In studying the evolution of organic chemistry and grasping its essence, one comes quickly to the conclusion that no other type of reaction plays as large a role in shaping this domain of science than carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. The Grignard, Diels-Alder, and Wittig reactions are but three prominent examples of such processes, and are among those which have undeniably exercised decisi...

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Lee et al. show that Neuropsora crassa uses several Dicer-dependent and -independent pathways to generate miRNA-like RNAs and small-interfering RNAs. Their studies expand the known small RNA biogenesis pathways and suggest the existence of others that are yet to be discovered.

The engineering of proteins can illuminate their biological function and improve their performance in a variety of applications. Within the past decade, methods have been developed that facilitate the ability of chemists to manipulate proteins in a controlled manner. Here, we present the traceless Staudinger ligation as a strategy for the convergent chemical synthesis of proteins. This reaction...

A one-pot synthesis of (S)-(-)-propranolol is reported. Zn(NO3)2/(+)-tartaric acid catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of (S)-(-)-propranolol via kinetic resolution of key intermediate ?-naphthyl glycidyl ether with high optical and chemical yield.

The first chemical incorporation of the boronic acid group into DNA using a copper-free click reagent was reported. Compared with the PCR-based method, this approach allows for site-specific incorporation and synthesis on a larger scale.

Two-phase flow microfluidics is emerging as a popular technology for a wide range of applications involving high throughput such as encapsulation, chemical synthesis and biochemical assays. Within this platform, the formation and merging of droplets inside an immiscible carrier fluid are two key procedures: (i) the emulsification step should lead to a very well controlled drop size (distributio...

The chemical synthesis of carbacyclopamine analog 2, a cyclopamine analog with an all-carbon E-ring, is reported. The use of C-H-functionalization logic and further metal-catalyzed transformations allows for a concise entry to this new class of acid-stable cyclopamine analogs.

The advantages and disadvantages of existing approaches to the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) are discussed focusing on large-scale methods. The liquid phase and solid supported synthesis and the synthesis on soluble polymers are discussed. Different problems concerning the methods and implementation of the ODN synthesis are outlined depending on goals of using target oligomers.

Laminaribiose, which is the simplest -(1,3)-glucan, is one of the most powerful agents able to increase germination. Its chemical synthesis was revised in detail starting from peracylated donors and easily available glucofuranose protected by acetal groups in the presence of appropriated catalyst and/or promoter. We particularly focused our attention on the nature of the Lewis acid generally re...