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High-performance liquid chromatographic quantitation of total and lactone 20(S)camptothecin in patients receiving oral 20(S)camptothecin.

We have developed a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay to quantitate total and lactone forms of 20(S)camptothecin (CPT) in human plasma. Lactone and total CPT were extracted using solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction, respectively. The extracted lactone samples could be stored without immediate HPLC analysis. The two forms of CPT were quantitated by reversed-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection. The extraction efficiencies were about 100% and 92% for the total and lactone forms, respectively. The lower limit of quantitation was 5.74 nM for the two forms. The method was reproducible with a mean interday and intraday variability of 6% for total CPT and 4% and 6%. respectively, for lactone CPT. The assay could effectively quantitate lactone and total CPT in patients receiving single dose and multiple doses of oral CPT.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

Differential interactions of camptothecin lactone and carboxylate forms with human blood components.

The intrinsic fluorescent emissions from the lactone and carboxylate forms of camptothecin have been exploited in order to elucidate their markedly different interactions with the various components of human blood. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4, human serum albumin (HSA) preferentially binds the carboxylate form with a 150-fold higher affinity than the lactone form; these interactions result in camptothecin opening more rapidly and completely in the presence of HSA than in the protein's absence [Burke, T.G., & Mi, Z. (1993) Anal. Biochem. 212, 285-287]. In human plasma, at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C, we have observed camptothecin lactone to open rapidly and fully to the carboxylate form (t1/2 = 11 min; % lactone at equilibrium, 0.2%). Substitution of a 10-hydroxy moiety into the camptothecin fluorophore makes the agent's emission spectrum highly sensitive to microenvironment polarity; we have observed pronounced blue shifting (from 530 to 430 nm) in the emission spectra of the hydroxy-substituted carboxylate both upon HSA association as well as upon drug dissolution in organic solvents of low dielectric strength. Hence, it appears that camptothecin carboxylate's fluorophore locates in a hydrophobic binding pocket in native HSA. Ionic interactions also appear to strongly affect binding between camptothecin carboxylate and the HSA binding pocket, since a 6-fold increase in solution salt concentration diminished camptothecin carboxylate binding by 10-fold. Our findings that HSA denaturation abolishes high-affinity binding indicate that interactions of the carboxylate drug form are specific for the native HSA conformation. Interestingly, high-affinity binding of the carboxylate appeared not to occur in the presence of other blood proteins, such as gamma-globulin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, fibrinogen, and the oxy and deoxy forms of hemoglobin. In whole blood versus plasma, camptothecin was found to display enhanced stability (t1/2 value of 22 min and a lactone concentration at equilibrium value of 5.3%). The enhanced stability of camptothecin in human blood was found to be due to drug associations with the lipid bilayers of red blood cells. Camptothecin lactone partitions into the lipid bilayers of erythrocytes, with the drug locating in a hydrophobic environment protected from hydrolysis.

Binding Sites↗

Opioid agonists and antagonists. 6-Desoxy-6-substituted lactone, epoxide, and glycidate ester derivatives of naltrexone and oxymorphone.

Synthesis and opioid radioreceptor assay data on analogues closely related to 6-desoxy-6-spiro-alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone 5a, a compound with irreversible activity in this assay, are reported. Saturated lactones (7a,b), endocyclic alpha, beta-unsaturated gamma-lactones (8a,b and 9a), and 6 alpha,7 alpha-fused alpha-methylene-gamma-lactones (10a and 11a) were prepared. Related 6-desoxy-6-methylene 6 beta- and 6 alpha-oxides (12a,b and 13a) and glycidate esters 14a,b and 15a,b were also prepared with use of naltrexone (1a) and oxymorphone (1b) as starting material. Compounds in the N-cyclopropylmethyl (N-CPM) series were more potent than those in the N-Me series in displacing [3H]naltrexone in the opioid radioreceptor assay, usually by 2-16-fold in the absence of Na ion. The most potent N-CPM analogues were epoxides 12a and 13a and glycidate esters 14a and 15a, showing IC50's of 2-6 nM, similar to that of 5a. Of the N-Me analogues, 6 beta-oxide 12b was most active, with an IC50 of 8 nM in the absence of Na ion. For the N-CPM analogues, the Na ion ratios were generally less than 1, with two exceptions. The N-Me analogues showed expected larger Na ion effects of 7 or greater. None of the lactone analogues had irreversible effects when preincubated in the rat brain membrane preparation, even at 37 degrees C for 30 min, i.e., washing restored [3H]naltrexone binding to control levels. These results clearly show that the alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone moiety of 5a is required for irreversible effects, consistent with it serving as a conjugate addition acceptor of a nucleophilic group from a ligand at or near the receptor. The epoxides and glycidate esters also had no irreversible activity, indicating more electrophilic functional groups are needed and/or these electrophiles are not properly aligned to react with nucleophilic groups at or near the opioid receptor.

