Soybean (Glycine max) as a versatile biocatalyst for organic synthesis

A series of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and ketones were reduced using plant cell preparations of Glycine max seeds (soybean). The biotransformation of five aromatic aldehydes in water, at room temperature afforded the corresponding alcohols in excellent yields varying from 89 to 100%. Two prochiral aromatic ketones yielded the alcohol in very low conversion, 1% and to 4%; however with good enantiomeric excess (ee) of 99 and 79%, respectively. Additionally, three prochiral and one cyclic aliphatic ketones produced the corresponding alcohols in moderate yields varying from 10 to 58% and ee varying from 73 to 99%. Hydrolysis of two aromatic esters yielded the expected carboxylic acids in 49 and 66%. Most of the obtained alcohols have commercial value as cosmetic fragrances. Although, the enzymes present in soybean (reductase/lipase) has not been defined, the reaction is an important route for the preparation of pure alcohols and carboxylic acid, with low cost and environmental impact.Keywords: Glycine max, biocatalysis, bioreduction, aldehydes and ketones, ester hydrolysi

Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de Próton como Ferramenta Analítica para Avaliação da Conversão em Ésteres Metílicos

The objective of the work was to produce biodiesel from soybean, babassu, and frying oils using two methodologies and to evaluate the use of proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance as an analytical tool for assessing the conversion into methyl esters. Biodiesel samples were produced by transesterification. According to the results, the 2nd methodology contributes to the increase of conversion into methyl esters in the order of 22.14% (BOS), 2.64% (BOB), and 10.16% (BOF). 1H NMR was efficacy in determining the conversions into methyl esters, obtaining the same trend as the gas chromatography, as well as in the analysis of the fatty acid profiles of the raw materials, indicating a difference in the intensity of the signals in the regions ~ 4.1 – 4.3 and ~ 5.3 ppm.O objetivo do trabalho foi produzir biodiesel a partir dos óleos de soja, babaçu e fritura, utilizando duas metodologias, e avaliar o uso da Ressonância Magnética Nuclear de próton como ferramenta para avaliação da conversão em ésteres metílicos. As amostras foram produzidas por transesterificação. De acordo com os resultados, a 2ª metodologia contribui para o aumento da conversão na ordem de 22,14% (BOS), 2,64% (BOB) e 10,16% (BOF). A RMN 1H foi eficaz na determinação das conversões em ésteres metílicos, obtendo-se a mesma tendência dos resultados da cromatografia a gás, bem como na análise dos perfis dos ácidos graxos das matérias-primas, indicando diferença de intensidade dos sinais em ~ 4,1 – 4,3 e ~ 5,3 ppm

Loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked biglycan gene cause a severe syndromic form of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, but rare X-linked families have been described. So far, the only known X-linked gene is FLNA, which is associated with the periventricular nodular heterotopia type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. However, mutations in this gene explain only a small number of X-linked TAAD families. We performed targeted resequencing of 368 candidate genes in a cohort of 11 molecularly unexplained Marfan probands. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing of BGN in 360 male and 155 female molecularly unexplained TAAD probands was performed. We found five individuals with loss-of-function mutations in BGN encoding the small leucine-rich proteoglycan biglycan. The clinical phenotype is characterized by early-onset aortic aneurysm and dissection. Other recurrent findings include hypertelorism, pectus deformity, joint hypermobility, contractures, and mild skeletal dysplasia. Fluorescent staining revealed an increase in TGF-β signaling, evidenced by an increase in nuclear pSMAD2 in the aortic wall. Our results are in line with those of prior reports demonstrating that Bgn-deficient male BALB/cA mice die from aortic rupture. In conclusion, BGN gene defects in humans cause an X-linked syndromic form of severe TAAD that is associated with preservation of elastic fibers and increased TGF-β signaling.Genet Med 19 4, 386-395

Zingiber officinale

Various vegetables as biological catalysts were evaluated in enantioselective reduction of carbonyl compounds. The stereoselectivity of the process was in agreement with Prelog's rule for twelve of the vegetables, whereas okra and green peppers formed anti-Prelog products. Zingiber officinale exhibited the best results with 30% conversion and 89% ee. The parameters of the reaction such as time, solvent and other substrates investigated, as well as the specie, showed good chemo- and enantioselectivity

CEP290 Mutations Are Frequently Identified in the Oculo-Renal Form of Joubert Syndrome–Related Disorders

Joubert syndrome–related disorders (JSRDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions that share a midbrain-hindbrain malformation, the molar tooth sign (MTS) visible on brain imaging, with variable neurological, ocular, and renal manifestations. Mutations in the CEP290 gene were recently identified in families with the MTS-related neurological features, many of which showed oculo-renal involvement typical of Senior-Löken syndrome (JSRD-SLS phenotype). Here, we performed comprehensive CEP290-mutation analysis on two nonoverlapping cohorts of JSRD-affected patients with a proven MTS. We identified mutations in 19 of 44 patients with JSRD-SLS. The second cohort consisted of 84 patients representing the spectrum of other JSRD subtypes, with mutations identified in only two patients. The data suggest that CEP290 mutations are frequently encountered and are largely specific to the JSRD-SLS subtype. One patient with mutation displayed complete situs inversus, confirming the clinical and genetic overlap between JSRDs and other ciliopathies