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Beleidigungen gibt es in jeder Kultur. Jedes Mitglied einer Gesellschaft hat schon einmal Erfahrungen mit Beleidigungen gemacht und erkennt sie, wenn sie auftreten. Eine Definition der "Beleidigung" in Form, Funktion und Wirkung ist dagegen schwierig. Annika Frank gelingt in ihrem interdisziplinären Werk genau das: Sie verknüpft funktional-pragmatische und juristische Perspektiven miteinander und reflektiert die Beleidigung als sprachliche Handlung anhand eines Korpus alltäglicher Beleidigungserzählungen und im Vergleich zu juristischen Fällen von Beleidigung. Auf dieser Basis beschreibt sie funktional das Handlungsmuster der Beleidigung und charakterisiert typische sprachliche Mittel (Lexik und syntaktische Strukturen). Mit ihrerm Buch legt sie auch eine quantitative Studie zur Bewertung von Ausdrucksformen vor.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing T cells are a complex and heterogeneous gene therapy product with variable phenotype composition. A higher proportion of less differentiated CAR T cells is usually associated with improved antitumoral function and persistence. We describe here a novel receptor-targeted lentiviral vector (LV), named 62L-LV, that preferentially transduces less differentiated T cells marked by the L-selectin receptor CD62L, with transduction rates of up to 70% of CD4 and 50% of CD8 primary T cells. Remarkably, higher amounts of less differentiated T cells are transduced and preserved upon long-term cultivation using 62L-LV compared to VSV-LV. Interestingly, shed CD62L neither altered binding of 62L-LV particles to T cells nor impacted their transduction. Incubation of two days activated T lymphocytes with 62L-LV or VSV-LV for only 24 hours was sufficient to generate CAR T cells that controlled tumor growth in an NSG mouse model. The data prove that potent CAR T cells can be generated by short-term ex vivo exposure of primary cells to LVs. As a first vector type that preferentially transduces less differentiated T lymphocytes, 62L-LV has the potential to circumvent cumbersome selection of T cell subtypes and offers substantial shortening of the CAR T cell manufacturing process.

This article describes the discovery of novel potent muscarinic receptor antagonists identified during a search for more active histamine H3 receptor (H3R) ligands. The idea was to replace the flexible seven methylene linker with a semirigid 1,4-cyclohexylene or p-phenylene substituted group of the previously described histamine H3R antagonists ADS1017 and ADS1020. These simple structural modifications of the histamine H3R antagonist led to the emergence of additional pharmacological effects, some of which unexpectedly showed strong antagonist potency at muscarinic receptors. This paper reports the routes of synthesis and pharmacological characterization of guanidine derivatives, a novel chemotype of muscarinic receptor antagonists binding to the human muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors (hM2R and hM4R, respectively) in nanomolar concentration ranges. The affinities of the newly synthesized ADS10227 (1-{4-{4-{[4-(phenoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]methyl}piperazin-1-yl}but-1-yl}-1-(benzyl)guanidine) at hM2R and hM4R were 2.8 nM and 5.1 nM, respectively.

Der Beitrag verknüpft linguistisch-pragmatische und literaturwissenschaftliche Betrachtungen von Bachmanns Ein Wildermuth. Im ersten Teil der Erzählung können institutionelle Prozesse bei Gericht, insbesondere Zeugenvernehmung und Wahrheitsfindung, aus handlungstheoretischer Perspektive beschrieben und das Scheitern beider im Fall Wildermuth funktional begründet werden. Die Dysfunktionalität basiert auf dem an autobiografische Alltagserzählungen erinnernden zweiten Teil der Erzählung: Auf der Suche nach Wahrheit im Sinne der Korrespondenztheorie konstituiert sich das Selbstbild des Richters Anton Wildermuth in einer Diskussion sprachphilosophischer Wahrheitstheorien (Korrespondenz-, Kohärenz- und Konsenstheorie). Bachmanns Ein Wildermuth ist sowohl in Bezug auf das Diskursmuster Erzählen, als auch die gerichtliche Kommunikation für pragmatische Betrachtungen gewinnbringend, gleichermaßen steht die Erzählung – im Sinne Jakobsons poetischer Sprachfunktion – exemplarisch für die Untrennbarkeit von Linguistik und Literatur.

