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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Online Ozonolysis Methods For The Determination Of Double Bond Position In Unsaturated Lipids, Michael Thomas, Todd W. Mitchell, Stephen J. Blanksby
Online Ozonolysis Methods For The Determination Of Double Bond Position In Unsaturated Lipids, Michael Thomas, Todd W. Mitchell, Stephen J. Blanksby
Stephen Blanksby
Modern lipidomics relies heavily on mass spectrometry for the structural characterization and quantification of lipids of biological origins. Structural information is gained by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) whereby lipid ions are fragmented to elucidate lipid class, fatty acid chain length, and degree of unsaturation. Unfortunately, however, in most cases double bond position cannot be assigned based on MS/MS data alone and thus significant structural diversity is hidden from such analyses. For this reason, we have developed two online methods for determining double bond position within unsaturated lipids; ozone electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (OzESI-MS) and ozone-induced dissociation (OzID). Both techniques utilize …
Identification Of Abundant Alkyl Ether Glycerophospholipids In The Human Lens By Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques, Roger J. Truscott, Jane Deeley, Todd W. Mitchell, Michael Thomas, Stephen J. Blanksby
Identification Of Abundant Alkyl Ether Glycerophospholipids In The Human Lens By Tandem Mass Spectrometry Techniques, Roger J. Truscott, Jane Deeley, Todd W. Mitchell, Michael Thomas, Stephen J. Blanksby
Stephen Blanksby
Previous studies have shown that the human lens contains glycerophospholipids with ether linkages. These lipids differ from conventional glycerophospholipids in that the sn-1 substituent is attached to the glycerol backbone via an 1-O-alkyl or an 1-O-alk-1'-enyl ether rather than an ester bond. The present investigation employed a combination of collision-induced dissociation (CID) and ozone-induced dissociation (OzID) to unambiguously distinguish such 1-O-alkyl and 1-O-alk-1'-enyl ethers. Using these methodologies the human lens was found to contain several abundant 1-O-alkyl glycerophos-phoethanolamines, including GPEtn(16:0e/9Z-18:1), GPEtn(11Z-18:1e/9Z-18:1), and GPEtn(18:0e/9Z-18:1), as well as a related series of unusual 1-O-alkyl glycerophosphoserines, including GPSer(16:0e/9Z-18:1), GPSer(11Z-18:1e/9Z-18:1), GPSer(18:0e/9Z-18:1) that to our …
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Of Deprotonated Iodothyronines, A. M. Couldwell, M. C. Thomas, Todd Mitchell, A. Hulbert, Stephen J. Blanksby
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Of Deprotonated Iodothyronines, A. M. Couldwell, M. C. Thomas, Todd Mitchell, A. Hulbert, Stephen J. Blanksby
Stephen Blanksby
In order to assist with the development of more selective and sensitive methods for thyroid hormone analysis the [M-H]– anions of the iodothyronines; T4, T3, rT3, (3,5)-T2 and the non-iodinated thyronine (T0) have been generated by negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry. Tandem mass spectra of these ions were recorded on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and show a strong analogy with the fragmentation pathways of the parent compound, tyrosine. All iodothyronines also show significant abundances of the iodide anion in their tandem mass spectra, which represents an attractive target for MRM analysis, given that iodothyronines are the only iodine bearing …
A Comparison Of The Gas Phase Acidities Of Phospholipid Headgroups:Experimental And Computational Studies, M. C. Thomas, Todd Mitchell, Stephen J. Blanksby
A Comparison Of The Gas Phase Acidities Of Phospholipid Headgroups:Experimental And Computational Studies, M. C. Thomas, Todd Mitchell, Stephen J. Blanksby
Stephen Blanksby
Proton-bound dimers consisting of two glycerophospholipids with different headgroups were prepared using negative ion electrospray ionization and dissociated in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Analysis of the tandem mass spectra of the dimers using the kinetic method provides, for the first time, an order of acidity for the phospholipid classes in the gas phase of PE < PA << PG < PS < PI. Hybrid density functional calculations on model phospholipids were used to predict the absolute deprotonation enthalpies of the phospholipid classes from isodesmic proton transfer reactions with phosphoric acid. The computational data largely support the experimental acidity trend, with the exception of …
Synthesis And In Vitro Binding Of N,N-Dialkyl-2-Phenylindol-3-Ylglyoxylamides For The Peripheral Benzodiazepine Binding Sites, T. P. Homes, F. Mattner, Paul A. Keller, A. Katsifis
Synthesis And In Vitro Binding Of N,N-Dialkyl-2-Phenylindol-3-Ylglyoxylamides For The Peripheral Benzodiazepine Binding Sites, T. P. Homes, F. Mattner, Paul A. Keller, A. Katsifis
Paul Keller
A series of N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides bearing the halogens iodine and bromine were synthesised and their binding affinity for the peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites (PBBS) in rat kidney mitochondrial membranes were evaluated using [3H]-PK11195. Central benzodiazepine receptor (CBR) affinities were also evaluated in rat cortices using 3H-flumazenil to determine their selectivity for PBBS over CBR. The tested compounds had PBBS binding affinities (IC50) ranging from 7.86 nM to 618 nM, with all compounds showing high selectivity over the CBR (CBR IC50 > 5000 nM). Among the 12 compounds tested, those with a diethylamide group were the most potent. The highest affinity iodinated PBBS …
Synthesis Of Some Cyclic Indolic Peptoids As Potential Antibacterials, Vicki S. Au, John B. Bremner, Jonathan Coates, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Synthesis Of Some Cyclic Indolic Peptoids As Potential Antibacterials, Vicki S. Au, John B. Bremner, Jonathan Coates, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Paul Keller
The synthesis of cyclic peptoids containing an indole hydrophobic scaffold has been realised through the ring-closing metathesis of diallylated precursors. The precursors and their cyclic counterparts possessed poor antibacterial activity in contrast to previously reported cyclic peptoids containing hydrophobic scaffolds.
