Macro- and Nanoscale Gold Surfaces

The goal of this study is to develop a simple one-pot method for the synthesis of a zwitterionic small molecule bearing disulfide moiety, which can effectively inhibit nonspecific protein adsorption on macroscopic and nanoscopic gold surfaces. To this end, the optimal molecular structure of a pyridine disulfide derivative was explored and a zwitterionic small molecule was successfully synthesized from the tertiary amine residue on the pyridine ring through a one-pot method. The coating conditions of the synthesized zwitterionic molecules on the gold surface were optimized through contact angle measurements, and the strong interactions between the gold surface and the disulfide moiety of the zwitterion small molecule were confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The antibiofouling properties of the coated gold surface were analyzed by fluorescence microscopic observations after contacting with FITC-labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) and SPR sensor as contacting with BSA solution. In addition, the effect of zwitterion-coating on the salt stability of and protein adsorption on nanoscopic gold surfaces were examined through a NaCl stability test and BSA adsorption test, respectively. From the obtained results, it was confirmed that the simply synthesized zwitterionic small molecule was effective in inhibiting nonspecific protein adsorption on macroscopic and nanoscopic gold surfaces; further, it enhanced the salt stability of gold nanoparticle surfaces.

Short Total Synthesis of Ajoene

We describe a short total synthesis of ajoene, a major biologically active constituent of garlic. The instability of allicin as the only other known alternative starting material has led to the development of a reliable procedure for the synthesis of ajoene from simple building blocks that is also suitable for upscale operations.

Facile synthesis of soybean phospholipid-encapsulated MoS2 nanosheets for efficient in vitro and in vivo photothermal regression of breast tumor

Two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheet has been extensively explored as a photothermal agent for tumor regression; however, its surface modification remains a great challenge. Herein, as an alternative to surface polyethylene glycol modification (PEGylation), a facile approach based on "thin-film" strategy has been proposed for the first time to produce soybean phospholipid-encapsulated MoS2 (SP-MoS2) nanosheets. By simply vacuum-treating MoS2 nanosheets/soybean phospholipid/chloroform dispersion in a rotary evaporator, SP-MoS2 nanosheet was successfully constructed. Owing to the steric hindrance of polymer chains, the surface-coated soybean phospholipid endowed MoS2 nanosheets with excellent colloidal stability. Without showing detectable in vitro and in vivo hemolysis, coagulation, and cyto-/histotoxicity, the constructed SP-MoS2 nanosheets showed good photothermal conversion performance and photothermal stability. SP-MoS2 nanosheet was shown to be a promising platform for in vitro and in vivo breast tumor photothermal therapy. The produced SP-MoS2 nanosheets featured low cost, simple fabrication, and good in vivo hemo-/histocompatibility and hold promising potential for future clinical tumor therapy.

Single-Layered MoS2-PEI-PEG Nanocomposite-Mediated Gene Delivery Controlled by Photo and Redox Stimuli

Stimuli-responsive gene delivery systems maximize therapeutic efficacy by controlling the cytosolic conveyance and rate of effective gene release. We present herein a hybrid nanocomposite composed of a 2D nanomaterial, MoS2, modified by attaching two polymers (polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyethylenglycol (PEG)) via disulfide bonds. This MoS2-PEI-PEG nanocomposite interacts with DNA by electrostatic interaction, and accordingly forms a nanosized complex with high stability. Photothermal conversion of MoS2 nanosheet is employed in order to induce photothermally triggered endosomal escape upon the near infrared light irradiation. After endosomal escape, polymers are detached from the MoS2 nanosheet by the intracellular reducing agent, glutathione (GSH), resulting in effective gene release from the nanocomposite. This sequential process initiated by external and internal stimuli remarkably enhances gene delivery efficiency by effective endosomal escape and gene release without severe cytotoxicity. Our rationally designed MoS2 nanocomposite provides a spatiotemporally controllable platform to deliver genetic material into cells.

Fluorescent MoS2 Quantum Dots: Ultrasonic Preparation, Up-Conversion and Down-Conversion Bioimaging, and Photodynamic Therapy

Small size molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) quantum dots (QDs) with desired optical properties were controllably synthesized by using tetrabutylammonium-assisted ultrasonication of multilayered MoS2 powder via OH-mediated chain-like Mo-S bond cleavage mode. The tunable up-bottom approach of precise fabrication of MoS2 QDs finally enables detailed experimental investigations of their optical properties. The synthesized MoS2 QDs present good down-conversion photoluminescence behaviors and exhibit remarkable up-conversion photoluminescence for bioimaging. The mechanism of the emerging photoluminescence was investigated. Furthermore, superior (1)O2 production ability of MoS2 QDs to commercial photosensitizer PpIX was demonstrated, which has great potential application for photodynamic therapy. These early affording results of tunable synthesis of MoS2 QDs with desired photo properties can lead to application in fields of biomedical and optoelectronics.

Triazolyl phenyl disulfides: 8-Amino-7-oxononanoate synthase inhibitors as potential herbicides

The chemical validation of a potential herbicide target was investigated with 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase (AONS, also known as 7-keto-8-aminopelargonate synthase, KAPAS) and triazolyl phenyl disulfide derivatives in vitro and in vivo. AONS activity was completely inhibited by these synthesized compounds, with an IC50 of 48 to 592μM in vitro. Forty five-day old Arabidopsis thaliana plants were completely killed by representative compound KHG23844 {N-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-(phenyldisulphanyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-carboxamide} at the application rate of 250gha(-1) of foliar treatment in greenhouse conditions. Foliar application of 1000gha(-1) KHG23844 induced 2.3-fold higher l-alanine accumulation in the treated A. thaliana plants. Foliar supplement of 1mM biotin at 1 and 2days before KHG23844 application effectively recovered the growth inhibition of A. thaliana plant treated with KHG23844. The results strongly suggested that representative compound KHG23844 and its derivatives are potential AONS inhibitors.