This article describes the discovery of novel potent muscarinic receptor antagonists identified during a search for more active histamine H3 receptor (H3R) ligands. The idea was to replace the flexible seven methylene linker with a semirigid 1,4-cyclohexylene or p-phenylene substituted group of the previously described histamine H3R antagonists ADS1017 and ADS1020. These simple structural modifications of the histamine H3R antagonist led to the emergence of additional pharmacological effects, some of which unexpectedly showed strong antagonist potency at muscarinic receptors. This paper reports the routes of synthesis and pharmacological characterization of guanidine derivatives, a novel chemotype of muscarinic receptor antagonists binding to the human muscarinic M2 and M4 receptors (hM2R and hM4R, respectively) in nanomolar concentration ranges. The affinities of the newly synthesized ADS10227 (1-{4-{4-{[4-(phenoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]methyl}piperazin-1-yl}but-1-yl}-1-(benzyl)guanidine) at hM2R and hM4R were 2.8 nM and 5.1 nM, respectively.

Inspired by marine compounds the derivatization of the natural pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine lead scaffold led to a series of novel compounds targeting the histamine H3 receptor. The focus was set on improved binding towards the receptor and to establish an initial structure-activity relationship for this compound class based on the lead structure (compound V, Ki value of 126 nM). As highest binding affinities were found with 1,4-bipiperidines as basic part of the ligands, further optimization was focused on 4-([1,4′-bipiperidin]-1′-yl)-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. Related pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines that were isolated from marine sponges like 4-amino-5-bromopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (compound III), showed variations in halogenation pattern, though in a next step the impact of halogenation at 2-position was evaluated. The chloro variations did not improve the affinity compared to the dehalogenated compounds. However, the simultaneous introduction of lipophilic cores with electron-withdrawing substitution patterns in 7-position and dehalogenation at 2-position (11b, 12b) resulted in compounds with significantly higher binding affinities (Ki values of 7 nM and 6 nM, respectively) than the initial lead structure compound V. The presented structures allow for a reasonable structure-activity relationship of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as histamine H3 receptor ligands and yielded novel lead structures within the natural compound library against this target.

We linked 2-aminothiazoloazepane scaffolds with phenylpiperazine pharmacophores to generate bitopic dopamine receptor ligands. Highest D2R/D3R binding affinities up to pKi values of 7.74 were observed for compounds containing a 1-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazinoyl moiety, maintaining affinity with deaminated 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thiazoloazepine derivatives.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex and incurable illness that requires the urgent approval of new effective drugs. However, since 2003, no new molecules have shown successful results in clinical trials, thereby making the common "one compound - one target" paradigm questionable. Recently, the multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) approach has gained popularity, as compounds targeting at least two biological targets may be potentially more effective in treating AD. On the basis of these findings, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated through biological assays a series of derivatives of alicyclic amines linked by an alkoxy bridge to an aromatic lipophilic moiety of [1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile. The research results revealed promising biological activity of the obtained compounds toward the chosen targets involved in AD pathophysiology; the compounds showed high affinity (mostly low nanomolar range of K

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the human brain and its altered concentrations can lead to various neurological diseases. We studied the binding of novel compounds at the dopamine D

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the human brain and its altered concentrations can lead to various neurological diseases. We studied the binding of novel compounds at the dopamine D2 (D2 R) and D3 (D3 R) receptor subtypes, which belong to the D2 -like receptor family. The synthesis, in silico, and in vitro characterization of 10 dopamine receptor ligands were performed. Novel ligands were docked into the D2 R and D3 R crystal structures to examine the precise binding mode. A quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics study was performed to gain insights into the nature of the intermolecular interactions between the newly introduced pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5 ) moiety and D2 R and D3 R. A radioligand displacement assay determined that all of the ligands showed moderate-to-low nanomolar affinities at D2 R and D3 R, with a slight preference for D3 R, which was confirmed in the in silico studies. N-{4-[4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl}-4-(pentafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl)benzamide (7i) showed the highest D3 R affinity and selectivity (pKi values of 7.14 [D2 R] and 8.42 [D3 R]).

