Selective small molecules blocking HIV-1 tat and coactivator PCAF association
Development of drug resistance from mutations in the targeted viral proteins leads to continuation of viral production by chronically infected cells, contributing to HIV-mediated immune dysfunction. Targeting a host cell protein essential for viral reproduction, rather than a viral protein, may minimize the viral drug resistance problem as observed with HIV protease inhibitors. We report here the development of a novel class of N1-aryl-propane-1,3-diamine compounds using a structure-based approach that selectively inhibit the activity of the bromodomain of the human transcriptional co-activator PCAF, of which association with the HIV trans-activator Tat is essential for transcription and replication of the integrated HIV provirus. Copyright
Structural optimization of Zn(II)-activated magnetic resonance imaging probes
We report the structural optimization and mechanistic investigation of a series of bioactivated magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents that transform from low relaxivity to high relaxivity in the presence of Zn(II). The change in relaxivity results from a structural transformation of the complex that alters the coordination environment about the Gd(III) center. Here, we have performed a series of systematic modifications to determine the structure that provides the optimal change in relaxivity in response to the presence of Zn(II). Relaxivity measurements in the presence and absence of Zn(II) were used in conjunction with measurements regarding water access (namely, number of water molecules bound) to the Gd(III) center and temperature-dependent 13C NMR spectroscopy to determine how the coordination environment about the Gd(III) center is affected by the distance between the Zn(II)-binding domain and the Gd(III) chelate, the number of functional groups on the Zn(II)-binding domain, and the presence of Zn(II). The results of this study provide valuable insight into the design principles for future bioactivated magnetic resonance probes.
Matosziuk, Lauren M.,Leibowitz, Jonathan H.,Heffern, Marie C.,Macrenaris, Keith W.,Ratner, Mark A.,Meade, Thomas J.