Synthesis of strongly fluorescent molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for cell-targeted labeling

MoS2 nanosheets with polydispersity of the lateral dimensions from natural mineral molybdenite have been prepared in the emulsions microenvironment built by the water/surfactant/CO2 system. The size, thickness, and atomic structure are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and laser-scattering particle size analysis. Meanwhile, by the analysis of photoluminescence spectroscopy and microscope, the MoS2 nanosheets with smaller lateral dimensions exhibit extraordinary photoluminescence properties different from those with relatively larger lateral dimensions. The discovery of the excitation dependent photoluminescence for MoS2 nanosheets makes them potentially of interests for the applications in optoelectronics and biology. Moreover, we demonstrate that the fabricated MoS2 nanosheets can be a nontoxic fluorescent label for cell-targeted labeling application.

New ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes bearing disulfide Schiff base ligands and their applications as catalyst for some organic transformations

Schiff base disulfide ligands (H2L(1-6)) were synthesized from the condensation of cystamine with salicylaldehyde(H2L(1)), 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde(H2L(2)), o-vanillin(H2L(3)), 2-hydroxyacetophenone(H2L(4)), 3-methyl-2-hydroxyacetophenone(H2L(5)), and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde(H2L(6)). H2L(1-6) reacts with the ruthenium precursor complex [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] in benzene giving rise to six new ruthenium(II) complexes of general formula [Ru(CO)L(1-6)]. Characterization of the new complexes was carried out by using elemental and spectral (IR, UV-Vis, NMR ((1)H and (13)C) and Mass) techniques. An octahedral geometry was assigned for all the complexes based on the spectral data obtained. The catalytic efficiency of the new complexes in aldehyde to amide conversion in the presence of NaHCO3, N-alkylation of aniline in the presence of t-BuOK, and transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of iPrOH/KOH reactions were studied. Furthermore, the effect of solvents and catalyst/substrate ratio on the catalytic aldehyde to amide conversion were also discussed.

Dithiolopyrrolones: biosynthesis, synthesis, and activity of a unique class of disulfide-containing antibiotics

Covering: up to 2014. Dithiolopyrrolone (DTP) group antibiotics were first isolated in the early half of the 20th century, but only recently has research been reawakened by insights gained from the synthesis and biosynthesis of this structurally intriguing class of molecules. DTPs are characterized by an electronically unique bicyclic structure, which contains a compact disulfide bridge between two ene-thiols. Points of diversity within the compound class occur outside of the bicyclic core, at the two amide nitrogens. Such modifications distinguish three of the most well studied members of the class, holomycin, thiolutin, and aureothricin; the DTP core has also more recently been identified in the marine antibiotic thiomarinol, in which it is linked to a marinolic acid moiety, analog of the FDA-approved topical antibiotic Bactroban® (GlaxoSmithKline). Dithiolopyrrolones exhibit relatively broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Additionally, they have been shown to exhibit potent and selective anti-cancer activity. Despite this promising profile, there is still much unknown about the mechanisms of action for DTPs. Early reports suggested that they inhibit yeast growth at the level of transcription and that this effect is largely responsible for their distinctive microbial static properties; a similar mechanism is supported in bacteria. Elucidation of biosynthetic pathways for holomycin in Streptomyces clavuligerus and Yersinia ruckeri and thiomarinol in Alteromonas rava sp. nov. SANK 73390, have contributed evidence suggesting that multiple mechanisms may be operative in the activity of these compounds. This review will comprehensively cover the history and development of dithiolopyrrolones with particular emphasis on the biosynthesis, synthesis, biological activity and mechanism of action.

Drug delivery with PEGylated MoS2 nano-sheets for combined photothermal and chemotherapy of cancer

MoS2 nanosheets functionalized with poly-ethylene glycol are for the first time used as a multifunctional drug delivery system with high drug loading capacities. Using doxorubicin as the model drug and taking advantages of the strong near-infrared absorbance of MoS2, combined photothermal and chemotherapy of cancer is realized in animal experiments, achieving excellent synergistic anti-tumor effect upon systemic administration.

Fluorescent probes based on nucleophilic substitution-cyclization for hydrogen sulfide detection and bioimaging

The design, synthesis, properties, and cell imaging applications of a series of 2-pyridyl disulfide based fluorescent probes (WSP1, WSP2, WSP3, WSP4 and WSP5) for hydrogen sulfide detection are reported. The strategy is based on the dual-nucleophilicity of hydrogen sulfide. A hydrogen sulfide mediated tandem nucleophilic substitution-cyclization reaction is used to release the fluorophores and turn on the fluorescence. The probes showed high sensitivity and selectivity for hydrogen sulfide over other reactive sulfur species, including cysteine and glutathione.

