N-acetylglucosaminidases (GlcNAcases) play an important role in the remodeling and recycling of bacterial peptidoglycan by degrading the polysaccharide backbone. Genetic deletions of autolysins can impair cell division and growth, suggesting an opportunity for using small molecule autolysin inhibitors as both tools for studying the chemical biology of autolysins and also serving as anti-bacterial agents. We report here the synthesis and evaluation of a panel of diamides that inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis. Two compounds, fgkc (5) and fgka (21), were found to be potent inhibitors (MIC 3.8 ± 1.0 and 21.3 ± 0.1 µM respectively). These compounds inhibit the B. subtilis family 73 glycosyl hydrolase LytG, an exo GlcNAcase. Phenotypic analysis of fgkc (21)-treated cells demonstrate a propensity for cells to form linked chains, suggesting impaired cell growth and division.

Heterotrophic protists play pivotal roles in aquatic ecosystems by transferring matter and energy, including lipids, from primary producers to higher trophic predators. Using Oxyrrhis marina as a model organism, changes to the non-saponifiable protist lipids were investigated under satiation and starvation conditions. During active feeding on the alga Cryptomonas sp., the O. marina hexane soluble non-saponifiable fraction lipid profile reflected its food source with the observed presence of long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohols up to C25:1. Evidence of trophic upgrading in O. marina was observed with long chain mono-unsaturated fatty alcohol accumulation of up to C35:1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that heterotrophic dinoflagellates are capable of producing ester derived alcohols and that dinoflagellates like O. marina are capable of synthesizing fatty alcohols up to C35. Additionally, we show evidence of trophic upgrading of lipids. During a 20-day resource deprivation, the lipid profile remained constant. During starvation, the mobilization of wax esters as energy stores was observed with long chain fatty alcohols mobilized first. Changes in lipid class profile and utilization of wax esters in O. marina provides insight into the types of lipids available for energy demand, the transfer of lipids through the base of marine food webs, and the catabolic response induced by resource deprivation.