Crystal Structure and Mutagenesis of an XYP Subfamily Cyclodipeptide Synthase Reveal Key Determinants of Enzyme Activity and Substrate Specificity.

Cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs) catalyze the synthesis of diverse cyclodipeptides (CDPs) by utilizing two aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) substrates in a sequential ping-pong reaction mechanism. Numerous CDPSs have been characterized to provide precursors for diketopiperazines (DKPs) with diverse structural characteristics and biological activities. BcmA, belonging to the XYP subfamily, is a cyclo(l-Ile-l-Leu)-synthesizing CDPS involved in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic bicyclomycin.

The haematopoietic effect of Panax japonicus on blood deficiency model mice.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The rhizome of Panax japonicus C. A. Mey.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide LBPF4-OL may be a new Toll-like receptor 4/MD2-MAPK signaling pathway activator and inducer.

Recognition of the utility of the traditional Chinese medicine Lycium barbarum L. has been gradually increasing in Europe and the Americas. Many immunoregulation and antitumor effects of L.

An alternative method for the rapid synthesis of partially O-methylated alditol acetate standards for GC-MS analysis of carbohydrates.

Mixtures of partially O-methylated alditol acetate standards (PMAAs) of Glc, Gal, and Man were synthesized rapidly. Methylation of methyl glycosides was carried out in the presence of BaO/Ba(OH)(2) x 8H(2)O giving rise to mixtures of partially methylated glycosides (PMGs), whose degree of methylation was monitored by TLC. The batch containing the largest mixture of methyl ethers was converted into partially O-methylated alditol acetate derivatives (PMAAs), via successive hydrolysis, reduction, and acetylation, and then subjected to GC and GC-MS analysis.