NMR conformational analysis of biosynthetic precursor-type lipid A: monomolecular state and supramolecular assembly.

The detailed conformational analysis of a single molecule of the tetraacyl biosynthetic precursor-type lipid A and its characteristic supramolecular assembly in aqueous SDS-micelles are described. Regular molecular arrangements were observed by detailed analysis of the NMR spectra of synthetically pure specimens, including regiospecifically 13C-labeled ones. NMR analysis of a biologically inactive precursor-type analogue with four shorter acyl chains demonstrated its conformational flexibility, indicating the importance of hydrophobic interactions for maintaining the conformation of such molecules.

Creation of a thermostable firefly luciferase with pH-insensitive luminescent color.

The thermal instability and pH-sensitive spectral property of firefly luciferase have hampered its use as a sensitive multicolor luminescent label or bioluminescent resonance energy transfer donor. With the intention of improving the thermostability of a previously found firefly Hotaria parvula luciferase mutant with minor pH-sensitive spectral change (V368A), further mutation (E356R) was introduced by taking a reportedly stabilized mutant of Photinus pyralis luciferase into account. The double mutant E356R/V368A showed significantly improved thermostability because > 90% activity remained after incubation for 1 h at 45 degrees C, with its specific activity being maintained. Unlike the wild type or V368A, E356R/V368A showed no change in the emission maximum of 568 nm even at pH 6.3, also implying a mutual relationship between thermostability and the proportion of yellow-green luminescent peak under acidic condition.

Structural basis for endotoxic and antagonistic activities: investigation with novel synthetic lipid A analogs.

Our early work using homogeneous synthetic preparations demonstrated the presence of a lipid A analog which antagonizes endotoxic activities of LPS and lipid A. The first example was a tetraacylated biosynthetic precursor, now known as precursor Ia or lipid IVa, that contains four 3-hydroxytetradecanoyl moieties linked to the bisphosphorylated disaccharide backbone common to the endotoxic hexa-acyl Escherichia coli lipid A. Various compounds with both endotoxic and antagonistic activities have subsequently been reported from either natural or synthetic sources, but little is known about the factors determining the type of the activities of the respective compounds. To approach this issue, we have synthesized a series of lipid A analogs with various numbers and chain lengths of acyl groups on the backbone. Some were prepared by the aid of a novel affinity separation procedure. The phosphate moieties were also synthetically replaced. Biological tests showed that at least three acyl groups are required for antagonistic activity but one or even both of the phosphates can be replaced with other acidic moieties without losing the activity. The effect of Kdo residues linked to lipid A is also briefly discussed. Molecular dynamics calculations reasonably explain possible conformations required for the biological activity.

First Total Synthesis of the Re-Type Lipopolysaccharide.

Three sequential efficient glycosylation reactions starting from D-glucosamine were used in the first total synthesis of Escherichia coli Re lipopolysaccharide, which is one of the most simple lipopolysaccharides found on the surface of living bacteria.