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Chiral hydroxy- and aminohydroxysulfonic acids are widespread in the marine and terrestrial environment. Here we report simple methods for the synthesis of d- and l-cysteinolic acid (from (Boc-d-Cys-OH)

Sulfoglycolysis pathways enable the breakdown of the sulfosugar sulfoquinovose and environmental recycling of its carbon and sulfur content. The prototypical sulfoglycolytic pathway is a variant of the classical Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas (EMP) pathway that results in formation of 2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate and was first described in gram-negative Escherichia coli. We used enrichment cultures to discover new sulfoglycolytic bacteria from Australian soil samples. Two gram-positive Arthrobacter spp. were isolated that produced sulfolactate as the metabolic end-product. Genome sequences identified a modified sulfoglycolytic EMP gene cluster, conserved across a range of other Actinobacteria, that retained the core sulfoglycolysis genes encoding metabolic enzymes but featured the replacement of the gene encoding sulfolactaldehyde (SLA) reductase with SLA dehydrogenase, and the absence of sulfoquinovosidase and sulfoquinovose mutarotase genes. Excretion of sulfolactate by these Arthrobacter spp. is consistent with an aerobic saprophytic lifestyle. This work broadens our knowledge of the sulfo-EMP pathway to include soil bacteria.

Plant-derived flavanones such as pinocembrin and related methylated forms are of interest for their potential medicinal use. Commercial sources of these compounds are limited, but some trees in genus Eucalyptus subgenus Eucalyptus (family Myrtaceae) show promise due to their high foliar flavanone content and growth rate, particularly when grown in coppice cultivation. As a first step to developing commercial Eucalyptus plantations for flavanone production, this research aimed to identify high-yielding species. Foliar flavanones were quantified in 41 species and subspecies from three major sections within the subgenus. Pinocembrin concentrations were highest in two subspecies of E. preissiana with notably high levels of 15 and 18 mg g–1 dry weight (DW). The highest concentrations of 7-O-methylpinocembrin (12 mg g–1DW) and 5,7-O-dimethylpinocembrin (20 mg g–1DW) were found in E. croajingolensis and E. oreades, respectively. In addition, two C-methyl flavanones were identified in Eucalyptus for the first time: 6-C-methylpinocembrin (7 mg g–1DW) in E. megacarpaand 6,8-C-dimethylpinocembrin (6 mg g–1DW) in E. agglomerata. In general, flavanone profiles for closely related eucalypts such as subspecies were very similar. Moreover, species fit into three distinct categories - those with high concentrations of relatively pure non-methylated pinocembrin, those with highly abundant O-methyl flavanones, or those with abundant C-methyl flavanones. Saplings of two selected species grown in a trial plot largely reflected adult tree flavanone profiles, albeit at lower levels attributed to ontogenetic effects. In conclusion, we have shown that many species of Eucalyptus are abundant sources of promising medicinal flavanones. This work will enable selection of high-yielding species and genotypes for growth-rate assessment trials and the future establishment of commercial plantations.

We previously reported that a lipophilic N-(4'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylbenzyl) derivative (1) of the voltage-gated sodium channel blocker mexiletine, was a more potent sodium channel blocker in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that replacing the chiral methylethylene linker between the amine and di-tert-butylphenol with an achiral 1,3-propylene linker (to give (2)) maintains potency in vitro. We synthesized 25 analogues bearing the 1,3-propylene linker and found that minor structural changes resulted in pronounced changes in state dependence of blocking human NaV 1.2 and 1.6 channels by high-throughput patch-clamp analysis. Compared to mexiletine, compounds 1 and 2 are highly selective NaV 1.2 inhibitors and >500 times less potent in inhibiting NaV 1.6 channels. On the other hand, a derivative (compound 4) bearing 2,6-dimethoxy groups in place of the 2,6-dimethyl groups found in mexiletine was found to be the most potent inhibitor, but is nonselective against both channels in the tonic, frequency-dependent and inactivated states. In a kindled mouse model of refractory epilepsy, compound 2 inhibited seizures induced by 6 Hz 44 mA electrical stimulation with an IC50 value of 49.9±1.6 mg kg-1 . As established sodium channel blockers do not suppress seizures in this mouse model, this indicates that 2 could be a promising candidate for treating pharmaco-resistant epilepsy.