Dual target ligands are a promising concept for the treatment of Parkinson&rsquo, s disease (PD). A combination of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) inhibition with histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonism could have positive effects on dopamine regulation. Thus, a series of twenty-seven 4-tert-butylphenoxyalkoxyamines were designed as potential dual-target ligands for PD based on the structure of 1-(3-(4-tert-butylphenoxy)propyl)piperidine (DL76). Probed modifications included the introduction of different cyclic amines and elongation of the alkyl chain. Synthesized compounds were investigated for human H3R (hH3R) affinity and human MAO B (hMAO B) inhibitory activity. Most compounds showed good hH3R affinities with Ki values below 400 nM, and some of them showed potent inhibitory activity for hMAO B with IC50 values below 50 nM. However, the most balanced activity against both biological targets showed DL76 (hH3R: Ki = 38 nM and hMAO B: IC50 = 48 nM). Thus, DL76 was chosen for further studies, revealing the nontoxic nature of DL76 in HEK293 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Ycells. However, no neuroprotective effect was observed for DL76 in hydrogen peroxide-treated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed antiparkinsonian activity of DL76 in haloperidol-induced catalepsy (Cross Leg Position Test) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight.

This work describes the microwave assisted synthesis of twelve novel histamine H3 receptor ligands. They display pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives with rigidized aliphatic amines as warheads. The compounds were screened for H3R and H4R binding affinities in radioligand displacement assays and the most potent compounds were evaluated for H3R binding properties in vitro and in docking studies. The combination of a rigidized H3R warhead and the pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold resulted in selective activity at the H3 receptor with a pKi value of 6.90 for the most potent compound. A bipiperidine warhead displayed higher affinity than a piperazine or morpholine motif, while a naphthyl moiety in the arbitrary region increased affinity compared to a phenyl derivative. The compounds can be starting points for novel, simply synthesized histamine H3 receptor ligands.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by irregular, excessive neuronal excitability, and recurrent seizures that affect millions of patients worldwide. Currently, accessible antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) do not adequately support all epilepsy patients, with around 30% patients not responding to the existing therapies. As lifelong epilepsy treatment is essential, the search for new and more effective AEDs with an enhanced safety profile is a significant therapeutic goal. Seizures are a combination of electrical and behavioral events that can induce biochemical, molecular, and anatomic changes. Therefore, appropriate animal models are required to evaluate novel potential AEDs. Among the large number of available animal models of seizures, the acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced myoclonic seizure model is the most widely used model assessing the anticonvulsant effect of prospective AEDs, whereas chronic PTZ-kindled seizure models represent chronic models in which the repeated administration of PTZ at subconvulsive doses leads to the intensification of seizure activity or enhanced seizure susceptibility similar to that in human epilepsy. In this review, we summarized the memory deficits accompanying acute or chronic PTZ seizure models and how these deficits were evaluated applying several behavioral animal models. Furthermore, major advantages and limitations of the PTZ seizure models in the discovery of new AEDs were highlighted. With a focus on PTZ seizures, the major biochemicals, as well as morphological alterations and the modulated brain neurotransmitter levels associated with memory deficits have been illustrated. Moreover, numerous medicinal compounds with concurrent anticonvulsant, procognitive, antioxidant effects, modulating effects on several brain neurotransmitters in rodents, and several newly developed classes of compounds applying computer-aided drug design (CADD) have been under development as potential AEDs. The article details the in-silico approach following CADD, which can be utilized for generating libraries of novel compounds for AED discovery. Additionally, in vivo studies could be useful in demonstrating efficacy, safety, and novel mode of action of AEDs for further clinical development.

