Synthesis of 4'-Thionucleoside Analogues Bearing a C2' Stereogenic All-Carbon Quaternary Center.

The design of novel 4'-thionucleoside analogues bearing a C2' stereogenic all-carbon quaternary center is described. The synthesis involves a highly diastereoselective Mukaiyama aldol reaction, and a diastereoselective radical-based vinyl group transfer to generate the all-carbon stereogenic C2' center, along with different approaches to control the selectivity of the N-glycosidic bond. Intramolecular SN2-like cyclization of a mixture of acyclic thioaminals provided analogues with a pyrimidine nucleobase. A kinetic bias favoring cyclization of the 1',2'-anti thioaminal furnished the desired ß-D-4'-thionucleoside analogue in a 7:1 ratio. DFT calculations suggest that this kinetic resolution originates from additional steric clash in the SN2-like transition state for 1',4'-trans isomers, causing a significant decrease in their reaction rate relative to 1',4'-cis counterparts. N-glycosylation of cyclic glycosyl donors with a purine nucleobase enabled the formation of novel 2-chloroadenine 4'-thionucleoside analogues. These proprietary molecules and other derivatives are currently being evaluated both in vitro and in vivo to establish their biological profiles.

Sialyl LewisX glycomimetics bearing an extended anionic chain targeting E- and P- selectin binding sites.

Neutrophil binding to vascular P- and E-selectin is the rate-limiting step in the recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation. Many diseases, including sickle cell anemia, post-myocardial infarction reperfusion injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome are characterized by dysregulated inflammation. We have recently reported sialyl Lewisx analogues as potent antagonists of P- and E-selectin and demonstrated their in vivo immunosuppressive activity. A key component of these molecules is a tartrate diester that serves as an acyclic tether to orient the fucoside and the galactoside moiety in the required gauche conformation for optimal binding. The next stage of our study involved attaching an extended carbon chain onto one of the esters. This chain could be utilized to tether other pharmacophores, lipids, and contrast agents in the context of enhancing pharmacological applications through the sialyl Lewisx / receptor-mediated mechanism. Herein, we report our preliminary studies to generate a small library of tartrate based sialyl Lewisx analogues bearing extended carbon chains. Anionic charged chemical entities are attached to take advantage of proximal charged amino acids in the carbohydrate recognition domain of the selectin receptors. Starting with a common azido intermediate, synthesized using copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, these molecules demonstrate E- and P-selectin binding properties.

Synthesis of Sialyl LewisX Mimetics with E- and P-Selectin Binding Properties and Immunosuppressive Activity.

E- and P-selectins are adhesion proteins implicated in immune cell recruitment at sites of infection, making them important drug targets for diseases involving excessive and uncontrolled inflammation. In this study, we developed an efficient strategy to synthesize bicyclic galactopyranosides through a key stereoselective equatorial C4-propiolate addition and TMSCN axial C-glycosidation. The nitrile group can then be converted to the carboxyl and different bioisosteres at a late stage in the synthesis, allowing for various derivatizations to potentially enhance biological activity. The sialyl LewisX glycomimetic featuring this rigidified bicyclic galactopyranoside moiety prevents neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells in vitro by binding to both E- and P-selectins. We show here that the axial carboxyl analogue blocks immune cell recruitment in vivo, demonstrating its potential as an immunomodulator.

KLF9 and KLF13 transcription factors boost myelin gene expression in oligodendrocytes as partners of SOX10 and MYRF.

Differentiated oligodendrocytes produce myelin and thereby ensure rapid nerve impulse conduction and efficient information processing in the vertebrate central nervous system. The Krüppel-like transcription factor KLF9 enhances oligodendrocyte differentiation in culture, but appears dispensable in vivo. Its mode of action and role within the oligodendroglial gene regulatory network are unclear. Here we show that KLF9 shares its expression in differentiating oligodendrocytes with the closely related KLF13 protein. Both KLF9 and KLF13 bind to regulatory regions of genes that are important for oligodendrocyte differentiation and equally recognized by the central differentiation promoting transcription factors SOX10 and MYRF. KLF9 and KLF13 physically interact and synergistically activate oligodendrocyte-specific regulatory regions with SOX10 and MYRF. Similar to KLF9, KLF13 promotes differentiation and myelination in primary oligodendroglial cultures. Oligodendrocyte differentiation is also altered in KLF13-deficient mice as demonstrated by a transiently reduced myelin gene expression during the first postnatal week. Considering mouse phenotypes, the similarities in expression pattern and genomic binding and the behaviour in functional assays, KLF9 and KLF13 are important and largely redundant components of the gene regulatory network in charge of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination.