Sulfoglycolysis is a metabolic pathway dedicated to the catabolism of the sulfosugar sulfoquinovose (SQ) into smaller organosulfur fragments. An estimated 10 billion tonnes of SQ fluxes through sulfoglycolysis pathways each year, making it a significant aspect of the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. Delineating the molecular details of sulfoglycolysis requires authentic samples of the various metabolites in these pathways. To this end, we have established chemical and chemoenzymatic methods for the synthesis of the key organosulfur metabolites sulfoquinovosylglycerol, SQ (also in 13C6-labeled form), sulfofructose, sulfofructose-1-phosphate, sulfolactaldehyde, and 2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate, as well as an improved route to the chromogenic sulfoquinovosidase substrate 4-nitrophenyl α-sulfoquinovoside.

The malaria parasite has a voracious appetite, requiring large amounts of glucose and nutrients for its rapid growth and proliferation inside human red blood cells. The host cell is resource rich, but this is a double-edged sword; nutrient excess can lead to undesirable metabolic reactions and harmful by-products. Here, we demonstrate that the parasite possesses a metabolite repair enzyme (PGP) that suppresses harmful metabolic by-products (via substrate dephosphorylation) and allows the parasite to maintain central carbon metabolism. Loss of PGP leads to the accumulation of two damaged metabolites and causes a domino effect of metabolic dysregulation. Accumulation of one damaged metabolite inhibits an essential enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, leading to substrate accumulation and secondary inhibition of glycolysis. This work highlights how the parasite coordinates metabolic flux by eliminating harmful metabolic by-products to ensure rapid proliferation in its resource-rich niche., Members of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) family of metabolite phosphatases play an important role in regulating multiple pathways in Plasmodium falciparum central carbon metabolism. We show that the P. falciparum HAD protein, phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGP), regulates glycolysis and pentose pathway flux in asexual blood stages via detoxifying the damaged metabolite 4-phosphoerythronate (4-PE). Disruption of the P. falciparum pgp gene caused accumulation of two previously uncharacterized metabolites, 2-phospholactate and 4-PE. 4-PE is a putative side product of the glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and its accumulation inhibits the pentose phosphate pathway enzyme, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD). Inhibition of 6-PGD by 4-PE leads to an unexpected feedback response that includes increased flux into the pentose phosphate pathway as a result of partial inhibition of upper glycolysis, with concomitant increased sensitivity to antimalarials that target pathways downstream of glycolysis. These results highlight the role of metabolite detoxification in regulating central carbon metabolism and drug sensitivity of the malaria parasite.

Graphical abstract, Chemogenetics uses engineered proteins that are controlled by small molecule actuators, allowing in vivo functional studies of proteins with temporal and dose control, and include Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). One major class of DREADDs are mutated muscarinic receptors that are unresponsive to acetylcholine, and are activated by administration of clozapine N-oxide (CNO). However, CNO is available in only small amounts and large scale studies involving animals and multiple cohorts are prohibitively expensive for many investigators. The precursor, clozapine, is also expensive when purchased from specialist suppliers. Here we report: • A simple extraction method of clozapine from commercial tablets; • A simple preparation of CNO from clozapine, and for the first time its single-crystal X-ray structure; and • That the CNO prepared by this method specifically activates the DREADD receptor hM3Dq in vivo. This method provides large quantities of CNO suitable for large-scale DREADD applications that is identical to commercial material.

Mincle is a C-type lectin receptor of the innate immune system with the ability to sense pathogens and commensals through lipidic metabolites. While a growing number of bacterial glycolipids have been discovered that can signal through human Mincle, no fungal metabolites are known that can signal through the human form of this receptor. We report the total synthesis of a complex β-1,2-mannosyloxymannitol glycolipid from Malassezia pachydermatis 44-2, which was reported to signal through the murine Mincle receptor. Assembly of 44-2 was achieved through a highly convergent route that exploits symmetry elements inherent within this molecule and delineation of conditions that maintain the delicate l-mannitol triester-triol array. We show that 44-2 is a potent agonist of human Mincle signaling and constitutes the first fungal metabolite identified that can signal through the human Mincle receptor, providing new insights into antifungal immunity.