[60]Fullerene Amino Acids And Related Derivatives, Glenn A. Burley, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
[60]Fullerene Amino Acids And Related Derivatives, Glenn A. Burley, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Paul Keller
This paper is a review of the literature concerning the preparation of [60]fullerene amino acid and peptide derivatives. The structure and applications of these derivatives to the biological and material sciences is also presented.
Reactions Of Iminoglycines With C60 Fullerene And Their Unambiguous Characterisation Using Nmr Spectroscopy, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne, Bill C. Hawkins
Reactions Of Iminoglycines With C60 Fullerene And Their Unambiguous Characterisation Using Nmr Spectroscopy, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne, Bill C. Hawkins
Paul Keller
This review examines the addition of iminoglycine derivatives to C60, yielding protected fullerenyl pyrroline derivatives. Subsequent reduction with sodium cyanoborohydride produces ring-opening adducts which are protected fullerenyl α-amino acids. Pyrroline bisadducts can be produced using tethers to link two iminoglycine units together, and variations include combining with malonate reactive groups this giving rise to interesting observations as to the regioselectivity of such reactions. All derivatives are fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy, and in the case of bis-adducts, the regioselectivity is determined from 1H/13C and 13C/13C connectivity patterns using HMBC and INADEQUATE experiments, respectively, thus eliminating the need for comparative techniques …
New Cyclic Peptides Via Ring-Closing Metathesis Reactions And Their Anti-Bacterial Activities, Timothy P. Boyle, John B. Bremner, Jonathan Coates, John Deadman, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne, David I. Rhodes
New Cyclic Peptides Via Ring-Closing Metathesis Reactions And Their Anti-Bacterial Activities, Timothy P. Boyle, John B. Bremner, Jonathan Coates, John Deadman, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne, David I. Rhodes
Paul Keller
As part of a program investigating cyclic peptides with an internal aromatic hydrophobic scaffold as potential novel anti-bacterial agents, we explored the synthesis of simple tyrosine-based systems. These were prepared via key intermediates containing internal allylglycine and allyltyrosine residues for subsequent ring closing metathesis reactions. Although the resulting anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was modest, this represents a novel and simple route to this class of compounds. One intermediate acyclic dipeptide precursor showed good activity against S. aureus with an MIC of 7.8 µg/mL.
Regioselective Synthesis Of Novel E-Edge-[60]Fullerenylmethanodihydropyrroles And 1,2-Dihydromethano[60]Fullerenes, Leila Chaker, Graham E. Ball, James R. Williams, Glenn A. Burley, Bill C. Hawkins, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Regioselective Synthesis Of Novel E-Edge-[60]Fullerenylmethanodihydropyrroles And 1,2-Dihydromethano[60]Fullerenes, Leila Chaker, Graham E. Ball, James R. Williams, Glenn A. Burley, Bill C. Hawkins, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Paul Keller
Treatment of a tethered N-(diphenylmethylene)glycinate-malonate derivative with [60]fullerene under Bingel conditions yielded an e-edge-[60]fullerenylmethanodihydropyrrole adduct in a regioselective manner. The regiochemical outcome was independent of the order of addition of either the N-(diphenylmethylene)glycinate or the malonate moieties. This new bis-adduct was also prepared in 13C enriched form allowing for its unequivocal structural characterization by 2D INADEQUATE NMR experiments. Ring-opening of the dihydropyrrole functionality of the bisadducts under reductive conditions gave exclusively novel dihydromethano[60]fullerene derivatives.
The Role Of The Hpa Axis In Psychiatric Disorders And Crf Antagonists As Potential Treatments, Paul A. Keller, A. Mccluskey, J. Morgan, S. M. O'Connor
The Role Of The Hpa Axis In Psychiatric Disorders And Crf Antagonists As Potential Treatments, Paul A. Keller, A. Mccluskey, J. Morgan, S. M. O'Connor
Paul Keller
An overview of the links between the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and psychiatric disorders is presented. The current treatments are outlined, indicating that they are insufficient to meet the needs of those that suffer from these affective disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the generation of new therapeutics, in particular, against new targets. The association of the corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and the HPA axis indicates that CRF antagonists should be beneficial as potential therapeutics.