Atrial Electrical Remodeling in Mice With Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor.

Background Elevated angiotensin II levels are thought to play an important role in atrial electrical and structural remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation. However, the mechanisms by which this remodeling occurs are still unclear. Accordingly, we explored the effects of angiotensin II on atrial remodeling using transgenic mice overexpressing angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) specifically in cardiomyocytes. Methods and Results Voltage-clamp techniques, surface ECG, programmed electrical stimulations along with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and Picrosirius red staining were used to compare the atrial phenotype of AT1R mice and their controls at 50 days and 6 months. Atrial cell capacitance and fibrosis were increased only in AT1R mice at 6 months, indicating the presence of structural remodeling. Ca2+ (ICaL) and K+ currents were not altered by AT1R overexpression (AT1R at 50 days). However, ICaL density and CaV1.2 messenger RNA expression were reduced by structural remodeling (AT1R at 6 months). Conversely, Na+ current (INa) was reduced (-65%) by AT1R overexpression (AT1R at 50 days) and the presence of structural remodeling (AT1R at 6 months) yields no further effect. The reduced INa density was not explained by lower NaV1.5 expression but was rather associated with an increase in sarcolemmal protein kinase C alpha expression in the atria, suggesting that chronic AT1R activation reduced INa through protein kinase C alpha activation. Furthermore, connexin 40 expression was reduced in AT1R mice at 50 days and 6 months. These changes were associated with delayed atrial conduction time, as evidenced by prolonged P-wave duration. Conclusions Chronic AT1R activation leads to slower atrial conduction caused by reduced INa density and connexin 40 expression.

Clr-f expression regulates kidney immune and metabolic homeostasis.

The C-type lectin-related protein, Clr-f, encoded by Clec2h in the mouse NK gene complex (NKC), is a member of a family of immune regulatory lectins that guide immune responses at distinct tissues of the body. Clr-f is highly expressed in the kidney; however, its activity in this organ is unknown. To assess the requirement for Clr-f in kidney health and function, we generated a Clr-f-deficient mouse (Clr-f-/-) by targeted deletions in the Clec2h gene. Mice lacking Clr-f exhibited glomerular and tubular lesions, immunoglobulin and C3 complement protein renal deposits, and significant abdominal and ectopic lipid accumulation. Whole kidney transcriptional profile analysis of Clr-f-/- mice at 7, 13, and 24 weeks of age revealed a dynamic dysregulation in lipid metabolic processes, stress responses, and inflammatory mediators. Examination of the immune contribution to the pathologies of Clr-f-/- mouse kidneys identified elevated IL-12 and IFNγ in cells of the tubulointerstitium, and an infiltrating population of neutrophils and T and B lymphocytes. The presence of these insults in a Rag1-/-Clr-f-/- background reveals that Clr-f-/- mice are susceptible to a T and B lymphocyte-independent renal pathogenesis. Our data reveal a role for Clr-f in the maintenance of kidney immune and metabolic homeostasis.

Nucleotide Analogues Bearing a C2' or C3'-Stereogenic All-Carbon Quaternary Center as SARS-CoV-2 RdRp Inhibitors.

The design of novel nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) analogues bearing an all-carbon quaternary center at C2' or C3' is described. The construction of this all-carbon stereogenic center involves the use of an intramoleculer photoredox-catalyzed reaction. The nucleoside analogues (NA) hydroxyl functional group at C2' was generated by diastereoselective epoxidation. In addition, highly enantioselective and diastereoselective Mukaiyama aldol reactions, diastereoselective N-glycosylations and regioselective triphosphorylation reactions were employed to synthesize the novel NTPs. Two of these compounds are inhibitors of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2, the causal virus of COVID-19.