In vitro cofactor supply and regeneration have been a major obstacle for biocatalytic processes, in particular on a large scale. Peroxidases often suffer from inactivation by their oxidative co-factor. Combining photocatalysis and biocatalysis offers an innovative solution to this problem, but lacks atom economy due to the sacrificial electron donors needed. Herein, we show that redox-active buffers or even water alone can serve as efficient, biocompatible electron sources, when combined with photocatalysis. Mechanistic investigations revealed first insights into the possibilities and limitations of this approach and allowed adjusting the reaction conditions to the specific needs of biocatalytic transformations. Proof-of-concept for the applicability of this photobiocatalytic reaction setup was given by enzymatic halogenations.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex and incurable illness that requires the urgent approval of new effective drugs. However, since 2003, no new molecules have shown successful results in clinical trials, thereby making the common “one compound – one target” paradigm questionable. Recently, the multitarget-directed ligand (MTDL) approach has gained popularity, as compounds targeting at least two biological targets may be potentially more effective in treating AD. On the basis of these findings, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated through biological assays a series of derivatives of alicyclic amines linked by an alkoxy bridge to an aromatic lipophilic moiety of [1,1ʹ-biphenyl]-4-carbonitrile. The research results revealed promising biological activity of the obtained compounds toward the chosen targets involved in AD pathophysiology; the compounds showed high affinity (mostly low nanomolar range of Ki values) for human histamine H3 receptors (hH3R) and good nonselective inhibitory potency (micromolar range of IC50 values) against acetylcholinesterase from electric eel (eeAChE) and equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (eqBuChE). Moreover, micromolar/submicromolar potency against human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO B) was detected for some compounds. The study identified compound 5 as a multiple hH3R/eeAChE/eqBuChE/hMAO B ligand (5: hH3R Ki = 9.2 nM; eeAChE IC50 = 2.63 µM; eqBuChE IC50 = 1.30 µM; hMAO B IC50 = 0.60 µM). Further in vitro studies revealed that compound 5 exhibits a mixed type of eeAChE and eqBuChE inhibition, good metabolic stability, and moderate hepatotoxicity effect on HepG2 cells. Finally, compound 5 showed a beneficial effect on scopolamine-induced memory impairments, as assessed by the passive avoidance test, thus revealing the potential of this compound as a promising agent for further optimization for AD treatment.

The aim was to evaluate the activity of seven medicinal, anti-inflammatory plants at the hH4R with focus on defined chemical compounds from Curcuma longa. Activities were analyzed with membrane preparations from Sf9 cells, transiently expressing the hH4R, Gαi2 and Gβ1γ2 subunits. From the methanolic extract of C. longa curcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2) and bis(4-hydroxy-cinnamoyl)methane (3) were isolated, purified with HPLC (elution-time 10.20, 9.66, 9.20 min, respectively) and together with six additional extracts, were characterized via radioligand binding studies at the hH4R. Compounds from C. longa were the most potent ligands at the hH4R. They exhibited estimated K i values of 4.26–6.26 µM (1.57–2.31 µg/mL) (1); 6.66––8.97 µM (2.26–3.04 µg/mL) (2) and 10.24–14.57 µM (3.16–4.49 µg/mL) (3) (95% CI). The estimated K i value of the crude extract of curcuma was 0.50–0.81 µg/mL. Fractionated curcumin and the crude extract surpassed the effect of pure curcumin with a K i value of 5.54 µM or 2.04 µg/mL [95% CI (4.47–6.86 µM), (1.65–2.53 µg/mL)]. Within this study, defined compounds of C. longa were recognized as potential ligands and reasonable lead structures at the hH4R. The mode of anti-inflammatory action of curcumin was further elucidated and the role of extracts in traditional phytomedicine was strengthened.

