Richard W. Burg

Chaetomella acutiseta produces chaetomellic acids A and B which are reversible inhibitors of farnesyl-protien transferase

Chaetomellic acids A and B, isolated from Chaetomella acutiseta, are specific inhibitors of farnesyl-protein transferase that do not inhibit geranylgeranyl transferase type 1 or squalene synthase. Chaetomellic acids A and B are reversible inhibitors, resemble farnesyl diphosphate and probably inhibit FPTase by substituting for farnesyl diphosphate. Chaetomellic acid production appears to be widespread within the genus Chaetomella.

Metabolic studies on diphenylsulfone derivatives in chick macrophages

Abstract The activity of 1-[4-(4-sulfanilyl)phenyl]urea, a compound previously found to decrease visceral lesions and mortality in chickens infected with Mareks disease virus, was investigated using chick peritoneal macrophages. The material showed no effect on the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA or protein but markedly inhibited the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. The site of action in this pathway was determined to be subsequent to the formation of phosphorylcholine, and on the steps involving the synthesis of either cytidinediphosphate choline or phosphatidyl choline. Several derivatives of diphenylsulfone were also examined for their effects on choline incorporation. The analogues that were found to be active in the macrophage system in vitro closely paralleled those that were found to be active in the Mareks disease assay in vivo .