Synthesis of a disulfide cross-linked polygalacturonic acid hydrogel for biomedical applications

Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) hydrogel cross-linked via disulfide bonds was synthesized using a thiol oxidation reaction. PGA was grafted with cysteine to yield thiolated PGA (denoted PGAcys). Per gram, PGA-conjugated cysteine was 725 ± 77 μmol, and the degree of modification was 16.24 %. A PGAcys hydrogel film was fabricated under physiological conditions, with gel content 91.6 % and water content 43.3 %. The PGAcys hydrogel was used as a drug carrier for rosmarinic acid (RA) (denoted PGAcys/RA) and to prevent postsurgical adhesion. The in vitro dynamic release behavior of RA from the PGAcys hydrogel was analyzed. The profiles showed that 80 % of the total RA was released from the hydrogel within 15 min, followed by zero-order kinetic release. Animal implant studies showed that PGAcys and PGAcys/RA hydrogel films reduced adhesion incidence by over 90 %, significantly higher than did Hyaluronate/Carboxymethylcellulose (analogous Seprafilm™) (42 %). The PGAcys/RA hydrogel film also reduced the early inflammatory reaction.

Substrate-initiated synthesis of cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)s

Lessons from surface-initiated polymerization are applied to grow cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)s directly on substrates of free choice. Reductive depolymerization after cellular uptake should then release the native substrates and minimize toxicity. In the presence of thiolated substrates, propagators containing a strained disulfide from asparagusic or, preferably, lipoic acid and a guanidinium cation polymerize into poly(disulfide)s in less than 5 min at room temperature at pH 7. Substrate-initiated polymerization of cationic poly(disulfide)s and their depolymerization with dithiothreitol causes the appearance and disappearance of transport activity in fluorogenic vesicles. The same process is further characterized by gel-permeation chromatography and fluorescence resonance energy transfer.

Controlled scalable synthesis of uniform, high-quality monolayer and few-layer MoS2 films

Two dimensional (2D) materials with a monolayer of atoms represent an ultimate control of material dimension in the vertical direction. Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) monolayers, with a direct bandgap of 1.8 eV, offer an unprecedented prospect of miniaturizing semiconductor science and technology down to a truly atomic scale. Recent studies have indeed demonstrated the promise of 2D MoS2 in fields including field effect transistors, low power switches, optoelectronics, and spintronics. However, device development with 2D MoS2 has been delayed by the lack of capabilities to produce large-area, uniform, and high-quality MoS2 monolayers. Here we present a self-limiting approach that can grow high quality monolayer and few-layer MoS2 films over an area of centimeters with unprecedented uniformity and controllability. This approach is compatible with the standard fabrication process in semiconductor industry. It paves the way for the development of practical devices with 2D MoS2 and opens up new avenues for fundamental research.

Transformation of synthetic allicin: the influence of ultrasound, microwaves, different solvents and temperatures, and the products isolation

The transformation of the synthesized allicin, using conventional method, the influence of ultrasound and microwaves, in different organic solvents (acetonitrile, acetone, methanol, and chloroform), at various temperatures (room temperature, 45 °C, and 55 °C) was investigated. Allicin degradation kinetic was monitored by HPLC. Allicin transformation under the effect of microwaves is faster than transformations performed under the influence of ultrasound or by conventional method. Increase of the temperature accelerates allicin transformation. Pharmacologically active compounds of (E)-ajoene, (Z)-ajoene, 3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiin, 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin, and diallyl disulfide were isolated from the mixture of transformation products of allicin under the influence of microwaves in methanol at 55 °C, which is according to kinetic parameters (highest values of the order of reaction and the lowest activation energy) the optimal method.

Identification of mono- and disulfated N-acetyl-lactosaminyl Oligosaccharide structures as epitopes specifically recognized by humanized monoclonal antibody HMOCC-1 raised against ovarian cancer

A humanized monoclonal antibody raised against human ovarian cancer RMG-I cells and designated as HMOCC-1 (Suzuki, N., Aoki, D., Tamada, Y., Susumu, N., Orikawa, K., Tsukazaki, K., Sakayori, M., Suzuki, A., Fukuchi, T., Mukai, M., Kojima-Aikawa, K., Ishida, I., and Nozawa, S. (2004) Gynecol. Oncol. 95, 290-298) was characterized for its carbohydrate epitope structure. Specifically, a series of co-transfections was performed using mammalian expression vectors encoding specific glycosyltransferases and sulfotransferases. These experiments identified one sulfotransferase, GAL3ST3, and one glycosyltransferase, B3GNT7, as required for HMOCC-1 antigen formation. They also suggested that the sulfotransferase CHST1 regulates the abundance and intensity of HMOCC-1 antigen. When HEK293T cells were co-transfected with GAL3ST3 and B3GNT7 expression vectors, transfected cells weakly expressed HMOCC-1 antigen. When cells were first co-transfected with GAL3ST3 and B3GNT7 and then with CHST1, the resulting cells strongly expressed HMOCC-1 antigen. However, when cells were transfected with a mixture of GAL3ST3 and CHST1 before or after transfection with B3GNT7, the number of antigen-positive cells decreased relative to the number seen with only GAL3ST3 and B3GNT7, suggesting that CHST1 plays a regulatory role in HMOCC-1 antigen formation. Because these results predicted that HMOCC-1 antigens are SO(3) → 3Galβ1 → 4GlcNAcβ1 → 3(±SO(3) → 6)Galβ1 → 4GlcNAc, we chemically synthesized mono- and disulfated and unsulfated oligosaccharides. Immunoassays using these oligosaccharides as inhibitors showed the strongest activity by disulfated tetrasaccharide, weak but positive activity by monosulfated tetrasaccharide at the terminal galactose, and no activity by nonsulfated tetrasaccharides. These results establish the HMOCC-1 epitope, which should serve as a useful reagent to further characterize ovarian cancer.