Animals↗

Conformationally constrained analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG). 23. Hydrophobic ligand-protein interactions versus ligand-lipid interactions of DAG-lactones with protein kinase C (PK-C).

The constrained glycerol backbone of DAG-lactones, when combined with highly branched alkyl chains, has engendered a series of DAG-lactone ligands capable of binding protein kinase C (PK-C) with affinities that approximate those of phorbol esters. These branched chains not only appear to be involved in making important hydrophobic contacts with the protein (specific interactions) but also provide adequate lipophilicity to facilitate partitioning into the lipid-rich membrane environment (nonspecific interactions). With the idea of minimizing the nonspecific interactions without reducing lipophilicity, the present work explores the strategy of relocating lipophilicity from the side chain to the lactone "core". Such a transfer of lipophilicity, exemplified by compounds 1 and 3, was conceived to allow the new hydrophobic groups on the lactone to engage in specific hydrophobic contacts inside the binding pocket without any expectation of interfering with the hydrogen-bonding network of the DAG-lactone pharmacophore. Surprisingly, both (E)-3 and (Z)-3 showed a significant decrease in binding affinity. From the molecular docking studies performed with the new ligands, we conclude that the binding pocket of the C1 domain of PK-C is sterically restricted and prevents the methyl groups at the C-3 position of the lactone from engaging in productive hydrophobic contacts with the receptor.

Binding Sites↗

Conformationally constrained analogues of diacylglycerol. 13. Protein kinase C ligands based on templates derived from 2,3-dideoxy-L-erythro(threo)-hexono-1,4-lactone and 2-deoxyapiolactone.

In the present investigation, the last two possible modes of generating conformationally semirigid diacylglycerol (DAG) analogues embedded into five-membered ring lactones as templates III and IV are investigated. The first two templates studied in previous investigations corresponded to 2-deoxyribonolactone (template I) and 4,4-disubstituted gamma-butyrolactone (template II), with the latter producing potent protein kinase C (PK-C) ligands with low nanomolar binding affinities. The templates reported in this work correspond to 2,3-dideoxy-L-erythro- or -threo-hexono-1,4-lactone (template III) and 2-deoxyapiolactone (template IV). Compounds constructed with the dideoxy-L-erythro- or -threo-hexono-1,4-lactone template were synthesized stereospecifically from tri-O-acetyl-L-glucal and L-galactono-1,4-lactone, respectively. Compounds constructed with the 2-deoxyapiolactone template were synthesized stereoselectively from di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-apiose. Inhibition of the binding of [3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate to PK-C alpha showed that only the threo-isomer, 5-O-tetradecanoyl-2,3-dideoxy-L-threo-hexono-1,4-lactone (2) was a good PK-C ligand (Ki = 1 microM). The rest of the ligands had poorer affinities with Ki values between 10 and 28 microM. With these results, the order of importance of five-membered ring lactones as competent templates for the construction of semirigid DAG surrogates with effective PK-C binding affinity can be established as II >> I approximately III > IV.