Parasitic protists belonging to the genus Leishmania synthesize the non-canonical carbohydrate reserve, mannogen, which is composed of β-1,2-mannan oligosaccharides. Here, we identify a class of dual-activity mannosyltransferase/phosphorylases (MTPs) that catalyze both the sugar nucleotide-dependent biosynthesis and phosphorolytic turnover of mannogen. Structural and phylogenic analysis shows that while the MTPs are structurally related to bacterial mannan phosphorylases, they constitute a distinct family of glycosyltransferases (GT108) that have likely been acquired by horizontal gene transfer from gram-positive bacteria. The seven MTPs catalyze the constitutive synthesis and turnover of mannogen. This metabolic rheostat protects obligate intracellular parasite stages from nutrient excess, and is essential for thermotolerance and parasite infectivity in the mammalian host. Our results suggest that the acquisition and expansion of the MTP family in Leishmania increased the metabolic flexibility of these protists and contributed to their capacity to colonize new host niches.

Leishmania are medically important protozoan parasites that have replaced canonical pathways of reserve carbohydrate biosynthesis with a new pathway for synthesis of β-1,2-mannan oligosaccharides, termed mannogen. Here we describe a new class of enzymes that catalyze both the sugar nucleotide-dependent biosynthesis and phosphorolytic turnover of mannogen. These dual activity mannosyltransferases/phosphorylases (MTPs) are structurally related to bacterial mannan phosphorylases, but constitute a new family of glycosyltransferases (GTXXX) that have been acquired by horizontal transfer from gram-positive bacteria. The MTPs catalyze the constitutive turnover of mannogen, which protects obligate intracellular parasite stages from nutrient excess and is essential for thermotolerance and infectivity in the mammalian host. These studies reveal a primordial function for reserve carbohydrates as dynamic metabolic rheostats and highlight the role of metabolic evolution in allowing these protists to colonize new host niches.

Hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and HOBt-derived reagents have been classified as Class I explosives, with restrictions on their transportation and storage. We explored a range of benzoylated oxime-based reagents as alternatives to benzoyloxybenzotriazole (BBTZ) for the selective benzoylation of carbohydrate polyols. Benzoylated oximes derived from 2-hydroximino-malononitrile, ethyl 2-hydroximino-2-cyanoacetate (Oxyma), and tert-butyl 2-hydroximino-2-cyanoacetate were most effective for benzoylation of a simple primary alcohol, with yields approaching that obtained for BBTZ. When applied to carbohydrate diols, the most effective reagent was identified as benzoyl-Oxyma. Benzoyl-Oxyma is a highly crystalline, readily prepared alternative to BBTZ, useful in the selective benzoylation of carbohydrate polyols.

