ABSTRACT
For the first time, methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) has been applied as a catalyst for the dihydroxylation of allenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The regioselectivities turn out to be well controlled, affording ß-carbonyl-γ-hydroxyl diphenyl phosphine oxides as the only product. The axial chirality of optically active allenes can also be nicely transferred to the chirality center of the products. Based on chirality transfer experiments and ESI-MS studies of (18)O-labeled products, a possible mechanism, proceeding via regioselective epoxidation of the electron-rich carbon-carbon double bond, a subsequent intermolecular nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on the in situ formed epoxide via neighboring group participation (NGP), followed by a rearrangement has been proposed as the major reaction pathway.
ABSTRACT
Type II diabetes is characterized by deposition of the hormone human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP). Formation of hIAPP amyloid fibrils and aggregates is considered to be responsible for pancreatic ß-cell losses. Therefore, insight into the structure of hIAPP in the solid-state and in solution is of fundamental importance in order to better understand the action of small molecules, which can potentially dissolve protein aggregates and modulate cell toxicity. So far, no procedure has been described that allows to obtain the native human IAPP peptide at high yields. We present here a cloning, expression and purification protocol that permits the production of 2.5 and 3mg of native peptide per liter of minimal and LB medium, respectively. In the construct, hIAPP is fused to a chitin binding domain (CBD). The CBD is subsequently cleaved off making use of intein splicing reaction which yield amidation of the C-terminus. The N-terminus contains a solubilization domain which is cleaved by V8 protease, avoiding additional residues at the N-terminus. The correct formation of the disulfide bond is achieved by oxidation with H2O2.