Diglycerides↗

Serine and threonine beta-lactones: a new class of hepatitis A virus 3C cysteine proteinase inhibitors.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) 3C enzyme is a cysteine proteinase essential for viral replication and infectivity and represents a target for the development of antiviral drugs. A number of serine and threonine beta-lactones were synthesized and tested against HAV 3C proteinase. The D-N-Cbz-serine beta-lactone 5a displays competitive reversible inhibition with a K(i) value of 1.50 x 10(-6) M. Its enantiomer, L-N-Cbz-serine beta-lactone 5b is an irreversible inactivator with k(inact) = 0.70 min(-1), K(Iota) = 1.84 x 10(-4) M and k(inact)/K(Iota) = 3800 M(-1) min(-1). Mass spectrometry and HMQC NMR studies using (13)C-labeled 5b show that inactivation of the enzyme occurs by nucleophilic attack of the cysteine thiol (Cys-172) at the beta-position of the oxetanone ring. Although the N-Cbz-serine beta-lactones 5a and 5b display potent inhibition, other related analogues with an N-Cbz side chain, such as the five-membered ring homoserine gamma-lactones 14a and 14b, the four-membered ring beta-lactam 33, 2-methylene oxetane 34, cyclobutanone 36, and 3-azetidinone 39, fail to give significant inhibition of HAV 3C proteinase, thus demonstrating the importance of the beta-lactone ring for binding.

3C Viral Proteases↗

Evaluation of retinoid lactones as topical therapeutic agents in dermatology.

PURPOSE: Optimization of the therapeutic ratio of analogs of the topically active 11-cis, 13-cis-12-hydroxymethylretinoic acid, delta-lactone (1) relative to antihyperproliferation and antihyperkeratinization vs. toxicity. METHODS: Nine analogs of 1, in which variations were made in the lipophilic cyclohexenyl moiety or in the lactone ring, were evaluated for topical activity against hyperkeratinization, inhibition of TPA-induced DNA synthesis and for skin irritation. RESULTS: Although more potent lactones than the parent lactone 1 were identified, none possessed the favorable therapeutic ratio associated with 1. CONCLUSIONS: The delta-lactone 1 possesses unique molecular features responsible for its desirable therapeutic ratio as an antihyperproliferative and antihyperkeratotic agent. In view of its very low systemic retinoid toxicity and the absence of any systemic toxicity, this lactone may be a good candidate for use in the topical treatment of acne.

Administration, Topical↗

A mechanistic and kinetic study of the E-ring hydrolysis and lactonization of a novel phosphoryloxymethyl prodrug of camptothecin.

PURPOSE: This study was done to determine the E-ring hydrolysis and lactonization mechanism of a water-soluble 20-phosphoryloxymethyl (POM) prodrug of camptothecin (P-CPT). Specifically, the role of the phosphate group in facilitating E-ring hydrolysis was examined. METHODS: Resolution between the lactone and carboxylate forms of P-CPT and camptothecin (CPT) was achieved with a RPHPLC assay using UV-visible detection. E-ring P-CPT hydrolysis and lactonization kinetics were followed using 20 mM acetate or phosphate buffer (micro = 0.15 NaCl) over the pH range of 4 to 8 at 25.0 degrees C. A kinetic solvent isotope effect (KSIE) study was used to further probe the mechanism of E-ring hydrolysis. RESULTS: The hydrolysis and lactonization reactions followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in the approach to equilibrium. The equilibrium ratio of the open and closed forms of P-CPT was dependent on pH, with the closed form dominant at low pH and the open form dominant at high pH. Buffer concentration changes had little to no effect on the rate of P-CPT E-ring hydrolysis. The KSIE study provided an overall isotope effect of 2.47 and a proton inventory KSIE consistent with an intramolecular general base catalysis. CONCLUSIONS: P-CPT has a pH-dependent equilibrium between the lactone and carboxylate forms similar but not identical to that of CPT. The results suggest a hydrolysis reaction mechanism that involves a single site hydrogen exchange facilitated intramolecularly by the dianionic phosphate moiety of P-CPT via either general base catalysis of the lactone ring attack by water or breakdown of the tetrahedral intermediate.

Camptothecin↗

Polycyclic musks in the Ruhr catchment area--transport, discharges of waste water, and transformations of HHCB, AHTN and HHCB-lactone.