GATA6 is a regulator of sinus node development and heart rhythm.

The sinus node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the human heart, and abnormalities in its structure or function cause sick sinus syndrome, the most common reason for electronic pacemaker implantation. Here we report that transcription factor GATA6, whose mutations in humans are linked to arrhythmia, is highly expressed in the SAN and its haploinsufficiency in mice results in hypoplastic SANs and rhythm abnormalities. Cell-specific deletion reveals a requirement for GATA6 in various SAN lineages. Mechanistically, GATA6 directly activates key regulators of the SAN genetic program in conduction and nonconduction cells, such as TBX3 and EDN1, respectively. The data identify GATA6 as an important regulator of the SAN and provide a molecular basis for understanding the conduction abnormalities associated with GATA6 mutations in humans. They also suggest that GATA6 may be a potential modifier of the cardiac pacemaker.

Powerful Antibacterial Peptides from Egg Albumin Hydrolysates.

Native egg albumin (NEA) was isolated from hen eggs and hydrolyzed by pepsin to produce hydrolyzed egg albumin (HEA). HEA was chemically characterized and screened for its antibacterial activity against 10 pathogenic bacteria (6 Gram (+) and 4 Gram (-)). The SDS-PAGE pattern of NEA showed molecular weights of hen egg albumin subunits ranging from 30 to 180 kDa. The highest intensive bands appeared at a molecular mass of about 50 and 97 kDa. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) of the peptic HEA revealed 44 peptides, 17 of them were dipeptides, and the other 27 fractions corresponded to bigger peptides (3-9 amino acids). The dipeptides and big peptides represented 26% and 74% of the total hydrolysate, respectively. The MIC of HEA was about 100 µg/L for Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella oxytoca and 150 µg/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria ivanovii and 200 µg/L for Escherichia coli. L. monocytogenes was the most sensitive organism to HEA. Mixtures of HEA with antibiotics showed more significant antibacterial activity than individually using them. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed various signs of cellular deformation in the protein-treated bacteria. HEA may electrostatically and hydrophobically interact with the cell wall and cell membrane of the susceptible bacteria, engendering large pores and pore channels leading to cell wall and cell membrane disintegration. Higher cell permeability may, thus, occur, leading to cell emptiness, lysis, and finally death. Alternatively, no toxicity signs appeared when HEA was administrated to Wistar Albino rats as one single dose (2000, 5000 mg/kg body weight) or repeated daily dose (500 and 2500 mg/kg body weight/day) for 28 days to disclose the possible toxicity hazards. HEA did not produce any death.

Identification of a C3'-nitrile nucleoside analogue inhibitor of pancreatic cancer cell line growth.

A synthetic strategy to access a novel family of nucleoside analogues bearing a C3'-nitrile substituted all-carbon quaternary center is presented herein. These purine bearing scaffolds were tested in two pancreatic cancer cell lines harboring either wild-type (BxPC3) or G12V KRAS (Capan2) mutations. A promising compound was shown to have significantly greater efficacy in the Capan2 cell line as compared to Gemcitabine, the clinical gold standard used to treat pancreatic cancer.

From embryogenesis to adulthood: Critical role for GATA factors in heart development and function.

Cardiac development is governed by a complex network of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate cell fates in a spatiotemporal manner. Among these, the GATA family of zinc finger TFs plays prominent roles in regulating the development of the myocardium, endocardium, and outflow tract. This family comprises six members three of which, GATA4, 5, and 6, are predominantly expressed in cardiac cells where they activate specific downstream gene targets via interactions with one another and with other TFs and signaling molecules. Their critical function in heart formation is evidenced by the phenotypes of animal models lacking these factors and by the broad spectrum of human congenital heart diseases associated with mutations in their genes. Similarly, in the postnatal heart, these proteins play significant and nonredundant roles in cardiac function, regulating adaptive stress responses including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and survival, as well as endothelial homeostasis and angiogenesis. As such, decreased expression of either GATA4, 5, or 6 results in impaired cardiovascular homeostasis and increased risk of premature and serious cardiovascular events such as hypertension, arrhythmia, aortopathy, and heart failure. Although a great deal of progress has been made in understanding GATA-dependent regulatory processes in the heart, the molecular mechanisms underlying the specificity of GATA factors and their upstream regulation remain incompletely understood. The knowledge and tools developed since their discovery 25 years ago should accelerate progress toward further elucidation of their mechanisms of action in health and disease. This in turn will greatly improve diagnosis and care for the millions of individuals affected by congenital and acquired cardiac disease worldwide.