Isoprenoids constitute one of the most diverse classes of natural products. As a compound class, they are essential to basic metabolic processes including cell-wall biosynthesis, post-translational protein modifications, and signaling. In addition, isoprenoid secondary metabolites are highly valuable natural products with a wide range of biotechnological applications. The biosynthesis of their two universal building blocks, isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, was thought to proceed exclusively by way of mevalonate as a key intermediate until a novel pathway involving methylerithritol phosphate (MEP) was discovered in the early 1990s. In this review, we describe the seven enzymes of the MEP pathway, along with their discoveries, three-dimensional structures, and mechanisms. The latter include examples of remarkable enzyme catalysis including an unusual cytidilation reaction and the use of iron-sulfur cluster cofactors in reductive ring opening and hydroxy-group elimination. Furthermore, isoprenoid biosynthesis shows a characteristic species distribution. A brief overview highlights the MEP pathway's potential as a selective drug target, which is absent in humans but essential to the survival of many important bacterial and apicomplexan pathogens.

3-(Hetero)aryl substituted 7-azaindoles possessing multikinase inhibitor activity are readily accessed in a one-pot Masuda borylation-Suzuki coupling sequence. Several promising derivatives were identified as apoptosis inducers and, emphasizing the multikinase inhibition potential, as sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors. Our measurements provide additional insights into the structure-activity relationship of meriolin derivatives, suggesting derivatives bearing a pyridine moiety with amino groups in 2-position as most active anticancer compounds and thus as highly promising candidates for future in vivo studies.

Inspired by marine compounds the derivatization of the natural pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine lead scaffold led to a series of novel compounds targeting the histamine H

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communicative impairments, as well as repetitive and restricted behaviors (RRBs). With the limited effectiveness of current pharmacotherapies in treating repetitive behaviors, the present study determined the effects of acute systemic treatment of the novel multi-targeting ligand ST-2223, with incorporated histamine H3 receptor (H3R) and dopamine D2/D3 receptor affinity properties, on ASD-related RRBs in a male Black and Tan BRachyury (BTBR) mouse model of ASD. ST-2223 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly mitigated the increase in marble burying and self-grooming, and improved reduced spontaneous alternation in BTBR mice (all p &lt, 0.05). Similarly, reference drugs memantine (MEM, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) and aripiprazole (ARP, 1 mg/kg, i.p.), reversed abnormally high levels of several RRBs in BTBR (p &lt, 0.05). Moreover, ST-2223 palliated the disturbed anxiety levels observed in an open field test (all p &lt, 0.05), but did not restore the hyperactivity parameters, whereas MEM failed to restore mouse anxiety and hyperactivity. In addition, ST-2223 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated oxidative stress status by decreasing the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing the levels of decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in different brain parts of treated BTBR mice (all p &lt, 0.05). These preliminary in vivo findings demonstrate the ameliorative effects of ST-2223 on RRBs in a mouse model of ASD, suggesting its pharmacological prospective to rescue core ASD-related behaviors. Further confirmatory investigations on its effects on various brain neurotransmitters, e.g., dopamine and histamine, in different brain regions are still warranted to corroborate and expand these initial data.

This work describes the microwave assisted synthesis of twelve novel histamine H

A newly developed series of non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists (1&ndash, 16) was evaluated in vivo for anticonvulsant effects in three different seizure models in Wistar rats. Among the novel H3R antagonists examined, H3R antagonist 4 shortened the duration of tonic hind limb extension (THLE) in a dose-dependent fashion in the maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure and offered full protection against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS), following acute systemic administration (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, i.p.). However, only H3R antagonist 13, without appreciable protective effects in MES- and PTZ-induced seizure, fully protected animals in the strychnine (STR)-induced GTCS following acute systemic pretreatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, the protective effect observed with H3R antagonist 4 in MES-induced seizure was completely abolished when animals were co-administered with the H3R agonist (R)-&alpha, methylhistamine (RAMH, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). However, RAMH failed to abolish the full protection provided by the H3R antagonist 4 in PTZ-induced seizure and H3R antagonist 13 in STR-induced seizure. Furthermore, in vitro antiproliferative effects or possible metabolic interactions could not be observed for compound 4. Additionally, the predictive in silico, as well as in vitro, metabolic stability for the most promising H3R antagonist 4 was assessed. The obtained results show prospective effects of non-imidazole H3R antagonists as innovative antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for potential single use against epilepsy.