Atomically thin layers of MoS2 via a two step thermal evaporation-exfoliation method

Two dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) has recently become of interest to semiconductor and optic industries. However, the current methods for its synthesis require harsh environments that are not compatible with standard fabrication processes. We report on a facile synthesis method of layered MoS(2) using a thermal evaporation technique, which requires modest conditions. In this process, a mixture of MoS(2) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO(2)) is produced by evaporating sulfur powder and molybdenum trioxide (MoO(3)) nano-particles simultaneously. Further annealing in a sulfur-rich environment transforms majority of the excess MoO(2) into layered MoS(2). The deposited MoS(2) is then mechanically exfoliated into minimum resolvable atomically thin layers, which are characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore Raman spectroscopy is employed to determine the effect of electrochemical lithium ion exposure on atomically thin layers of MoS(2).

Synthesis and preliminary antimicrobial activities of new arylideneamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-(thio/dithio)-acetamido cephalosporanic acids

New derivatives of 7-aminocephalosporanic acid 1-8 were synthesized by acylation of the 7-amino group of the cephem nucleus with various arylidinimino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-thio(or dithio)-acetic acid intermediates 3a-d and 5a-d, respectively, so the acyl side chains of these new cephalosporins contained a sulfide or disulfide bond. This unique combination of a Schiff base with the sulfide or disulfide bonds in the acyl side chain afforded new cephalosporins of reasonable potencies, some of which were found to possess moderate activities against the tested microorganisms. Their chemical structures were characterized by ¹H-NMR, IR spectroscopy and elemental microanalysis. Preliminary in vitro antimicrobial activities of the prepared cephalosporins were investigated using a panel of selected microorganisms. Results indicated that the newly synthesized cephalosporins containing disulfide bonds (compounds 5-8) exhibited better activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The cephalosporins cross-linked by a sulfide bond (compounds 1-4) showed a slight change in antimicrobial activities when compared with that of the reference cephalosporin (cephalexin).

Synthesis and characterization of the 47-residue heterodimeric antimicrobial peptide distinctin, featuring directed disulfide bridge formation

Distinctin, a 47-residue heterodimeric peptide with potent antimicrobial activity, comprises two monomeric units linked covalently by a disulfide bond between Cys19 from the 22-residue A chain and Cys23 from the 25-residue B chain. Previous synthetic strategies involved assemblies of the two individual chains, followed by their co-oxidation to form the connecting disulfide bridge, and resulted in a mixture of three species: two homodimers and one heterodimer. Here, we report synthesis of exclusively heterodimeric distinctin, using recently developed tactics for directed disulfide bridge formation. Material prepared this way was characterized and found to be suitable for more detailed structural studies.

Synthesis of the marine bromotyrosine psammaplin F and crystal structure of a psammaplin A analogue

Psammaplin F, an unsymmetrical disulfide bromotyrosine, was isolated from the sponge Pseudoceratina purpurea in 2003. We reported here the first total synthesis of psammaplin F in 12% overall yield by employing Cleland's reagent reduction as key step. The longest linear synthetic sequence starting from 3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydantoin was seven steps. In addition, a detailed X-ray crystal structure analysis of psammaplin A analogue 8b is given for the first time.

Photoinduced morphology switching of polymer nanoaggregates in aqueous solution

A novel photosensitive C-PNIPAAm comprising hydrophilic PNIPAAm conjugated with a relatively short but very hydrophobic coumarin part was designed and prepared using a coumarin-containing disulfide derivative (C-S-S-C) as transfer agent in the presence of Bu(3)P and water. It was found that C-PNIPAAm can form polymer micelles in aqueous solution. And the micellar morphology in aqueous solution can be photoswitched into hollow spheres according to the photodimerization of coumarin end groups upon 365 nm irradiation and reform the micellar morphology after the subsequent photoscission of dimers upon 254 nm. This instant morphology changing phenomenon was successfully monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. TEM observations showed the small spherical shape of micelles with diameter at 30-50 nm before photo-cross-linking, the big vesicles with diameter at 200-350 nm after photo-cross-linking, and the small micelles with diameter at 30-50 nm after the subsequent photo-de-cross-linking in the first irradiation cycle. The reason for this significant morphology switching can be attributed to the reversible photoinduced amphiphilic structure transformation between the telechelic "hydrophobic end-hydrophilic chain" structure and the ABA type of "hydrophilic chain-hydrophobic center-hydrophilic chain" one upon alternating irradiation.

Characterization of the apoptotic response of human leukemia cells to organosulfur compounds

BACKGROUND

Novel therapeutic agents that selectively induce tumor cell death are urgently needed in the clinical management of cancers. Such agents would constitute effective adjuvant approaches to traditional chemotherapy regimens. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs), such as diallyl disulfide, have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. We have previously shown that synthesized relatives of dysoxysulfone, a natural OSC derived from the Fijian medicinal plant, Dysoxylum richi, possess tumor-specific antiproliferative effects and are thus promising lead candidates.

METHODS

Because our structure-activity analyses showed that regions flanking the disulfide bond mediated specificity, we synthesized 18 novel OSCs by structural modification of the most promising dysoxysulfone derivatives. These compounds were tested for anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity in both normal and leukemic cells.

