William J. Drury

Catalytic, Enantioselective Alkylations of N,O- and N, N-Acetals and Hemiacetals

Abstract We report the first examples of catalytic, enantioselective alkylation of N,O-acetals to produce useful amino acid derivatives 5 in high yield (73–93%) and enantioselectivity (70–96%). We have extended the utility of our reaction to include a simple one-pot procedure from readily available starting materials. We also provide several different N-based protecting groups that greatly increase the flexibility of the reaction. In addition, we have elucidated novel mechanistic information including the discovery of unique transilylations that start off the catalytic reactions of enol silane nucleophiles with N,O-acetals. These details will guide us in further explorations of the reactions scope and utility.

Analysis of Serotonin N-Acetyltransferase Regulation in Vitro and in Live Cells Using Protein Semisynthesis

Serotonin N-acetyltransferase [arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT)] is a key circadian rhythm enzyme that drives the nocturnal production of melatonin in the pineal. Prior studies have suggested that its light and diurnal regulation involves phosphorylation on key AANAT Ser and Thr residues which results in 14-3-3zeta recruitment and changes in catalytic activity and protein stability. Here we use protein semisynthesis by expressed protein ligation to systematically explore the effects of single and dual phosphorylation of AANAT on acetyltransferase activity and relative affinity for 14-3-3zeta. AANAT Thr31 phosphorylation on its own can enhance catalytic efficiency up to 7-fold through an interaction with 14-3-3zeta that lowers the substrate K m. This augmented catalytic profile is largely abolished by double phosphorylation at Thr31 and Ser205. A possible basis for this difference is the dual anchoring of doubly phosphorylated AANAT via one 14-3-3zeta heterodimer. We have developed a novel solution phase assay for accurate K D measurements of 14-3-3zeta-AANAT interaction using 14-3-3zeta fluorescently labeled with rhodamine by expressed protein ligation. We have also generated a doubly fluorescently labeled AANAT which can be used to assess the stability of this protein in a live cell, real-time assay by fluorescence resonance energy transfer measured by microscopic imaging. These studies offer new insights into the molecular basis of melatonin regulation and 14-3-3zeta interaction.