Because only 0.01% of prokaryotic genospecies can be cultured and in situ observations are often impracticable, culture-independent methods are required to understand microbial life and harness potential applications of microbes. Here, we report a methodology for the production of proteins with desired functions based on single amplified genomes (SAGs) from unculturable species. We use this method to resurrect an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH/D1) from an uncharacterized halo-thermophilic archaeon collected from a brine pool at the bottom of the Red Sea. Our crystal structure of 5,6-dihydroxy NADPH-bound ADH/D1 combined with biochemical analyses reveal the molecular features of its halo-thermophily, its unique habitat adaptations, and its possible reaction mechanism for atypical oxygen activation. Our strategy offers a general guide for using SAGs as a source for scientific and industrial investigations of “microbial dark matter.”

Enzymes of the nonmevalonate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis are attractive targets for the development of herbicides and drugs against infectious diseases. While this pathway is essential for many pathogens and plants, mammals do not depend on it for the synthesis of isoprenoids. IspD, the third enzyme of the nonmevalonate pathway, is unique in that it has an allosteric regulatory site. We elucidated the binding mode of phenylisoxazoles, a new class of allosteric inhibitors. Allosteric inhibition is effected by large conformational changes of a loop region proximal to the active site. We investigated the different roles of residues in this loop by mutation studies and identified repulsive interactions with Asp291 and Asp292 to be responsible for inhibition. Crystallographic data and the response of mutant enzymes to three different classes of allosteric inhibitors provide an in-depth understanding of the allosteric mechanism. The obtained mutant enzymes show selective resistance to allosteric inhibitors and provide conceptually valuable information for future engineering of herbicide-resistant crops. We found that the isoprenoid precursors IPP and DMAPP are natural inhibitors of Arabidopsis thaliana IspD; however, they do not seem to bind to the allosteric site.

The aim was to evaluate the activity of seven medicinal, anti-inflammatory plants at the hHActivities were analyzed with membrane preparations from Sf9 cells, transiently expressing the hHFrom the methanolic extract of C. longa curcumin (1), demethoxycurcumin (2) and bis(4-hydroxy-cinnamoyl)methane (3) were isolated, purified with HPLC (elution-time 10.20, 9.66, 9.20 min, respectively) and together with six additional extracts, were characterized via radioligand binding studies at the hHCompounds from C. longa were the most potent ligands at the hHWithin this study, defined compounds of C. longa were recognized as potential ligands and reasonable lead structures at the hH

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) of the medium chain reductase (MDR) subfamily are valuable biocatalysts for the production of optically active alcohols and are now used routinely in industry for the preparation of synthetic intermediates. TADH from Thermus sp. ATN1 combines the advantages of both thermostability and dependence on the less expensive, non-phosphoryated, cofactor NADH as the hydride donor. The structure of TADH in complex with NADH has been determined and refined to a resolution of 2.74 A. The structure reveals structural features commensurate with known stabilising factors of thermostable MDRs, including shorter peripheral loops and an increased amount of inter- and intra-subunit salt bridges and hydrogen bonds compared to mesophilic MDRs of known structure. A study of the active site reveals the molecular determinants of NADH and substrate binding in TADH that help to shed light on observed differences in cofactor specificity and stereoselectivity when compared to its thermophilic NADPH-dependent homolog from Thermoanaerobium brockii (TbADH). The structure also provides a basis for investigating the enzyme-associated deactivation of the catalyst ([Cp*Rh(bpy)(H 2 O)] 2+ ), which has been used in TADH-catalysed reactions for the recycling of the nicotinamide cofactor.