The asexual blood stages of the malaria parasite,Plasmodium falciparumare highly dependent on glycolysis for ATP synthesis, redox balance and provision of essential anabolic precursors. Recent studies have suggested that members of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) family of metabolite phosphatases may play an important role in regulating multiple pathways inP. falciparumcentral carbon metabolism. Here, we show that theP. falciparumHAD protein, phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PfPGP), which is homologous to yeast Pho13 and mammalian PGP, regulates glycolysis in asexual blood stages by controlling intracellular levels of several intermediates and novel end-products of this pathway. Deletion of theP. falciparum pgpgene significantly attenuated asexual parasite growth in red blood cells, while comprehensive metabolomic analysis revealed the accumulation of two previously uncharacterized metabolites, as well as changes in a number of intermediates in glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. The two unknown metabolites were assigned as 2-phospho-lactate and 4-phosphoerythronate by comparison of their mass spectra with synthetic standards. 2-Phospho-lactate was significantly elevated in wildtype and ΔPfPGP parasites cultivated in the presence of methylglyoxal and D-lactate, but not L-lactate, indicating that it is a novel end-product of the methylglyoxal pathway. 4-Phosphoerythronate is a putative side product of the glycolytic enzyme, glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase and the accumulation of both 4-phosphoerythronate and 2-phospho-D-lactate were associated with changes in glycolytic and the pentose phosphate pathway fluxes as shown by13C-glucose labelling studies and increased sensitivity of the ΔPfPGP parasites to the drug fosmidomycin. Our results suggest thatPfPGP contributes to a novel futile metabolic cycle involving the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of D-lactate as well as detoxification of metabolites, such as 4-phosphoerythronate, and both may have important roles in regulatingP. falciparumcentral carbon metabolism.Author summaryThe major pathogenic stages of the malaria parasite,Plasmodium falciparum, develop in red blood cells where they have access to an abundant supply of glucose. Unsurprisingly these parasite stages are addicted to using glucose, which is catabolized in the glycolytic and the pentose phosphate pathways. While these pathways also exist in host cells, there is increasing evidence thatP. falciparumhas evolved novel ways for regulating glucose metabolism that could be targeted by next-generation of anti-malarial drugs. In this study, we show the red blood cell stages ofP. falciparumexpress an enzyme that is specifically involved in regulating the intracellular levels of two metabolites that are novel end-products or side products of glycolysis. Parasite mutants lacking this enzyme are viable but exhibit diminished growth rates in red blood cells. These mutant lines accumulate the two metabolites, and exhibit global changes in central carbon metabolism. Our findings suggest that metabolic end/side products of glycolysis directly regulate the metabolism of these parasites, and that the intracellular levels of these are tightly controlled by previously uncharacterized metabolite phosphatases.

3’,4’-dihydroxyflavonol (DiOHF) is a synthetic flavonol in a class of phytochemicals known as flavonoids can have beneficial biological properties. Previous studies revealed that intravenous administration of DiOHF immediately preceding myocardial reperfusion potently reduced infarct size in anaesthetised sheep that was comparable to ischemic preconditioning and the protective effects of DiOHF were recapitulated ex vivo during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and in vitro on isolated cardiac myocytes. These studies highlight the therapeutic potential of DiOHF, with derivatives recently entering Phase II trials for the reduction of ventricular injury and contractile dysfunction following myocardial infarction (NCT02557217). In our current study, we confirmed potent cytoprotective effects of DiOHF in preventing apoptotic and necrotic death of primary rat cardiomyocytes. In addition, we revealed potent anti-hypertrophic effects in cardiomyocytes stimulated with alpha and beta-adrenergic agonists. In comparison with structurally similar compounds, fisetin, quercetin and dihydroxyflavone, DiOHF exhibited enhanced anti-hypertrophic and protective properties. The molecular targets of DiOHF that underpin it’s beneficial effects are of immense interest as they aid clinical development of derivative compounds, rational design of new compounds with biological activity and provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms that define the protected myocardium. In exploring the DiOHF mechanisms of action, we had previously reported DiOHF inhibited Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity in in vitro kinase assays and in cultured myoblasts. Here, we used resin-immobilized DiOHF for affinity purification from heart tissue lysates and confirmed direct drug-interaction with CaMKII/p-CaMKII from injured rat myocardium (I/R). In addition, we revealed DiOHF interaction and direct inhibition of apoptosis-signal regulated kinase (ASK1) from I/R rat hearts. Our ongoing studies will define whether flavonol inhibition of CaMKII and ASK1 defines protective benefits of DiOHF in the injured myocardium.

