“Synthesis, Characterization, and in vivo Distribution of Intracellular Delivered Macrolide Short-Chain Fatty Acid Derivatives” is the title of the most recent paper published by our Chemistry Department, a team effort lead by Simon Straß.
Keeping the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the gut environment is crucial for a healthy and protected gut. A major role in this is the sensing of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs derive mostly from bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre and have a wide range of effects in immune regulation. We hypothesized that intracellular and lysosomal receptors may assist a monocyte or other phagocytotic cells in sensing danger signals and that SCFA detected in the lysosome could indicate that an anaerobic organism has been encountered. Our new set of compounds was designed to target lysosomal compartments of immune cells and deliver free SCFAs. Each compound can donate three SCFA equivalents via ester hydrolysis via six intermediate metabolites. We were able to track and quantify these metabolites and show specific hydrolysis patterns. This new class of immune cell targeted compounds are planned to be used against inflammatory bowel disease.
Read more here: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com