The polycyclic musk fragrance compounds HHCB (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-(g)-2-benzopyran; trade name, e.g. galaxolide) and AHTN (7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene, trade name, e.g. tonalide) and the transformation product of HHCB (HHCB-lactone) were analysed in surface water samples and sewage treatment plants (STP) effluents in the Ruhr megalopolis. The STPs were the dominant source for these pollutants. In the part of the river where the drinking water is extracted from the river, about 60 ng L(-1) HHCB, 10 ng L(-1) AHTN and 20-30 ng L(-1) HHCB-lactone were found as typical riverine concentrations, while none of the compounds were detected near the spring of the river. On the other hand sewage treatment plant effluents exhibited concentrations up to 600 ng L(-1). The STP's effluent resulted in elevated concentrations in some parts of the river and in the lakes into which they discharge. As some of the plants emit HHCB-lactone with a significantly changed enantiomeric pattern, biotransformation of HHCB to HHCB-lactone occurs in some waste water treatment plants operating with activated sludge. In those parts of the river where no relevant discharges of waste water or fresh water takes place neither the concentration nor the pattern changes significantly. This holds true especially for the HHCB versus HHCB-lactone ratios which indicates degradation less than 15% of the HHCB inventory in the river Ruhr itself. In other rivers, such as the Rhine, higher levels of HHCB-lactone in comparison to HHCB were detected (ratio 1 : 1).

Animals↗

A novel multifunctional metabolic pathway in a marine mollusc leads to unprecedented prostaglandin derivatives (prostaglandin 1,15-lactones).

The discovery of high levels of prostaglandin (PG) 1,15-lactones of both the E and F series and their co-existence with PGs has been recently described in the opisthobranch mollusc Tethys fimbria. The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the biosynthesis of these novel natural PG derivatives in vivo using radiolabelled precursors, and to gain a preliminary understanding of their biological role. PGE2 1,15-lactone was shown to be produced from both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha in the mollusc mantle and appeared to be quickly transferred to the mollusc dorsal appendices (cerata). The detachment of the latter during the typical defence behaviour of T. fimbria was accompanied by the conversion of PGE2 and PGE3 1,15-lactones back to the corresponding PGs. Both PGE2 and PGE2 1,15-lactone were also shown to be biosynthesized from arachidonic acid. Lactones of the F series were present as 11-acetyl derivatives in T. fimbria mantle and as 9- and 11-fatty acyl esters in the mollusc egg-mass and reproductive gland, and their biosynthesis from PGF2 alpha was demonstrated in all of these tissues. A multiple biological role of PG 1,15-lactones in T. fimbria defensive behaviour, smooth muscle contraction and egg production/fertilization control is hypothesized. The high amounts of PG derivatives found in T. fimbria and the biosynthetic studies described herein indicate that this marine mollusc may be a useful model for future studies on PG biosynthesis.

Animals↗

Biofilms, homoserine lactones and biocide susceptibility.

AIMS: To investigate the susceptibility, to a range of different biocides, of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains variously deficient in N-acyl homoserine lactone systems, grown either as planktonic or biofilm populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biocide susceptibility data were generated for strains of P. aeruginosa deficient in N-acyl homoserine lactone production, grown planktonically or as biofilm populations using a poloxamer hydrogel construct. Component cells from the biofilm constructs were also tested for their susceptibility. Significant differences in susceptibility were noted between the wild-type strain, a mutant defective in the long chain (C-12) homoserine lactone and a mutant defective in the short chain (C-4) homoserine lactone which could not be related to the biofilm mode of growth. Moreover, differences in susceptibility appeared to be dependent upon the nature of the homoserine lactone deletion and type of biocide rather than the mode of growth. CONCLUSIONS: No general trend exists between homoserine lactone deficiency and biocide susceptibility regardless of mode of growth.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Slow O,N-acyl shift in an actinomycin-related peptide lactone.

The pentapeptide lactone Cbz-(Thr-D-Val-Pro-Sar-MeAla-) was synthesized in order to observe the behavior of the unprotected lactone resulting from its hydrogenolytic deprotection. Closely related peptide lactones have been reported as intermediates in total syntheses of actinomycin D and its analogues, despite the fact that unprotected and unprotonated O-peptides of serine and threonine are known to undergo rapid O,N-acyl shift. In the present study the peptide lactone was seen to undergo a slow O,N-acyl shift, in a matter of hours, to the known cyclic pentapeptide. This contrasted with the rapid rearrangement of a model O-peptide, O-hippuryl-L-threonine methyl ester. This slowness of an O,N-acyl shift in a cyclic system presumably results from higher energy barriers of conformational origin. It explains the suitability of unprotected peptide lactones for the syntheses of actinomycins and other peptide lactone antibiotics which have appeared in the literature.