Pathogenic species of Mycobacteria and Corynebacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Corynebacterium diphtheriae, synthesize complex cell walls that are rich in very long-chain mycolic acids. These fatty acids are synthesized on the inner leaflet of the cell membrane and are subsequently transported to the periplasmic space as trehalose monomycolates (TMM), where they are conjugated to other cell wall components and to TMM to form trehalose dimycolates (TDM). Mycobacterial TMM, and the equivalent Corynebacterium glutamicum trehalose corynomycolates (TMCM), are transported across the inner membrane by MmpL3, or NCgl0228 and NCgl2769, respectively, although little is known about how this process is regulated. Here, we show that transient acetylation of the mycolyl moiety of TMCM is required for periplasmic export. A bioinformatic search identified a gene in a cell wall biosynthesis locus encoding a putative acetyltransferase (M. tuberculosis Rv0228/C. glutamicum NCgl2759) that was highly conserved in all sequenced Corynebacterineae. Deletion of C. glutamicum NCgl2759 resulted in the accumulation of TMCM, with a concomitant reduction in surface transport of this glycolipid and syntheses of cell wall trehalose dicorynomycolates. Strikingly, loss of NCgl2759 was associated with a defect in the synthesis of a minor, and previously uncharacterized, glycolipid species. This lipid was identified as trehalose monoacetylcorynomycolate (AcTMCM) by mass spectrometry and chemical synthesis of the authentic standard. The in vitro synthesis of AcTMCM was dependent on acetyl-CoA, whereas in vivo [(14)C]-acetate pulse-chase labeling showed that this lipid was rapidly synthesized and turned over in wild-type and genetically complemented bacterial strains. Significantly, the biochemical and TMCM/TDCM transport phenotype observed in the ΔNCgl2759 mutant was phenocopied by inhibition of the activities of the two C. glutamicum MmpL3 homologues. Collectively, these data suggest that NCgl2759 is a novel TMCM mycolyl acetyltransferase (TmaT) that regulates transport of TMCM and is a potential drug target in pathogenic species.

5,5'-Disubstituted-3,3'-bisisoxazoles are prepared in one step by the dropwise addition of aqueous potassium hydrogen carbonate to a mixture of dichloroglyoxime and terminal alkynes. The reaction exhibits a striking preference for the 5,5'-disubstituted 3,3'-bisisoxazole over the 4,5'-regioisomer. Organometallic iridium and rhenium bisisoxazole complexes are luminescent with emission wavelengths varying depending upon the identity of the 5,5'-substituent (phenyl, butyl).

Mincle (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin) is a C-type lectin receptor that provides the capacity for immune sensing of a range of pathogen- and commensal-derived glycolipids. Mincle can recognize mycolic and/or corynomycolic acid esters of trehalose, glycerol and glucose from mycobacteria and corynebacteria. While simple straight-chain long fatty acids (e.g. behenic acid) can substitute for mycolic acid on trehalose and glycerol and maintain robust signalling through Mincle, glucose monobehenate has been reported to be much less active than glucose monocorynomycolate (GMCM). We report the preparation of a range of analogues of GMCM to explore structural requirements in the lipid chain for signalling through Mincle. GMCM analogues bearing simple straight chain or branched fatty acid esters provided only weak signalling through human and mouse Mincle. A GMCM variant with a truncated (pentyl) α-chain provided attenuated signalling, whereas an analogue with an extended (tricosyl; C23) α-chain signalled as potently as GMCM. This work suggests that Mincle has the ability to survey mycolate-derived glycolipids from actinomycetes, distinguishing non-pathogenic (e.g. Rhodococcus spp.) and pathogenic (e.g. Mycobacterium tuberculosis) species on the basis of α-chain length. Finally, an α-phenyldodecyl analogue of GMCM possessed similar potency to GMCM and was only slightly less potent than trehalose dimycolate (cord factor), showing that large functional groups may be tolerated in the α-chain.

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-corynomycolic acid, and its elaboration to esters of trehalose, glucose and glycerol, is described. Trehalose dicorynomycolate and trehalose monocorynomycolate activate human and mouse Mincle as effectively as trehalose dicorynomycolate (cord factor). Glucose monomycolate is revealed to be a potent activator of both mouse and human Mincle. Glycerol monocorynomycolate signals through human Mincle, with the activity predominantly residing in the 2′S-isomer.