A Convenient And Efficient Synthesis Of (S)-Lysine And (S)-Arginine Homologues Via Olefin Cross-Metathesis, Timothy P. Boyle, John B. Bremner, Jonathan A. Coates, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
A Convenient And Efficient Synthesis Of (S)-Lysine And (S)-Arginine Homologues Via Olefin Cross-Metathesis, Timothy P. Boyle, John B. Bremner, Jonathan A. Coates, Paul A. Keller, Stephen G. Pyne
Paul Keller
A convenient five step synthesis of (S)-homolysine, incorporating a key olefin cross-metathesis step in the chain extension methodology, has been developed, together with a six step related synthesis of a new homologue of arginine, (S)-bishomoarginine.
Antimalarial Activity Of 2,4-Diaminopyrimidines, J. Morgan, R. Haritakul, Paul A. Keller
Antimalarial Activity Of 2,4-Diaminopyrimidines, J. Morgan, R. Haritakul, Paul A. Keller
Paul Keller
A series of 2,4- and 4,6-diaminopyrimidines were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial activity. Of the 12 compounds tested 7 showed reasonable activity with 1 having a sub-micromolar IC50.
Aryl Nitro Reduction With Iron Powder Or Stannous Chloride Under Ultrasonic Irradiation, A. B. Gamble, James A. Garner, Christopher Gordon, S. M. J. O'Conner, Paul A. Keller
Aryl Nitro Reduction With Iron Powder Or Stannous Chloride Under Ultrasonic Irradiation, A. B. Gamble, James A. Garner, Christopher Gordon, S. M. J. O'Conner, Paul A. Keller
Paul Keller
The selective reduction of aryl nitro compounds in the presence of sensitive functionalities, including halide, carbonyl, nitrile and ester substituents under ultrasonic irradiation at 35 kHz is reported in yields of 39-98%. Iron powder proved superior to stannous chloride with high tolerance of sensitive functional groups and high yields of the desired aryl amines in relatively short reaction times. Simple experimental procedure and purification also make the iron reduction of aryl nitro compounds advantageous over other methods of reduction.
Control Of Hiv Through The Inhibition Of Hiv-1 Integrase: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective, Christopher Gordon, R. Griffith, Paul A. Keller
Control Of Hiv Through The Inhibition Of Hiv-1 Integrase: A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective, Christopher Gordon, R. Griffith, Paul A. Keller
Paul Keller
This article reviews the current status of classes of HIV-1 integrase enzyme inhibitors. These classes include peptide-based inhibitors, natural products, polyhydroxylated aromatics, diketo acids, naphthyridines, and sulfonated compounds including sulfonic acids. Discussions of structure activity relationships are presented and include the current overview of the structure-based model, suitable for the further design and development. To date, the advances in the medicinal chemistry of HIV-1 integrase inhibitors have relied mostly on ligand-based designs leading to most displaying similar binding interactions within the active site or at the dimer interface. This paves the way for single enzyme mutations rendering entire compound classes …
The Prevention Of Preterm Labour – Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Type 1 Receptors As A Target For Drug Design And Development, Paul A. Keller, K. Kirkwood, J. Morgan, S. Westcott, A. Mccluskey
The Prevention Of Preterm Labour – Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Type 1 Receptors As A Target For Drug Design And Development, Paul A. Keller, K. Kirkwood, J. Morgan, S. Westcott, A. Mccluskey
Paul Keller
The role of the corticotropin releasing hormone in the onset of labour and the subsequent medicinal chemistry implications of CRH antagonists for the prevention of premature birth, and identification of the CRH type 1 receptor as the target for this drug design, are reviewed here.
A New Methodology For The Simulation Of Flexible Protein – Ligand Interactions, James A. Garner, John Deadman, David I. Rhodes, Renate Griffith, Paul A. Keller
A New Methodology For The Simulation Of Flexible Protein – Ligand Interactions, James A. Garner, John Deadman, David I. Rhodes, Renate Griffith, Paul A. Keller
Paul Keller
A methodology has been developed for the simulation of induced fit between a ligand and its target protein. It utilizes constrained molecular dynamics where atoms determined to be immobile from difference distance matrix studies are fixed. Application of this methodology to HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) as the example target protein has demonstrated its robustness. Short simulation times are sufficient to achieve good refinement of docking poses resulting from exchange of structurally dissimilar inhibitors between crystal structures.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone - A Gpcr Drug Target, C. Hemley, A. Mccluskey, Paul A. Keller
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone - A Gpcr Drug Target, C. Hemley, A. Mccluskey, Paul A. Keller
Paul Keller
Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) is a primary hormone in the fight or flight response targeting a membrane bound G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). Many people worldwide stand to benefit by the development of CRH agonists and antagonists for the treatment of anxiety and depression, with additional therapeutic targets including Alzheimer’s, pain and the prevention of premature birth: so why the delay in development? In this review, we will discuss not only CRH, related proteins, receptors and ligands, but some of the obstacles that have arisen, as well as strategies being pursued to overcome these problems in the pursuit of this GPCR …