Publications by authors named "Ralph Hollaus"

Stereoselective synthesis of variably protected α- and β-l-Ara4N glycosyl H-phosphonates as key intermediates in the syntheses of β-l-Ara4N-modified LPS structures and α-l-Ara4N-containing biosynthetic precursors is reported. A facile one-pot approach toward β-l-Ara4N glycosyl H-phosphonates includes anomeric deallylation of protected 4-azido β-l-Ara4N via terminal olefin isomerization followed by ozonolysis and methanolysis of formyl groups to furnish exclusively β-configured lactols that are phosphitylated with retention of configuration. The carbohydrate epitope of β-l-Ara4N-modified Lipid A, βGlcN(1→6)αGlcN(1→P←1)β-l-Ara4N, was stereoselectively synthesized and linked to maleimide-activated bovine serum albumin.

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Modification of the Lipid A phosphates by positively charged appendages is a part of the survival strategy of numerous opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria. The phosphate groups of the cystic fibrosis adapted Burkholderia Lipid A are abundantly esterified by 4-amino-4-deoxy-β-L-arabinose (β-L-Ara4N), which imposes resistance to antibiotic treatment and contributes to bacterial virulence. To establish structural features accounting for the unique pro-inflammatory activity of Burkholderia LPS we have synthesised Lipid A substituted by β-L-Ara4N at the anomeric phosphate and its Ara4N-free counterpart.

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Higher aminosugars are interesting targets in carbohydrate synthesis since these compounds play important roles in biological systems. However, their availability from natural sources is limited. Thus, in order to investigate their biological function, the development of facile and adaptable routes to this class of compounds is of fundamental importance.

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Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease, causing significant psychosocial problems such as anxiety and depression similar to a chronic illness for those afflicted. Currently, obtainable agents for acne treatment have limited use. Thus, development of novel agents to treat this disease is a high medical need.

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Attachment of 4-amino-4-deoxy-l-arabinose to phosphates or sugar hydroxyl groups of lipopolysaccharide contributes to bacterial resistance against common antibiotics. For a detailed study of antigenic properties and binding interactions, Ara4N-containing inner core ligands related to Burkholderia and Proteus LPS have been synthesized in good yields. Glycosylation at position 8 of allyl glycosides of oct-2-ulosonic acids (Ko, Kdo) has been accomplished using an N-phenyltrifluoroacetimidate 4-azido-4-deoxy-l-arabinosyl glycosyl donor followed by azide reduction and global deprotection.

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