Synthesis of Sialyl LewisX Glycomimetics Bearing a Bicyclic 3- O,4- C-Fused Galactopyranoside Scaffold.

Reported herein is the synthesis of sialyl LewisX analogues bearing a trans-bicyclo[4.4.0] dioxadecane-modified 3- O,4- C-fused galactopyranoside scaffold that locks the carboxylate pharmacophore in either the axial or equatorial position. This novel series of bicyclic galactopyranosides are prepared through a stereocontrolled intramolecular cyclization reaction that has been evaluated both experimentally and by density functional theory calculations. The cyclization precursors are obtained from ß-d-galactose pentaacetate in a nine-step sequence featuring a highly diastereoselective equatorial alkynylation and Cu(I) catalyzed formation of the acetylenic α-ketoester moiety. Preliminary biological evaluations indicate improved activity as P-selectin antagonists for the axially configured analogues as compared to their equatorial counterparts.

GATA6 Regulates Aortic Valve Remodeling, and Its Haploinsufficiency Leads to Right-Left Type Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), the most common congenital heart defect affecting 1% to 2% of the population, is a major risk factor for premature aortic valve disease and accounts for the majority of valve replacement. The genetic basis and mechanisms of BAV etiology and pathogenesis remain largely undefined. METHODS: Cardiac structure and function was assessed in mice lacking a Gata6 allele. Human GATA6 gene variants were analyzed in 452 BAV cases from the BAV consortium and 1849 controls from the Framingham GWAS (Genome Wide Association Study). GATA6 expression was determined in mice and human tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Mechanistic studies were carried out in cultured cells. RESULTS: Gata6 heterozygous mice have highly penetrant right-left (RL)-type BAV, the most frequent type in humans. GATA6 transcript levels are lower in human BAV compared with normal tricuspid valves. Mechanistically, Gata6 haploinsufficiency disrupts valve remodeling and extracellular matrix composition through dysregulation of important signaling molecules, including matrix metalloproteinase 9. Cell-specific inactivation of Gata6 reveals an essential role for GATA6 in secondary heart field myocytes because loss of 1 Gata6 allele from Isl- 1-positive cells-but not from endothelial or neural crest cells-recapitulates the phenotype of Gata6 heterozygous mice. CONCLUSIONS: The data identify a new cellular and molecular mechanism underlying BAV. The availability of an animal model for the most frequent human BAV opens the way for the elucidation of BAV pathogenesis and the development of much needed therapies.

Angiotensin II Overstimulation Leads to an Increased Susceptibility to Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Higher Mortality in Female Mice.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality and affects men and women differently. The underlying mechanisms for these sex-related differences remain largely unexplored. Accordingly, using mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of the angiotensin II (ANGII) type 1 receptor (AT1R), we explored male-female differences in the manifestations of hypertrophy and HF. AT1R mice of both sexes feature electrical and Ca2+ handling alterations, systolic dysfunction, hypertrophy and develop HF. However, females had much higher mortality (21.0%) rate than males (5.5%). In females, AT1R stimulation leads to more pronounced eccentric hypertrophy (larger increase in LV mass/body weight ratio [+31%], in cell length [+27%], in LV internal end-diastolic [LVIDd, +34%] and systolic [LVIDs, +67%] diameter) and dilation (larger decrease in LV posterior wall thickness, +17%) than males. In addition, in female AT1R mice the cytosolic Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms were more severely compromised and were associated with a specific increased in Ca2+ sparks (by 187%) and evidence of SR Ca2+ leak. Altogether, these results suggest that female AT1R mice have more severe eccentric hypertrophy, dysfunction and compromised Ca2+ dynamics. These findings indicate that females are more susceptible to the adverse effects of AT1R stimulation than males favouring the development of HF and increased mortality.

