Enzymatic synthesis of N-Acylethanolamines: Direct method for the aminolysis of esters.

Immobilized Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435) catalyzed synthesis of N-acylethanolamines is described. Treatment of methyl esters with lipase and amines yielded the desired amides within 2-24 hrs with yields ranging from 41-98%.

Biochemical and mass spectrometric characterization of human N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibition.

The mechanism of inactivation of human enzyme N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (hNAAA), with selected inhibitors identified in a novel fluorescent based assay developed for characterization of both reversible and irreversible inhibitors, was investigated kinetically and using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). 1-Isothiocyanatopentadecane (AM9023) was found to be a potent, selective and reversible hNAAA inhibitor, while two others, 5-((biphenyl-4-yl)methyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2H-tetrazole-2-carboxamide (AM6701) and N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-serine β-lactone (N-Cbz-serine β-lactone), inhibited hNAAA in a covalent and irreversible manner. MS analysis of the hNAAA/covalent inhibitor complexes identified modification only of the N-terminal cysteine (Cys126) of the β-subunit, confirming a suggested mechanism of hNAAA inactivation by the β-lactone containing inhibitors.

Application of Chemoenzymatic Hydrolysis in the Synthesis of 2-Monoacylglycerols.

The selective biocatalyzed synthesis of 2-monoacylglycerols (2-MAGs) through the use of commercially available immobilized Candida antarctica (Novozym435) and Rhizomucor miehei is explored. Reactions at room temperature result in the formation of a 2-MAG and a corresponding ethyl ester of the fatty acid with immobilized Candida antarctica within 2h with yields ranging from 36%-83%. Similar reaction conditions with immobilized Rhizomucor miehei yielded exclusively the 2-MAG after 24h with yields ranging from 37% to 88%.

Mass spectrometric characterization of human N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase.

N-Acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) is a lysosomal enzyme that primarily degrades palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), a lipid amide that inhibits inflammatory responses. We developed a HEK293 cell line stably expressing the NAAA pro-enzyme (zymogen) and a single step chromatographic purification of the protein from the media. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the zymogen (47.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, An Endogenous Ligand for Cannabinoid Receptors.

A simple and efficient synthesis of 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, an endogenous agonist for cannabinoid receptors was achieved using Novozym 435, immobilized lipase from Candida Antarctica.