Context and Objective: Men typically have a more atherogenic lipid profile than women characterized by higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced lipid particle size, contributing to a greater risk for coronary disease. To determine whether X-chromosomal gene dosage affects lipid metabolism independent of sex steroid effects, we compared lipid profiles in age- and body mass-matched young women with ovarian failure, differing only in X-chromosome dosage.Design, Setting, and Patients: Women with premature ovarian failure associated with monosomy X or Turner syndrome (TS, n = 118) were compared with women with 46,XX premature ovarian failure (n = 51) in an in-patient clinical research center unit at the National Institutes of Health. These women were normally on estrogen replacement treatment but discontinued the estrogen 2 wk before study.Major Outcomes: Fasting lipid levels and nuclear magnetic resonance lipid particle profiles in the two study groups were the major outcomes.Results: Average age and body mass were similar in the two groups of women, but LDL cholesterol (P = 0.001) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.0005) were higher in the TS group. Also among women with TS, average LDL particle size was reduced (P < 0.0001) and LDL particle concentration increased, with a 2-fold increase in the smallest particle categories (P < 0.0001). Whereas total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were similar, high-density lipoprotein particle size was significantly smaller in women with TS, compared with women with premature ovarian failure (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Women with 45,X with ovarian failure exhibit a distinctly more atherogenic lipid profile than 46,XX women with ovarian failure, suggesting that the second X-chromosome contributes to a more salutary lipid profile in normal women, independent of sex steroid effects.

Leishmania spp. are human pathogens that utilize a novel beta-1,2-mannan as their major carbohydrate reserve material. We describe a new approach that combines traditional substrate-modification methods and "click chemistry" to assemble a library of modified substrates that were used to qualitatively define the substrate tolerance of the Leishmania beta-1,2-mannosyltransferases responsible for beta-1,2-mannan biosynthesis. The library was assembled by using the highly selective copper(I)-catalysed cycloaddition reaction of azides and alkynes to couple an assortment of azide- and alkyne-functionalized small molecules with complementary alkyne- and azide-functionalized mannose derivatives. All mannose derivatives with alpha-orientated substituents on the anomeric carbon were found to act as substrates when incubated with a Leishmania mexicana particulate fraction containing GDP-mannose. In contrast, 6-substituted mannose derivatives were not substrates. Representative products formed from the library compounds were analysed by mass spectrometry, methylation linkage analysis and beta-mannosidase digestions and showed extension with up to four beta-1,2-linked mannosyl residues. This work provides insights into the substrate specificity of this new class of glycosyltransferases that can be applied to the development of highly specific tools and inhibitors for their study.

Background: In recent years many girls with Turner syndrome (TS) have been treated with supraphysiological doses of GH to increase adult height. In addition to promoting statural growth, GH may have direct effects on the cardiovascular system. Objective: We sought to determine whether GH treatment affects aortic diameter in girls with TS because there is an increased risk for aortic dilation and dissection in this syndrome. Methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we compared ascending and descending aortic diameters measured by magnetic resonance imaging in GH-treated (n = 53) vs. untreated (n = 48) patients with TS participating in a National Institutes of Health protocol between 2001 and 2004. Results: The average duration of GH treatment was 4.7 with se 0.4 yr (range 2–11 yr). The two groups were similar in age and weight, but GH-treated subjects were on average 8 cm taller (P = 0.002). The diameter of the ascending aorta was increased by 7.3% and descending aorta by 8.9% in the GH-treated group. However, after correction for age, height, weight, and presence of bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation, using a multiple regression, neither history of GH treatment nor the length of GH treatment had an effect on the aortic diameter. Weight (P = 0.02), height (P = 0.001), and presence of bicuspid aortic valve (P = 0.0001) were associated with larger ascending aortic diameter, whereas age (P = 0.008), height (P = 0.02), and history of coarctation (P = 0.006) were associated with larger descending aortic diameter. Conclusions: GH treatment of girls with TS does not seem to affect ascending or descending aortic diameter above the increase related to the larger body size.

