The nervous system transmits signals between neurons via neurotransmitter release during synaptic vesicle fusion. In order to observe neurotransmitter uptake and release from individual presynaptic terminals directly, we designed fluorescent false neurotransmitters as substrates for the synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter. Using these probes to image dopamine release in the striatum, we made several observations pertinent to synaptic plasticity. We found that the fraction of synaptic vesicles releasing neurotransmitter per stimulus was dependent on the stimulus frequency. A kinetically distinct "reserve" synaptic vesicle population was not observed under these experimental conditions. A frequency-dependent heterogeneity of presynaptic terminals was revealed that was dependent in part on D2 dopamine receptors, indicating a mechanism for frequency-dependent coding of presynaptic selection.

We report a catalytic intramolecular coupling between terminal unactivated alkynes and sp3 C-H bonds via the through-space hydride transfer (HT-cyclization of alkynes). This method enables one-step preparation of complex heterocyclic compounds by α-alkenylation of readily available cyclic ethers and amines. We show that PtI4 is an effective Lewis acid catalyst for the activation of terminal alkynes for the hydride attack and subsequent C-C bond formation. In addition, we have shown that the activity of neutral platinum salts (PtXn) can be modulated by the halide ligands. This modulation in turn allows for fine-tuning of the platinum center reactivity to match the reactivity and stability of selected substrates and products.

We describe herein our recent explorations in the field of isonitrile chemistry. An array of broadly useful coupling methodologies has been developed for the formation of peptidyl and glycopeptidyl amide bonds. We further describe the application of these methods to the syntheses of complex systems, including the cyclic peptide cyclosporine A, constrained peptide systems, and heterocycles.

Aryl alkynoate esters undergo gold-catalyzed spirocyclization under mild conditions, affording spirolactones in high yields. This approach obviates the need for stoichiometric halogenating reagents typically employed for alkyne activation in related transformations. Water was found to play a critical role in governing the product selectivity. Anhydrous conditions lead selectively to coumarin products, as has previously been observed for aryl alkynoate esters, while the addition of 1 equiv of water leads selectively to spirocycle formation.