RESULTS

Six OSCs exhibited tumor-specific killing, having no effect on normal bone marrow, and are thus candidates for future toxicity studies. We then employed mRNA expression profiling to characterize the mechanisms by which different OSCs induce apoptosis. Using Gene Ontology analysis we show that each OSC altered a unique set of pathways, and that these differences could be partially rationalized from a transcription factor binding site analysis. For example, five compounds altered genes with a large enrichment of p53 binding sites in their promoter regions (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these data establish OSCs derivatized from dysoxysulfone as a novel group of compounds for development as anti-cancer agents.

Disulfide-linked liposomes: effective delivery vehicle for Bcl-2 antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide G3139

BACKGROUND

Disulfide-linked oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) liposomes were formulated and evaluated for the delivery of antisense ODN G3139 in KB human oral carcinoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Liposomes composed of 1,2-di-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-3-trimethylammo-nium-propane (DOTAP)/egg phosphatidylcholine/alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate were incorporated with hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN. Disulfide-linked ODN liposomes were characterized for their size, ODN intracellular delivery, Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression, growth inhibition, and chemosensitization.

RESULTS

Intracellular delivery of ODN with disulfide-linked ODN liposomes was more efficient than that with non-liposomal hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN. Treatment of the cells with disulfide-linked ODN liposomes resulted in efficient Bcl-2 down-regulation greater than that with hydrophobized disulfide-linked ODN and consistent with that of cellular growth inhibition and the sensitization to daunorubicin in KB cells. Disulfide-linked ODN liposomes exhibited superior colloidal stability during 5-week storage.

CONCLUSION

Disulfide-linked liposomes are effective delivery vehicles for antisense ODN.

Polymer transfected primary myoblasts mediated efficient gene expression and angiogenic proliferation

This study was designed to assess the in vitro gene expression efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness of polymer mediated transfection of primary myoblasts. Autologous primary myoblast transplantation may improve the function of infarcted myocardium via myogenesis. In addition, primary myoblasts can carry exogenous angiogenic genes that encode angiogenic factors to promote therapeutic angiogenesis. Viral vectors have limited clinical application due to the induction of inflammatory reactions, tumorigenic mutations and genome integration. To overcome these problems, two new biodegradable poly(disulfide amine)s, poly(cystaminebisacryamide-diaminohexane) [poly(CBA-DAH)] and poly(cystaminebisacryamide-diaminohexane-arginine) [poly(CBA-DAH-R)], were synthesized as polymer carriers for gene delivery. In this study, primary myoblasts were isolated and purified from rat skeletal muscles. Based on an optimized polymer mediated transfection procedure using a luciferase assay and confocal microscopy, these two poly(disulfide amine)s induced up to 16-fold higher luciferase expression and much higher green fluorescence protein expression than branched poy(ethylenimine) (bPEI, 25kDa) in primary myoblasts. By flow cytometry, poly(CBA-DAH) and poly(CBA-DAH-R) promote rates of cellular uptake of florescence-labeled polymer/pDNA complexes of 97% and 99%, respectively, which are rates higher than that of bPEI 25kDa (87%). Both poly(disulfide amine)s were much less cytotoxic than bPEI 25kDa. The in vitro time-course and co-culture experiments verified that polymer engineered primary myoblasts have the ability to stimulate endothelial proliferation. These data confirmed that poly(disulfide amine)s are the safe and feasible polymeric gene carriers to transfect VEGF(165) into primary myoblasts. Polymer engineered primary myoblasts have potential for therapeutic application in the treatment of ischemic heart diseases.

Structure-activity relationships of bifunctional cyclic disulfide peptides based on overlapping pharmacophores at opioid and cholecystokinin receptors

Prolonged opioid exposure increases the expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and its receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), where CCK may attenuate the antinociceptive effects of opioids. The complex interactions between opioid and CCK may play a role in the development of opioid tolerance. We designed and synthesized cyclic disulfide peptides and determined their agonist properties at opioid receptors and antagonist properties at CCK receptors. Compound 1 (Tyr-c[d-Cys-Gly-Trp-Cys]-Asp-Phe-NH(2)) showed potent binding and agonist activities at delta and mu opioid receptors but weak binding to CCK receptors. The NMR structure of the lead compound displayed similar conformational features of opioid and CCK ligands.

Unsymmetric aryl-alkyl disulfide growth inhibitors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis

This study describes the antibacterial properties of synthetically produced mixed aryl-alkyl disulfide compounds as a means to control the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis. Some of these compounds exerted strong in vitro bioactivity. Our results indicate that among the 12 different aryl substituents examined, nitrophenyl derivatives provide the strongest antibiotic activities. This may be the result of electronic activation of the arylthio moiety as a leaving group for nucleophilic attack on the disulfide bond. Small alkyl residues on the other sulfur provide the best activity as well, which for different bacteria appears to be somewhat dependent on the nature of the alkyl moiety. The mechanism of action of these lipophilic disulfides is likely similar to that of previously reported N-thiolated beta-lactams, which have been shown to produce alkyl-CoA disulfides through a thiol-disulfide exchange within the cytoplasm, ultimately inhibiting type II fatty acid synthesis. However, the mixed alkyl-CoA disulfides themselves show no antibacterial activity, presumably due to the inability of the highly polar compounds to cross the bacterial cell membrane. These structurally simple disulfides have been found to inhibit beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase III, or FabH, a key enzyme in type II fatty acid biosynthesis, and thus may serve as new leads to the development of effective antibacterials for MRSA and anthrax infections.