Phloretin hydrolase from Eubacterium ramulus (Phy) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the dihydrochalcone phloretin to phloroglucinol and phloretic acid, performing a formal retro- Friedel–Crafts acylation reaction on its substrate. Its closest sequence homolog, of 25 % amino acid sequence identity, is diacetyl phloroglucinol hydrolase (Phlg) from Pseudomonas fluorescens, which catalyses a similar, hydrolytic, de-acylation of its substrate. The structure of Phlg has been determined and a catalytic mechanism proposed (J Biol Chem 285:4603–4611, 2010). In order to compare the catalytic characteristics of Phy with Phlg, the gene encoding Phy was expressed and the enzyme purified and crystallised. An X-ray fluorescence scan identified zinc within the crystals. A homology model of Phy, based on the structure of Phlg (PDB code 3HWP), informed the construction of a point mutant library of the enzyme, targeting residues shared with Phlg that are thought to be involved in zinc binding and the recognition of acyl and phenol functionality on the aromatic ring of the substrates. Mutation of His123, His251, Glu154 and Glu255 (conserved zinc binding residues) resulted in variants that were either poorly expressed, or of much reduced activity; Mutation of Tyr115 and His203, thought to bind the phenol groups in the 1-and 3-positions of the phloroglucinol ring respectively, resulted in variants of 15-fold reduced activity and an inactive variant. These results are suggestive of conservation of some aspects of mechanism and substrate recognition between Phy and Phlg, and of the catalytic characteristics of Zn-dependent C–C hydrolases of this type in general.

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are applied in industrial synthetic chemistry for the production of optically active secondary alcohols. However, the substrate spectrum of many ADHs is narrow, and few, for example, are suitable for the reduction of prochiral ketones in which the carbonyl group is bounded by two bulky and/or hydrophobic groups; so-called ‘bulky–bulky’ ketones. Recently two ADHs, RasADH from Ralstonia sp. DSM 6428, and SyADH from Sphingobium yanoikuyae DSM 6900, have been described, which are distinguished by their ability to accept bulky–bulky ketones as substrates. In order to examine the molecular basis of the recognition of these substrates the structures of the native and NADPH complex of RasADH, and the NADPH complex of SyADH have been determined and refined to resolutions of 1.5, 2.9 and 2.5 A, respectively. The structures reveal hydrophobic active site tunnels near the surface of the enzymes that are well-suited to the recognition of large hydrophobic substrates, as determined by modelling of the bulky–bulky substrate n-pentyl phenyl ketone. The structures also reveal the bases for NADPH specificity and (S)-stereoselectivity in each of the biocatalysts for n-pentyl phenyl ketone and related substrates.

Although CC bond hydrolases are distributed widely in Nature, they has as yet have received only limited attention in the area of biocatalysis compared to their counterpart the C-heteroatom hydrolases, such as lipases and proteases. However, the substrate range of CC hydrolases, and their non-dependence on cofactors, suggest that these enzymes may have considerable potential for applications in synthesis. In addition, hydrolases such as the β-diketone hydrolase from Rhodococcus (OCH) are known, that catalyse the formation of interesting chiral intermediates. Further enzymes, such as kynureninase and a meta-cleavage product hydrolase (MhpC), are able to catalyse carbon-carbon bond formation, suggesting wider applications in biocatalysis than previously envisaged. In this review, the distribution, catalytic characteristics and applications of CC hydrolases are described, with a view to assessing their potentialfor use in biocatalytic processes in the future.

Molecular based spintronic devices offer great potential for future energy-efficient information technology as they combine ultimately small size, high-speed operation, and low-power consumption. Recent developments in combining atom-by-atom assembly with spin-sensitive imaging and characterization at the atomic level have led to a first prototype of an all-spin atomic-scale logic device, but the very low working temperature limits its application. Here, we show that a more stable spintronic device could be achieved using tailored Co-Salophene based molecular building blocks, combined with in situ electrospray deposition under ultrahigh vacuum conditions as well as control of the surface-confined molecular assembly at the nanometer scale. In particular, we describe the tools to build a molecular, strongly bonded device structure from paramagnetic molecular building blocks including spin-wires, gates, and tails. Such molecular device concepts offer the advantage of inherent parallel fabrication based on molecular self-assembly as well as an order of magnitude higher operation temperatures due to enhanced energy scales of covalent through-bond linkage of basic molecular units compared to substrate-mediated coupling schemes employing indirect exchange coupling between individual adsorbed magnetic atoms on surfaces.

