A method for the encoding of split/mix combinatorial chemical libraries based on Euclidean shapes is described. The shapes are fashioned from a polymeric matrix designed to swell in common organic solvents while retaining their unique forms, and exhibit good mechanical strength. The lightly crosslinked gel-type polymer was processed into an array of Euclidean forms that serve as encoding elements in the synthesis of combinatorial chemical libraries by using the split/pool methodology. To assess the viability of this approach, a library of compounds based on a urea scaffold was prepared. The validity of this methodology was demonstrated through correct deconvolution of the library mixture by shape discrimination. Furthermore, because the shapes used have a large surface area to volume ratio, each monolith can act as an independent chemical reactor. This simplifies the analytical identification process because each compound can be prepared in significant quantities and isolated as single entities. Given the high loading capacity of the monoliths and the conceptually simple encoding strategy, it is envisioned that these Euclidean forms will find significant application in combinatorial and high-throughput synthetic chemistry.
In cells, phosphorylation of pantothenic acid to generate phosphopantothenic acid by the pantothenate kinase enzymes is the first step in coenzyme A synthesis. Pantothenate kinase 2, the isoform localized in neuronal cell mitochondria, is dysfunctional in patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. Fosmetpantotenate is a phosphopantothenic acid prodrug in clinical development for treatment of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, which aims to replenish phosphopantothenic acid in patients. Fosmetpantotenate restored coenzyme A in short-hairpin RNA pantothenate kinase 2 gene-silenced neuroblastoma cells and was permeable in a blood-brain barrier model. The rate of fosmetpantotenate metabolism in blood is species-dependent. Following up to 700 mg/kg orally, blood exposure to fosmetpantotenate was negligible in rat and mouse, but measurable in monkey. Consistent with the difference in whole blood half-life, fosmetpantotenate dosed orally was found in the brains of the monkey (striatal dialysate) but was absent in mice. Following administration of isotopically labeled-fosmetpantotenate to mice, ~40% of liver coenzyme A (after 500 mg/kg orally) and ~50% of brain coenzyme A (after 125 μg intrastriatally) originated from isotopically labeled-fosmetpantotenate. Additionally, 10-day dosing of isotopically labeled-fosmetpantotenate, 12.5 μg, intracerebroventricularly in mice led to ~30% of brain coenzyme A containing the stable isotopic labels. This work supports the hypothesis that fosmetpantotenate acts to replace reduced phosphopantothenic acid in pantothenate kinase 2-deficient tissues.
The relationship between observed swelling of two cross-linked polystyrene resins and the microenvironment within polymer matrixes has been examined. Polystyrene cross-linked with either divinyl benzene (Merrifield resin) or 1,4-bis(4-vinylphenoxy)butane (JandaJel) was investigated with fluorescence and electron-paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed a superior correlation between observed swelling and solvation effects using a dansyl probe with JandaJel than with Merrifield resin. However, the internal viscosity of pre-swollen JandaJel is higher than Merrifield resin, as determined by EPR measurements. The combination of these two analytical methods provides insights into the physical differences observed between these two chemically similar resins and suggests caution should be used if using singular physical techniques to probe the microenvironment of polymeric matrixes.
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