Design and synthesis of releasable folate-drug conjugates using a novel heterobifunctional disulfide-containing linker

Cellular uptake of vitamin folic acid occurs via folate-receptor mediated endocytosis. Many types of cancer cells express high levels of folate receptors as they need continuous supply of this vitamin for their proliferation. With an objective to use folic acid as a 'Trojan Horse' to transport anticancer drugs into cancer cells, a novel heterobifunctional disulfide-containing linker was synthesized and utilized to covalently link an amino- and hydroxyl-containing anticancer drug, and an appropriately functionalized folic acid to create novel targetable folate-drug conjugates that are shown to release free drugs under biologically relevant pH via sulfhydryl-assisted cleavage of the self-immolative disulfide-containing linker.

Fast Fmoc synthesis of hAmylin1-37 with pseudoproline assisted on-resin disulfide formation

Human amylin (1-37) and the (1-13) fragment were synthesized with and without pseudoproline dipeptides. Thallium (III) trifluoroacetate, a mild oxidant, was used to cyclize the peptides by forming a disulfide bridge from C(2) to C(7). On the basis of our model studies, incorporation of a pseudoproline dipeptide decreases the amount of time necessary for the crude linear amylin (1-13) to cyclize on the resin. Without pseudoproline dipeptides, the 1-37 crude linear amylin was not pure enough to undergo the cyclization reaction. Following the cyclization studies, the synthesis time of the linear human amylin (1-37) was systematically reduced from 58 h to 8.5 h by shortening the reaction times. Cyclization and cleavage times were also reduced to 1.5 h.

Synthesis of disulfide esters of dialkylaminocarbothioic acid as potent, non-detergent spermicidal agents

S,S'-[disulfanediylbis(dialkylaminopropane-2,1-diyl)]bis- (dialkylaminothiocarbamate) (14-31) were prepared and evaluated for the spermicidal activity and antifungal activity. Dialkyldithiocarbamates (1-5) were reacted with epichlorohydrin to give 1-dialkylaminocarbothioic acid S-[(2,3-epithio)propyl]ester (7-11), these on further reaction with a secondary amine gave S,S'-[disulfanediylbis(dialkylaminopropane-2,1-diyl)]bis- (dialkylaminothiocarbamate) (14-31). Some of these compounds (16, 19-21, 23, 30, 31) were found to be very potent spermicidal agents with marginal antifungal activity. Two compounds (20, 21) were 25 times more active than nonoxynol-9 (N-9), the spermicide currently in the market.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Aqueous Speciation, and Kinetics of Substitution Reactions in a Water-Soluble Mo3S4 Cluster Bearing Hydroxymethyl Diphosphine Ligands

The [Mo3S4Cl3(dhmpe)3]Cl ([1]Cl) cluster has been prepared from [Mo3S7Cl6]2- and the water-soluble 1,2-bis(bis(hydroxymethyl)-phosphino)ethane (dhmpe, L) ligand. The crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods and shows the incomplete cuboidal structure typical of the M3Q4 clusters (M=Mo, W; Q=S, Se), with a capping sulfide ligand to the three metal centers and the other three sulfides acting as bridges between two Mo atoms. The octahedral coordination around each metal center is completed with a chlorine and two phosphorus atoms of one L ligand. The chemistry of aqueous solutions of [1]Cl is dominated by the formation of the [Mo3S4L(L-H)2(H2O)]2+ complex ([2]2+), where the three chlorides have been replaced by one water molecule and two alkoxo groups of two different dhmpe ligands, thus leading to a solution structure where the three metal centers are not equivalent. A detailed study based on stopped-flow, 31P{1H} NMR, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry techniques has been carried out to understand the behavior of [2]2+ in aqueous solution. In this way, it has been established that the addition of an excess of X- (Cl-, SCN-) leads to [Mo3S4X3(dhmpe)3]+ complexes in three resolved kinetic steps that correspond to the sequential coordination of X- at the three metal centers. However, whereas the first two steps involve the opening of the chelate rings formed with the alkoxo groups of the dhmpe ligands, the third one corresponds to the substitution of the coordinated water molecule. These results demonstrate that the asymmetry introduced by the closure of chelate rings at only two of the three Mo centers makes the kinetics of the reaction deviate significantly from the statistical behavior typically associated with M3Q4 clusters. The results obtained for the reaction of [2]2+ with acid and base are also described, and they complete the picture of the aqueous speciation of this cluster.

Direct Preparation of Nucleoside Vinyl Disulfides from 2-(Trimethylsilyl)ethyl Sulfides, an Access to Vinylthiols

We report here a straightforward preparation of various nucleoside vinyl disulfides in high yields under mild conditions using the new reaction of vinyl 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (TMSE) sulfides with sulfenyl chlorides. This reaction allows the preparation of various mixed disulfides from stable silyl sulfides without formation of oxidizable and/or unstable thiols. The easy preparation of vinyl disulfides through this reaction should offer new perspectives in vinylthiol chemistry.