Acylation↗

Treatment of cultured myotubes with the proteasome inhibitor beta-lactone increases the expression of the transcription factor C/EBPbeta.

The role of the proteasome in the regulation of cellular levels of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that C/EBPbeta levels in cultured myotubes are regulated, at least in part, by proteasome activity. Treatment of cultured L6 myotubes, a rat skeletal muscle cell line, with the specific proteasome inhibitor beta-lactone resulted in increased nuclear levels of C/EBPbeta as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescent detection. This effect of beta-lactone reflected inhibited degradation of C/EBPbeta. Surprisingly, the increased C/EBPbeta levels in beta-lactone-treated myotubes did not result in increased DNA-binding activity. In additional experiments, treatment of the myotubes with beta-lactone resulted in increased nuclear levels of growth arrest DNA damage/C/EBP homologous protein (Gadd153/CHOP), a dominant-negative member of the C/EBP family that can form heterodimers with other members of the C/EBP family and block DNA binding. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent detection provided evidence that C/EBPbeta and Gadd153/CHOP interacted and colocalized in the nuclei of the beta-lactone-treated myotubes. When Gadd153/CHOP expression was downregulated by transfection of myotubes with siRNA targeting Gadd153/CHOP, C/EBPbeta DNA-binding activity was restored in beta-lactone-treated myotubes. The results suggest that C/EBPbeta is degraded by a proteasome-dependent mechanism in skeletal muscle cells and that Gadd153/CHOP can interact with C/EBPbeta and block its DNA-binding activity. The observations are important because they increase the understanding of the complex regulation of the expression and activity of C/EBPbeta in skeletal muscle.

Animals↗

A synthetic gamma-lactone group with beta-lactamase inhibitory and sporulation initiation effects.

Previous studies showed that some lactones have beta-lactamase inhibitory or antibacterial effects, others--like A-factor (a gamma-butyrolactone) and its derivatives--stimulate sporulation in Streptomyces griseus strains. Our experiments were aimed at exploring whether synthetic gamma-lactones had such effects. None of the seven gamma-lactones studied showed antibacterial activity, but two of them inhibited beta-lactamases isolated from various bacteria. These two gamma-lactones did not reduce colony formation of murine bone marrow cells in vitro, indicating that they were not toxic to proliferating mammalian cells. Four gamma-lactones, including the two inhibiting beta-lactamase, stimulated sporulation in the non-sporulating S. griseus bald 7 mutant. Further studies of gamma-lactones as potential inhibitors of beta-lactamase seem to be warranted.

Animals↗

Human osteoblasts in culture metabolize both 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 into their respective lactones.

1 alpha, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3], the hormonal form of vitamin D3, is further metabolized in the kidney and intestine through the carbon 24 (C-24) oxidation pathway initiated by C-24 hydroxylation, and the carbon 23 (C-23) oxidation pathway initiated by C-23 hydroxylation. The C-24 oxidation pathway leading to the formation of calcitroic acid has been previously reported to be present in bone cells, but the C-23 oxidation pathway leading to the formation of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone has not been described in bone cells, even though 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone is noted to have a significant effect on bone formation. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the production of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone in normal human osteoblasts, and our studies revealed that human osteoblasts possess the activity of both 24- and 23-hydroxylases constitutively. Thus, 1 alpha, 24(R),25-(OH)3D3, 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2-24-oxo-D3, 1 alpha, 23(S), 25-(OH)3-24-oxo-D3, 1 alpha, 23-(OH)2-24,25,26,27-tetranor D3, and calcitroic acid formed through the C-24 oxidation pathway and 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3D3 and 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone formed through the C-23 oxidation pathway were detected under basal conditions. Also, the synthesis of these metabolites was increased significantly when the cells were treated with 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 (50 nM) for 24 h before incubation with the tracer. As 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) follows similar side-chain modifications as 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3, the metabolism of 25OHD3 in normal human osteoblasts was studied under basal conditions. We found that 25OHD3 was also metabolized through both C-24 and C-23 oxidation pathways, resulting in significant synthesis of 24(R),25-(OH)2D3 along with 25OH-24-oxo-D3, 23(S),25-(OH)2-24-oxo-D3, 23(S),25-(OH)2D3, and 25OHD3-26,23-lactone. Under the same experimental conditions, we looked for 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 synthesis, as earlier studies have shown production of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 in human bone cells. During a time-course study ranging from 1-24 h, we found that by 2 h, the 24(R), 25-(OH)2D3 concentration rose and accumulated considerably during the following 24 h, but 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 did not accumulate at any time. However, other 1-hydroxylated metabolites, 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3D3, 1 alpha, 23(S),25-(OH)3-24-oxo-D3, as well as 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3-26,23-lactone were detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Calcifediol↗