Glutaredoxin-2 controls cardiac mitochondrial dynamics and energetics in mice, and protects against human cardiac pathologies.

Glutaredoxin 2 (GRX2), a mitochondrial glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase, is central to glutathione homeostasis and mitochondrial redox, which is crucial in highly metabolic tissues like the heart. Previous research showed that absence of Grx2, leads to impaired mitochondrial complex I function, hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in mice but the impact on mitochondrial structure and function in intact cardiomyocytes and in humans has not been explored. We hypothesized that Grx2 controls cardiac mitochondrial dynamics and function in cellular and mouse models, and that low expression is associated with human cardiac dysfunction. Here we show that Grx2 absence impairs mitochondrial fusion, ultrastructure and energetics in primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac tissue. Moreover, provision of the glutathione precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to Grx2-/- mice did not restore glutathione redox or prevent impairments. Using genetic and histopathological data from the human Genotype-Tissue Expression consortium we demonstrate that low GRX2 is associated with fibrosis, hypertrophy, and infarct in the left ventricle. Altogether, GRX2 is important in the control of cardiac mitochondrial structure and function, and protects against human cardiac pathologies.

Amplified pathogenic actions of angiotensin II in cysteine-rich LIM-only protein 4-negative mouse hearts.

LIM domain proteins have been identified as essential modulators of cardiac biology and pathology; however, it is unclear which role the cysteine-rich LIM-only protein (CRP)4 plays in these processes. In studying CRP4 mutant mice, we found that their hearts developed normally, but lack of CRP4 exaggerated multiple parameters of the cardiac stress response to the neurohormone angiotensin II (Ang II). Aiming to dissect the molecular details, we found a link between CRP4 and the cardioprotective cGMP pathway, as well as a multiprotein complex comprising well-known hypertrophy-associated factors. Significant enrichment of the cysteine-rich intestinal protein (CRIP)1 in murine hearts lacking CRP4, as well as severe cardiac defects and premature death of CRIP1 and CRP4 morphant zebrafish embryos, further support the notion that depleting CRP4 is incompatible with a proper cardiac development and function. Together, amplified Ang II signaling identified CRP4 as a novel antiremodeling factor regulated, at least to some extent, by cardiac cGMP.-Straubinger, J., Boldt, K., Kuret, A., Deng, L., Krattenmacher, D., Bork, N., Desch, M., Feil, R., Feil, S., Nemer, M., Ueffing, M., Ruth, P., Just, S., Lukowski, R. Amplified pathogenic actions of angiotensin II in cysteine-rich LIM-only protein 4 negative mouse hearts.

KLF13 is a genetic modifier of the Holt-Oram syndrome gene TBX5.

TBX5, a member of the T-box family of transcription factors, is a dosage sensitive regulator of heart development. Mutations in TBX5 are responsible for Holt-Oram Syndrome, an autosomal dominant disease with variable and partially penetrant cardiac defects suggestive of the existence of genetic and environmental modifiers. KLF13, a member of the Krüppel-like family of zinc finger proteins is co-expressed with TBX5 in several cardiac cells including atrial cardiomyocytes and cells of the interatrial septum. We report that KLF13 interacts physically and functionally with TBX5 to synergistically activate transcription of cardiac genes. We show that TBX5 contacts KLF13 via its T-domain and find that several disease-causing mutations therein have decreased KLF13 interaction. Whereas Klf13 heterozygote mice have no detectable cardiac defects, loss of a Klf13 allele in Tbx5 heterozygote mice significantly increases the penetrance of TBX5-dependent cardiac abnormalities including atrial, atrial-ventricular and ventricular septal defects. The results reveal for the first time combinatorial interaction between a T-box protein and a KLF family member and its importance for heart and possibly other organ development. The data also suggest that, in human, KLF13 may be a genetic modifier of the Holt-Oram Syndrome gene TBX5.