Objectives. Turner syndrome (TS) is as­ sociated with congenital cardiovascular defects (CCVDs), most commonly bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic coarctation (COARC), congenital renal anomalies, and fetal lymphedema. It has been theorized that compres­ sive or obstructive effects of fetal lymphedema may ac­ tually cause cardiovascular and renal dysmorphogenesis in TS. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a specific association between a history of fetal lymphedema and CCVDs in monosomy X, or TS, independent of karyotype or general severity of the phe­ notype. Methods. This was a prospective study of 134 girls and women who have TS (mean age: 30 years) and were clinically evaluated for evidence of fetal lymphedema, classified as central (signified by the presence of neck webbing) or peripheral (current or perinatal, or dysplas­ tic fingernails). The presence of BAV and/or COARC was detected by magnetic resonance imaging combined with echocardiography, and renal anomalies were determined by ultrasound. Results. There is a strong association between devel­ opmental central lymphedema, signified by neck web­ bing, and the presence of BAV (X 2 = 10) and COARC (X 2 = 8). The association between webbed neck and CCVDs was independent of karyotype. There was, in contrast, no significant association between renal anomalies and webbed neck or CCVDs. Conclusions. The strong, statistically significant associ­ ation between neck webbing and the presence of BAV and COARC in TS suggests a pathogenetic connection between fetal lymphatic obstruction and defective aortic develop­ ment. The presence of neck webbing in TS should alert the clinician to the possibility of congenital cardiovascular defects. Pediatrics 2005;115:732-735; X-chromosome, aortic coarctation, bicuspid aortic valve, lymphedema.

Bisisoxazoles are prepared in one step by the dropwise addition of aqueous potassium hydrogen carbonate to a mixture of dichloroglyoxime and terminal alkynes.

BACKGROUND. We recently reported that electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in adults with monosomy X (Turner syndrome), but this issue has not been investigated in girls with Turner syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We analyzed electrocardiograms in 78 girls with Turner syndrome and 50 age-matched control girls. The girls with Turner syndrome had additional cardiac and metabolic evaluations. RESULTS. Girls with Turner syndrome were more likely to demonstrate ≥1 electrocardiographic findings including right axis deviation, right ventricular hypertrophy, accelerated atrioventricular conduction, T-wave abnormalities, and a prolonged rate-corrected QT interval. The right-sided findings were associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, but the etiology of the other findings remains unknown. The rate-corrected QT interval was significantly longer in girls with Turner syndrome (431 ± 22 vs 407 ± 21 milliseconds). Twenty-eight girls with Turner syndrome but only 2 controls had a rate-corrected QT interval above the reference range. We found no correlation between body habitus, cardiac dimensions, or metabolic parameters and the rate-corrected QT interval duration in girls with Turner syndrome. CONCLUSIONS. Cardiac conduction and repolarization abnormalities seem to affect both young girls and adults with Turner syndrome equally, suggesting that electrophysiologic defects are intrinsic to the syndrome and indicating that electrocardiogram analysis should be included in evaluating and monitoring even the youngest patients with Turner syndrome. Attention to the rate-corrected QT interval is important, because some common medications may further prolong this interval and increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Anatomic anomalies of the cardiovascular system occur in approximately 50% of individuals with Turner syndrome (TS), with the specific genetic cause(s) for the heart defects still unknown. Because congenital heart disease may be associated with conduction system abnormalities, we compared electrocardiograms (ECGs) in 100 women with TS and 100 age-matched female controls. Women with TS were significantly more likely to demonstrate left posterior fascicular block (p < 0.005), accelerated AV conduction (p < 0.006), and T wave abnormalities (p < 0.006). The PR interval was significantly shorter (137 +/- 17 vs. 158 +/- 18 ms, p < 0.0001) and the rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) significantly longer in women with TS than in controls (423 +/- 19 ms vs. 397 +/- 18 ms; p < 0.0001). Twenty-one women with TS but no controls had a QTc greater than 440 ms. We found no statistically significant relation between body habitus, cardiac dimensions, evidence of congenital heart disease, or metabolic parameters and the incidence of ECG abnormalities or QTc duration in TS. Cardiac conduction and repolarization abnormalities appear to be intrinsic features of TS, suggesting that deletion of the second sex chromosome has more profound effects on the cardiovascular system than previously recognized, and that ECG analysis should be included in evaluating and monitoring patients with Turner syndrome.