A novel environment-sensitive biodegradable polydisulfide with protonatable pendants for nucleic acid delivery

Clinical application of nucleic acid-based therapies is limited by the lack of safe and efficient delivery systems. The purpose of this study is to design and evaluate novel biodegradable polymeric carriers sensitive to environmental changes for efficient delivery of nucleic acids, including plasmid DNA and siRNA. A novel polydisulfide with protonatable pendants was synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of a dithiol monomer, which was readily prepared by solid phase chemistry. The polydisulfide exhibited good buffering capacity and low cytotoxicity. It formed stable complexes with both plasmid DNA and siRNA. The particle sizes of the complexes decreased with the increase of the N/P ratios in the range of 100 to 750 nm. The complexes were stable in the presence of salt and heparin under normal physiological conditions, but dissociated to release nucleic acids in a reductive environment similar to cytoplasm. The polydisulfide demonstrated N/P ratio dependent transfection efficiency for plasmid DNA and gene silencing efficiency for siRNA. The presence of an endosomal disrupting agent, chloroquine, did not affect the DNA transfection efficiency of the polydisulfide. The transfection or gene silencing efficiency of the polydisulfide/DNA or siRNA complexes was comparable to or slightly lower than that of corresponding PEI complexes. Moreover, the polydisulfide showed better serum-friendly feature than PEI when delivering either DNA or siRNA in the presence of 10% FBS. This novel polydisulfide is a promising lead for further design and development of safe and efficient delivery systems for nucleic acids.

Novel chalcogenides of thymidine and uridine: synthesis, properties and applications

A facile and efficient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of dithymidine and di-uridine derived disulfides using benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate as a sulfur transfer reagent. However, a similar reaction of thymidine derivative with tetraethylammonium tetraselenotungstate as a selenium transfer reagent resulted in the formation of an unexpected cyclic diselenide. The disulfide derivatives of nucleosides have been used as precursors in a tandem disulfide cleavage-Michael addition/ring opening reactions to construct aminoacid and carbocyclic derivatives of nucleosides.

Copper(I)/S8 Reversible Reactions Leading to an End-On Bound Dicopper(II) Disulfide Complex: Nucleophilic Reactivity and Analogies to Copper−Dioxygen Chemistry

Elemental sulfur (S8) reacts reversibly with the copper(I) complex [(TMPA')CuI](+) (1), where TMPA' is a TMPA (tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) analogue with a 6-CH2OCH3 substituent on one pyridyl ligand arm, affording a spectroscopically pure end-on bound disulfido-dicopper(II) complex [{(TMPA')Cu(II)}2(mu-1,2-S2(2-))](2+) (2) {nu(S-S) = 492 cm(-1); nu(Cu-S)sym = 309 cm(-1)}; by contrast, [(TMPA)Cu(I)(CH3CN)](+) (3)/S8 chemistry produces an equilibrium mixture of at least three complexes. The reaction of excess PPh3 with 2 leads to formal "release" of zerovalent sulfur and reduction of copper ion to give the corresponding complex [(TMPA')Cu(I)(PPh3)](+) (11) along with S=PPh3 as products. Dioxygen displaces the disulfur moiety from 2 to produce the end-on Cu2O2 complex, [{(TMPA')Cu(II)}2(mu-1,2-O2(2-)](2+) (9). Addition of the tetradentate ligand TMPA to 2 generates the apparently more thermodynamically stable [{(TMPA)Cu(II)}2(mu-1,2-S2(2-))](2+) (4) and expected mixture of other species. Bubbling 2 with CO leads to the formation of the carbonyl adduct [(TMPA')CuI(CO)](+) (8). Carbonylation/sulfur-release/CO-removal cycles can be repeated several times. Sulfur atom transfer from 2 also occurs in a near quantitative manner when it is treated with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (ArNC), leading to the corresponding isothiocyanate (ArNCS) and [(TMPA')Cu(I)(CNAr)](+) (12). Complex 2 readily reacts with PhCH2Br: [{(TMPA')Cu(II)}2(mu-1,2-S(2)(2-)](2+) (2) + 2 PhCH2Br --> [{(TMPA')Cu(II)(Br)}2](2+) (6) + PhCH2SSCH2Ph. The unprecedented substrate reactivity studies reveal that end-on bound mu-1,2-disulfide-dicopper(II) complex 2 provides a nucleophilic S2(2-) moiety, in striking contrast to the electrophilic behavior of a recently described side-on bound mu-eta(2):eta(2)-disulfido-dicopper(II) complex, [{(N3)Cu(II)}(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-S2(2-))](2+) (5) with tridentate N3 ligand. The investigation thus reveals striking analogies of copper/sulfur and copper/dioxygen chemistries, with regard to structure type formation and specific substrate reactivity patterns.

Unexpected Reactivity of the Burgess Reagent with Thiols: Synthesis of Symmetrical Disulfides

Reaction of the Burgess reagent with a series of aliphatic and aromatic thiols led to the corresponding symmetrical disulfides in high yields. No olefins were detected in the reactions of aliphatic thiols.

Alkyl-CoA Disulfides as Inhibitors and Mechanistic Probes for FabH Enzymes

The first step of the reaction catalyzed by the homodimeric FabH from a dissociated fatty acid synthase is acyl transfer from acyl-CoA to an active site cysteine. We report that C1 to C10 alkyl-CoA disulfides irreversibly inhibit Escherichia coli FabH (ecFabH) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis FabH with relative efficiencies that reflect these enzymes' differential acyl-group specificity. Crystallographic and kinetic studies with MeSSCoA show rapid inhibition of one monomer of ecFabH through formation of a methyl disulfide conjugate with this cysteine. Reaction of the second subunit with either MeSSCoA or acetyl-CoA is much slower. In the presence of malonyl-ACP, the acylation rate of the second subunit is restored to that of the native ecFabH. These observations suggest a catalytic model in which a structurally disordered apo-ecFabH dimer orders on binding either the first substrate, acetyl-CoA, or the inhibitor MeSSCoA, and is restored to a disordered state on binding of malonyl-ACP.