High-Performance liquid chromatographic analysis of lactone and hydroxy acid of new antitumor drug, DX-8951 (exatecan), in mouse plasma.

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed and validated for the determination of lactone and total drug (lactone plus hydroxy-acid) of DX-8951 in mouse plasma. Solid-phase extraction by C18 cartridge separated lactone from total drug of DX-8951. Analysis was performed using a reverse-phase ODS column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/0.05 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3) (18: 82, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The limits of quantitation of lactone and total drug were 3 ng/ml in plasma and a linear range of determination were observed over the concentration of 3 to 500 ng/ml. This method was applied to pharmacokinetic study in male mice treated with a single intravenous administration of either lactone or hydroxy-acid of DX-8951. The plasma concentrations of lactone from 2 to 6 h after dosing were similar regardless of the form of DX-8951 administered.

Animals↗

Mechanistic studies of inactivation of glutathione S-transferase Pi isozyme by a haloenol lactone derivative.

Cancer chemotherapy often fails due to acquired drug resistance. One of the most critical biochemical changes observed in drug-resistant tumor cells is over-expression of glutathione S-transferase Pi isozyme (GSTP1). Glutathione S-transferase inhibitors have been used as potentiating agents of chemotherapeutic drugs. Earlier we reported haloenol lactone 1 as a site-directed GSTP1 inactivator. We proposed that enzymatic hydrolysis of the haloenol lactone may be the initial step of GSTP1 chemical modification, resulting in the inactivation of the enzyme. Enzyme inactivation is initiated through addition of Cys-47 to the lactone ring, which is opened in the process to form an alpha-bromoketone adduct. The acidity of Cys-47 confers good leaving group properties, and rapid hydrolysis occurs to generate an alpha-bromoketoacid intermediate. The reaction may proceed via alkylation of the transient thioester to form a six-membered ring episulfonium ion intermediate which would be yet more reactive toward hydrolysis, with either process leading to the observed mass increase of 230 Da. To probe the importance of the bromine of the lactone in GST inactivation, we designed and synthesized compound 2. Unlike lactone 1, lactone 2 did not show time-dependent inhibitory effect on GSTP1. Incubation of compounds 1 and 2 with excess of N-acetyl cysteine produced the corresponding di-N-acetyl cysteine conjugate and mono-N-acetyl cysteine conjugate, respectively. To probe the role of Cys-47 in the inactivation of GSTP1 by compound 1, we prepared mutant C47A GSTP1. The mutant GSTP1 still showed good activity toward CDNB, but it lost susceptibility to the inactivation by compound 1. In addition, LC-MS/MS technique allowed us to identify the modified Cys-47 after the enzyme was exposed to compound 1.

Enzyme Activation↗

API-mass spectrometry of polyketides. I. A study on the fragmentation of triketide lactones.

The fragmentation of delta-lactones, particularly triketide lactones, has been studied to provide information on the behavior of polyketides under atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (API-MS). The principal fragmentation patterns of triketide lactones are characterized by two sequential dehydrations followed by loss of CO to give hydrocarbon fragments. A particular goal of this study was an understanding of the origins of the two water molecules from the dehydrations. 18O- and 2H-isotope labeling experiments with delta-valerolactone suggest a mechanism for lactone fragmentation in which ionization by proton transfer is followed by rapid equilibration of ring-opened and ring-closed forms, which results in exchange of the ionizing proton into the hydrocarbon framework of the compound and randomization of the oxygens of the lactone. Subsequent fragmentation primarily involves sequential loss of water and CO. Similar experiments with the more complex triketide lactones show that their mass spectra share common features with that of delta-valerolactone, together with an additional water loss from the 3-hydroxyl group.

Genetic Engineering↗