IspG is the penultimate enzyme in non-mevalonate biosynthesis of the universal terpene building blocks isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate. Its mechanism of action has been the subject of numerous studies but remained unresolved due to difficulties in identifying distinct reaction intermediates. Using a moderate reducing agent and an epoxide substrate analogue, we were now able to trap and crystallographically characterize various stages in the IspG-catalyzed conversion of 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-2,4-cyclo-diphosphate into (E)-1-hydroxy-2-methylbut-2-enyl-4-diphosphate. In addition, the enzyme's structure was determined in complex with several inhibitors. These results, combined with recent electron paramagnetic resonance data, allowed us to deduce a detailed and complete IspG catalytic mechanism, which describes all stages from initial ring opening to formation of (E)-1-hydroxy-2-methylbut-2-enyl-4-diphosphate via discrete radical and carbanion intermediates. The data presented in this article provide a guide for the design of selective drugs against many prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens to which the non-mevalonate pathway is essential for survival and virulence.

The FAD-dependent monooxygenase HbpA from Pseudomonas azelaica HBP1 catalyses the hydroxylation of 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2HBP) to 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl (23DHBP). HbpA has been used extensively as a model for studying flavoprotein hydroxylases under process conditions, and has also been subjected to directed-evolution experiments that altered its catalytic properties. The structure of HbpA has been determined in its apo and FAD-complex forms to resolutions of 2.76 and 2.03 Å, respectively. Comparisons of the HbpA structure with those of homologues, in conjunction with a model of the reaction product in the active site, reveal His48 as the most likely acid/base residue to be involved in the hydroxylation mechanism. Mutation of His48 to Ala resulted in an inactive enzyme. The structures of HbpA also provide evidence that mutants achieved by directed evolution that altered activity are comparatively remote from the substrate-binding site.

The development of cost-effective and sustainable catalytic methods for the production of enantiomerically pure chiral amines is a key challenge facing the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. This challenge is highlighted by the estimate that 40-45% of drug candidates contain a chiral amine, fueling a demand for broadly applicable synthetic methods that deliver target structures in high yield and enantiomeric excess. Herein we describe the development and application of a "toolbox" of monoamine oxidase variants from Aspergillus niger (MAO-N) which display remarkable substrate scope and tolerance for sterically demanding motifs, including a new variant, which exhibits high activity and enantioselectivity toward substrates containing the aminodiphenylmethane (benzhydrylamine) template. By combining rational structure-guided engineering with high-throughput screening, it has been possible to expand the substrate scope of MAO-N to accommodate amine substrates containing bulky aryl substituents. These engineered MAO-N biocatalysts have been applied in deracemization reactions for the efficient asymmetric synthesis of the generic active pharmaceutical ingredients Solifenacin and Levocetirizine as well as the natural products (R)-coniine, (R)-eleagnine, and (R)-leptaflorine. We also report a novel MAO-N mediated asymmetric oxidative Pictet-Spengler approach to the synthesis of (R)-harmicine.

NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase Q1EQE0 from Streptomyces kanamyceticus catalyzes the asymmetric reduction of the prochiral monocyclic imine 2-methyl-1-pyrroline to the chiral amine (R)-2-methylpyrrolidine with >99% ee, and is thus of interest as a potential biocatalyst for the production of optically active amines. The structures of Q1EQE0 in native form, and in complex with the nicotinamide cofactor NADPH have been solved and refined to a resolution of 2.7 A. Q1EQE0 functions as a dimer in which the monomer consists of an N-terminal Rossman-fold motif attached to a helical C-terminal domain through a helix of 28 amino acids. The dimer is formed through reciprocal domain sharing in which the C-terminal domains are swapped, with a substrate-binding cleft formed between the N-terminal subunit of monomer A and the C-terminal subunit of monomer B. The structure is related to those of known β-hydroxyacid dehydrogenases, except that the essential lysine, which serves as an acid/base in the (de)protonation of the nascent alcohol in those enzymes, is replaced by an aspartate residue, Asp187 in Q1EQE0. Mutation of Asp187 to either asparagine or alanine resulted in an inactive enzyme.