Total synthesis of gymnorrhizol, an unprecedented 15-membered macrocyclic polydisulfide from the Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

[reaction: see text] The total synthesis of gymnorrhizol, a naturally occurring macrocyclic polydisulfide with a new skeleton and a potent proteintyrosinephosphatase 1B inhibitor, was prepared in three steps, starting from (R)-1-bromo-3-chloroisopropanol and 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol.

Structure and stability of molybdenum sulfide fullerenes

MoS2 nanooctahedra are believed to be the smallest stable closed-cage structures of MoS2, i.e., the genuine inorganic fullerenes. Here a combination of experiments and density functional tight binding calculations with molecular dynamics annealing are used to elucidate the structures and electronic properties of octahedral MoS2 fullerenes. Through the use of these calculations MoS2 octahedra were found to be stable beyond nMo > 100 but with the loss of 12 sulfur atoms in the six corners. In contrast to bulk and nanotubular MoS2, which are semiconductors, the Fermi level of the nanooctahedra is situated within the band, thus making them metallic-like. A model is used for extending the calculations to much larger sizes. These model calculations show that, in agreement with experiment, the multiwall nanooctahedra are stable over a limited size range of 104-105 atoms, whereupon they are converted into multiwall MoS2 nanoparticles with a quasi-spherical shape. On the experimental side, targets of MoS2 and MoSe2 were laser-ablated and analyzed mostly through transmission electron microscopy. This analysis shows that, in qualitative agreement with the theoretical analysis, multilayer nanooctahedra of MoS2 with 1000-25 000 atoms (Mo + S) are stable. Furthermore, this and previous work show that beyond approximately 105 atoms fullerene-like structures with quasi-spherical forms and 30-100 layers become stable. Laser-ablated WS2 samples yielded much less faceted and sometimes spherically symmetric nanocages.

Regio- and Stereospecific Synthesis of β-Sulfonamidodisulfides and β-Sulfonamidosulfides from Aziridines using Tetrathiomolybdate as a Sulfur Transfer Reagent

A comprehensive study of a general and effective one-step procedure for the synthesis of beta-sulfonamidodisulfides directly from N-tosyl aziridines in a regio- and stereospecific manner under neutral conditions without the use of any Lewis acid or base has been reported. This methodology is extended to the synthesis of an optically pure cyclic seven-membered disulfide 29. Synthesis of a variety of beta-sulfonamidosulfides involving tandem, multistep reactions in one pot is also reported.

Catch-and-Release Reagents for Broadscale Quantitative Proteomics Analyses

The relative quantification of protein expression levels in different cell samples through the utilization of stable isotope dilution has become a standard method in the field of proteomics. We describe here the development of a new reductively cleavable reagent which facilitates the relative quantification of thousands of proteins from only tens of micrograms of starting protein. The ligand features a novel disulfide moiety that links biotin and a thiol-reactive entity. The disulfide is stable to reductive conditions employed during sample labeling but is readily cleaved under mild conditions using tris-(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP). This unique chemical property allows for the facile use of immobilized avidin in a manner equivalent to the use of conventional reversible-binding affinity resins. Target peptides are bound to avidin resin, washed rigorously, then cleaved directly from the resin, resulting in simplified sample handling procedures and reduced nonspecific interactions. Here we demonstrate the stability of the linker under two different reducing conditions and show how this "catch-and-release (CAR)" reagent can be used to quantitatively compare protein abundances from two distinct cellular lysates. Starting with only 40 microg protein from each sample, 1840 individual proteins were identified in a single experiment. Using in-house software for automated peak integration, 1620 of these proteins were quantified for differential expression.

Modification of Protein by Disulfide S-Monoxide and Disulfide S-Dioxide: Distinctive Effects on PKC

Disulfide S-monoxide (DSMO) and disulfide S-dioxide (DSDO) have been proposed as proximal mediators for the oxidant-mediated modification of proteins. These disulfide S-oxides (DSOs) derived from glutathione (GSH) and captopril (CPSH) were synthesized by iron- or methyltrioxorhenium (VII)-catalyzed oxidation of the thiols with H2O2. Treatment of mouse hippocampal extracts with [35S]GS-DSOs revealed that a large number of proteins were susceptible to thionylation; however, only a limited number of the them were detectable by the commonly used antibody against GS-associated proteins. Using protein kinase C (PKC) as a model, we found that DSOs derived from different thiols modified this kinase with different efficacy and specificity; for example, the inhibitory potency of the kinase was glutathione disulfide S-dioxide (GS-DSDO) (IC50, approximately 30 microM) > captopril disulfide S-dioxide (CPS-DSDO) (IC50, approximately 450 microM) > glutathione disulfide S-monoxide (GS-DSMO) and captopril disulfide S-monoxide (CPS-DSMO). The stoichiometries of thionylation of PKC beta mediated by [35S]GS-DSMO and [35S]GS-DSDO were approximately 1 and 5 mol/mol, respectively, and at least four glutathionylation sites were identified in the GS-DSDO-treated kinase. Modification of PKC by GS-DSDO and CPS-DSDO rendered the kinase very susceptible to limited proteolysis; the former preferentially caused the degradation of the catalytic and the latter the regulatory domain of the kinase. Furthermore, CPS-DSDO-mediated modification of PKC increased the autonomous kinase activity; this was not the case for GS-DSDO-mediated modification. Since DSOs of different oxidative states as well as those derived from different thiols exert different effects on a target protein, these molecules could cause distinct cellular responses if derived from endogenous cellular reactions or even if they arise from exogenous sources.