In a previous report, preliminary data showed a significant reduction in cortical bone mineral density (BMD) in women with Turner syndrome that had been treated with GH compared with women with Turner syndrome that had not been treated. To clarify this point, we have investigated the effects of GH treatment at multiple sites in this case-control, cross-sectional study. There were 23 women per group, who were similar in age, height, body mass index, estrogen use, and ethnic makeup. Median age (range) at start and duration of GH treatment was 9 (3-17) and 5 (2-9) yr, respectively. GH-treated women had a slightly greater ( approximately 8%, P = 0.03) width of the radial shaft, but otherwise there were no significant differences between groups in bone dimensions or BMD at the distal radius, lumbar spine, or femoral neck. Furthermore, regression analysis in a linear model including independent variables of age, age at diagnosis, body mass index, presence of spontaneous puberty, and GH use confirmed that GH use did not contribute to variation in BMD.

Background— Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with aortic coarctation and dissection; hence, echocardiographic evaluation of all patients is currently recommended. X-ray angiography in clinically symptomatic patients has suggested a range of other vascular anomalies, but the true prevalence of such lesions in TS is unknown. To better understand the prevalence and pathogenesis of cardiovascular defects in TS, we prospectively evaluated a group of asymptomatic adult volunteers with TS using magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Methods and Results— A total of 85 adults with TS and 27 normal female adult volunteers underwent gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography. A high prevalence of aortic anomalies was seen in women with TS, including elongation of the transverse arch (49%), aortic coarctation (12%), and aberrant right subclavian artery (8%). Venous anomalies were also prominent, including persistent left superior vena cava (13%) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (13%). None of these anomalies were found in healthy female controls. The constellation of elongation of the transverse arch, aortic coarctation, and persistent left superior vena cava was significantly associated with women with TS. Neck webbing and increased thoracic anterior-to-posterior dimension diameters were strong predictors for arterial and venous anomalies. Conclusions— Thoracic vascular anomalies are common in TS, occurring in ≈50% of a group not preselected for cardiovascular disease. The highly significant association between neck webbing, increased chest diameter, and these vascular anomalies suggests that in utero, centrally localized lymphatic obstruction may contribute to these cardiovascular deformities in TS. Improved recognition of these often-undetected vascular lesions may be important for identification of patients in need of closer cardiovascular monitoring.

Recent evidence from several investigators suggest that the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax oncoprotein represses the transcriptional activity of the tumor suppressor protein, p53. An examination of published findings reveals serious controversy as to the mechanism(s) utilized by Tax to inhibit p53 activity and whether the same mechanism is used by Tax in adherent and suspension cells. Here, we have investigated Tax-p53 interaction simultaneously in adherent epithelial (HeLa and Saos) and suspension T-lymphocyte (Jurkat) cells. Our results indicate that Tax activity through the CREB/CREB-binding protein (CBP), but not NF-κB, pathway is needed to repress the transcriptional activity of p53 in all tested cell lines. However, we did find that while CBP binding by Tax is necessary, it is not sufficient for inhibiting p53 function. Based on knockout cell studies, we correlated a strong genetic requirement for the ATM, but not protein kinase-dependent DNA, protein in conferring a Tax-p53-repressive phenotype., published_or_final_version

Leishmania spp. are a medically important group of protozoan parasites that synthesize a novel intracellular carbohydrate reserve polymer termed mannogen. Mannogen is a soluble homopolymer of β-1,2-linked mannose residues that accumulates in the major pathogenic stages in the sandfly vector and mammalian host. While several steps in mannogen biosynthesis have been defined, none of the enzymes have been isolated or characterized. We report the development of a simple assay for the GDP-mannose–dependent β-1,2-mannosyltransferases involved in mannogen synthesis. This assay utilizes octyl α-d-mannopyranoside to prime the formation of short mannogen oligomers up to 5 mannose residues. This assay was used to screen a focussed library of 44 GMP-triazole adducts for inhibitors. Several compounds provided effective inhibition of mannogen β-1,2-mannosyltransferases in a cell-free membrane preparation. This assay and inhibitor compounds will be useful for dissecting the role of different mannosyltransferases in regulating de novo biosynthesis and elongation reactions in mannogen metabolism.