The projects outlined in this application are the outgrowth of a synthesis of 5'(R)-(2H1)-adenosine devised by the principal investigator in 1978. Since that time, the chirally labeled adenosine has been utilized to elucidate the stereochemistry of three important enzyme-catalyzed reactions, including the one catalyzed by S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. Future studies of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase will examine the mechanism of action of a new irreversible inhibitor of this enzyme recently prepared in our laboratories. In addition, the biosynthesis of two unusual nucleosides will be investigated. The first of these is the antiviral nucleoside sinefungin. Preliminary evidence obtained in our laboratory supports a hypothesis proposed by investigators at Eli Lilly, namely, that this nucleoside is formed by a novel C-C bond formation between C-5 of ornithine and C-5' of adenosine. The second nucleoside proposed for investigation is the insecticidal compound thuringiensin. The most mechanistically interesting feature of this nucleoside is the presence of an ether linkage between C-5' of adenosine and C-4 of glucose. The biosynthesis of both sinefungin and thuringiensin will be investigated by administration of precursors specifically labeled with either radioactive or stable isotopes to the producing organisms. Precursors that are doubly-labeled either with two radioisotopes or with two stable isotopes will also be used.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM026166-13
Application #
3273668
Study Section
Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section (BNP)
Project Start
1978-12-01
Project End
1992-01-31
Budget Start
1991-02-01
Budget End
1992-01-31
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Rice University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
050299031
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77005