Ectoine biosynthesis genes from the deep sea halophilic eubacteria, Bacillus clausii NIOT-DSB04: Its molecular and biochemical characterization.

Ectoine, the most prominent osmolyte in nature, is a vital compatible solute present in halophilic bacterium. It protects the cellular biomolecules of the halophilic bacteria and retains their intrinsic function from extreme circumstances. In the current research, ectoine biosynthesis gene cluster (ectABC) in Bacillus clausii NIOT-DSB04 was expressed heterologically in E.

Synthesis and SAR study of novel anticancer and antimicrobial naphthoquinone amide derivatives.

A series of novel naphthoquinone amide derivatives of the bioactive quinones, plumbagin, juglone, menadione and lawsone, with various amino acids were synthesized. The compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, Mass, IR and elemental analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against HeLa and SAS cancer cell lines and 3D-QSAR indicated the presence of electron donating group near sulphur enhanced the activity against HeLa cells.

Vapor-phase toxicity of Derris scandens Benth.-derived constituents against four stored-product pests.

The vapor-phase toxicity of Derris scandens Benth.-derived constituents was evaluated against four stored-product pests ( Callosobruchus chinensis L., Sitophilus oryzae L.

Synthesis and insect antifeedant activity of plumbagin derivatives with the amino acid moiety.

A series of plumbagin derivatives (4a-4k) containing an amino acid moiety were synthesized under mild esterification conditions in excellent yields (35%-80%) and screened for their antifeedant activities in tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) and castor semilooper (Achaea janata) using a no-choice laboratory bioassay. The parent compound plumbagin lacked significant activity, but the analogues were effective in reducing feeding by two insect species. The introduction of an N-acetyl-l-amino acid side chain to the Michael adduct of plumbagin at the third position of the quinone moiety significantly increased antifeedant activity.