Redox isomerizations are examples of atom-economical processes 1 in which one site in an organic substrate is oxidized with concomitant reduction of another site. One especially well-studied example is the conversion of allylic alcohols to aldehydes or ketones, 2,3 which involves movement of the alkene double bond 4-7 over two positions (eq 1, n) 2). Far fewer catalysts exist for the movement of a more remote double bond (n > 2). For example, Kirchner et al. reported 8 that, although [CpRu(PR 3)(CH 3 CN) 2 ] + (1a-1c) were improved catalysts for allylic alcohol isomerization relative to CpRu(PR 3) 2 Cl, it failed in the case of 3-buten-1-ol (n) 3) or alkenes devoid of alcohol functionality. The apparent record for alkene isomerization of any kind is over 20 positions on the hydrocarbon CH 3 (CH 2) 19 CHdCH(CH 2) 19 CH 3 by stoichiometric amounts of the reagent Cp 2 Zr(H)(Cl). 9 The apparent record for catalyzed double bond movement is on 9-decene-1-ol (nine positions, n) 9) using Fe 3 (CO) 12. 10,11 However, 30 mol % was required, which means that nearly a mole of metal was used per mole of alkenol.

Commensal microorganisms in the mammalian gut play important roles in host health and physiology, but a central challenge remains in achieving a detailed mechanistic understanding of specific microbial contributions to host biochemistry. New function-based approaches are needed that analyze gut microbial function at the molecular level by coupling detection and measurements of in situ biochemical activity with identification of the responsible microbes and enzymes. We developed a platform employing β-glucuronidase selective activity-based probes to detect, isolate, and identify microbial subpopulations in the gut responsible for this xenobiotic metabolism. We find that metabolic activity of gut microbiota can be plastic and that between individuals and during perturbation, phylogenetically disparate populations can provide β-glucuronidase activity. Our work links biochemical activity with molecular-scale resolution without relying on genomic inference.

Although a multitude of syndromes have been thoroughly described as a result of vitamin deficiencies, over consumption of such substances may also be quite dangerous. Intratubular crystallization of calcium oxalate as a result of hyperoxaluria can cause acute renal failure. This type of renal failure is known as oxalate nephropathy. Hyperoxaluria occurs as a result of inherited enzymatic deficiencies known as primary hyperoxaluria or from exogenous sources known as secondary hyperoxaluria. Extensive literature has reported and explained the mechanism of increased absorption of oxalate in malabsorptive syndromes leading to renal injury. However, other causes of secondary hyperoxaluria may also take place either via direct dietary consumption of oxalate rich products or via other substances which may metabolize into oxalate within the body. Vitamin C is metabolized to oxalate. Oral or parenteral administration of this vitamin has been used in multiple settings such as an alternative treatment of malignancy or as an immune booster. This article presents a clinical case in which ingestion of high amounts of vitamin C lead to oxalate nephropathy. This article further reviews other previously published cases in order to illustrate and highlight the potential renal harm this vitamin poses if consumed in excessive amounts.

Bifunctional is more than twice as fun! At low loading, catalyst 1 (see scheme) can form two important heterocycle classes, apparently by attack of XH on a vinylidene intermediate. Aza‐ and nitroindoles can be formed, and all N‐protecting groups tested (alkyl, allyl, sulfonyl) were tolerated. The newly formed ring can be deuterated in one step, and for substrates with two terminal alkynes, cyclization can be followed by hydration, making this catalyst uniquely versatile.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) comprise a diverse family of phase II drug metabolizing enzymes whose shared function is the conjugation of reduced glutathione (GSH) to endo- and xenobiotics. Although the conglomerate activity of these enzymes can be measured, the isoform-specific contribution to the metabolism of xenobiotics in complex biological samples has not been possible. We have developed two activity-based probes (ABPs) that characterize active GSTs in mammalian tissues. The GST active site is composed of a GSH binding “G site” and a substrate binding “H site”. Therefore, we developed (1) a GSH-based photoaffinity probe (GSTABP-G) to target the “G site”, and (2) an ABP designed to mimic a substrate molecule and have “H site” activity (GSTABP-H). The GSTABP-G features a photoreactive moiety for UV-induced covalent binding to GSTs and GSH-binding enzymes. The GSTABP-H is a derivative of a known mechanism-based GST inhibitor that binds within the active site and inhibits GST activity. Validation of probe targets and “G” and “H” site specificity was carried out using a series of competition experiments in the liver. Herein, we present robust tools for the characterization of enzyme- and active site-specific GST activity in mammalian model systems.

The use of plant materials to generate renewable biofuels and other high-value chemicals is the sustainable and preferable option, but will require considerable improvements to increase the rate and efficiency of lignocellulose depolymerization. This review highlights novel and emerging technologies that are being developed and deployed to characterize the process of lignocellulose degradation. The review will also illustrate how microbial communities deconstruct and metabolize lignocellulose by identifying the necessary genes and enzyme activities along with the reaction products. These technologies include multi-omic measurements, cell sorting and isolation, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), activity-based protein profiling, and direct measurement of enzyme activity. The recalcitrant nature of lignocellulose necessitates the need to characterize the methods microbes employ to deconstruct lignocellulose to inform new strategies on how to greatly improve biofuel conversion processes. New technologies are yielding important insights into microbial functions and strategies employed to degrade lignocellulose, providing a mechanistic blueprint in order to advance biofuel production.

In immunoglobulin light-chain (LC) amyloidosis, transient unfolding or unfolding and proteolysis enable aggregation of LC proteins, causing potentially fatal organ damage. A drug that kinetically stabilizes LCs could suppress aggregation; however, LC sequences are variable and have no natural ligands, hindering drug development efforts. We previously identified high-throughput screening hits that bind to a site at the interface between the two variable domains of the LC homodimer. We hypothesized that extending the stabilizers beyond this initially characterized binding site would improve affinity. Here, using protease sensitivity assays, we identified stabilizers that can be divided into four substructures. Some stabilizers exhibit nanomolar EC50 values, a 3000-fold enhancement over the screening hits. Crystal structures reveal a key π–π stacking interaction with a conserved tyrosine residue that was not utilized by the screening hits. These data provide a foundation for developing LC stabilizers with improved binding selectivity and enhanced physicochemical properties.

A direct and scalable route to γ-keto-α,β-unsaturated esters, useful intermediates in medicinal chemistry and natural products synthesis, is reported. The key step involves the use of Grubbs’ second-generation olefin metathesis catalyst for cross-metathesis of alkyl acrylates and 2° allylic alcohols. The metathesis step is followed by oxidation to give the desired products in high yield on scales of up to 25 g.