Edited by Ruma Banerjee Three mitochondrial metabolic pathways are required for efficient energy production in eukaryotic cells: the electron transfer chain (ETC), fatty acid ␤-oxidation (FAO), and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The ETC is organized into inner mitochondrial membrane supercomplexes that promote substrate channeling and catalytic efficiency. Although previous studies have suggested functional interaction between FAO and the ETC, their physical interaction has never been demonstrated. In this study, using blue native gel and two-dimensional electrophoreses, nano-LC-MS/MS, immunogold EM, and stimulated emission depletion microscopy, we show that FAO enzymes physically interact with ETC supercomplexes at two points. We found that the FAO trifunctional protein (TFP) interacts with the NADH-binding domain of complex I of the ETC, whereas the electron transfer enzyme flavoprotein dehydrogenase interacts with ETC complex III. Moreover, the FAO enzyme verylong-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase physically interacted with TFP, thereby creating a multifunctional energy protein complex. These findings provide a first view of an integrated molecular architecture for the major energy-generating pathways in mitochondria that ensures the safe transfer of unstable reducing equivalents from FAO to the ETC. They also offer insight into clinical ramifications for individuals with genetic defects in these pathways. Mitochondrial fatty acid ␤-oxidation (FAO), 2 the electron transport chain (ETC), and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle

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A phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Callicarpa macrophylla led to the isolation of five new diterpenoids (1-5), macrophypenes A-E, and nine known analogues (6-14). The structures of 1-5 were established on the basis of extensive analysis of NMR spectroscopic data, X-ray diffraction data, and experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compound 1 is a spiroditerpenoid with a novel skeleton, and compound 5 is a rare ent-abietane diterpenoid possessing a peroxide bridge. Compounds 1, 5-7, and 11-14 stimulate nerve growth factor mediated neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells.

A phytochemical investigation to obtain new NO inhibitors resulted in the identification of six new (1-6) and four known (7-10) terpenoids from Salvia plebeia. Compounds 1 and 2 are new diterpenoids, 3-5 are new meroditerpenoids, 6-9 are sesquiterpenoids, and 10 is a known meroditerpenoid. The structures of these isolates were determined by routine NMR experiments and X-ray diffraction, as well as the electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compounds 1-4 are diterpenoids carrying an oxygen bridge, and 6 is a rare copane-type sesquiterpenoid with a bridged tricyclic framework. The isolates inhibited NO generation induced by lipopolysaccharide in BV-2 cells. The possible mechanism of NO inhibition of some bioactive compounds was also investigated using molecular docking, which revealed interactions of bioactive compounds with the iNOS protein.

Eight new clerodane diterpenes, balanspenes A-H (1-8), along with two known analogues (9 and 10), were isolated from the twigs of Casearia balansae. The structures of 1-8 were elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1, 4, and 7 were confirmed by comparing their experimental CD spectra with those calculated by the time-dependent density functional theory method. Compounds 4-7, 9, and 10 were found to possess the property of being able to stimulate NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells.

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Celastrus orbiculatus is an insecticidal plant belonging to the Celastraceae family. In this survey on the secondary metabolites of plants for obtaining bioactive substances to serve agriculture, the chemical constituents of the fruits of C. orbiculatus were investigated. This phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of nine new and one known sesquiterpene. Their structures, especially the complicated stereochemical features, were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic data analyses, time-dependent density functional theory CD calculations, and the CD exciton chirality method. Biological screenings disclosed that these sesquiterpenes showed antifungal activities against six phytopathogenic fungi. The results of our phytochemical investigation further disclosed the chemical components of C. orbiculatus, and biological screening implied that it may be potentially useful to protect crops against phytopathogenic fungi and the bioactive compounds may be regarded as candidate agents of antifungal agrochemicals for crop protection products.