Structure of RNase Sa2 complexes with mononucleotides--new aspects of catalytic reaction and substrate recognition.

Although the mechanism of RNA cleavage by RNases has been studied for many years, there remain aspects that have not yet been fully clarified. We have solved the crystal structures of RNase Sa2 in the apo form and in complexes with mononucleotides. These structures provide more details about the mechanism of RNA cleavage by RNase Sa2.

CIAT with simultaneous epimerization at two stereocenters. Synthesis of substituted beta-methyl-alpha-homophenylalanines.

Diastereoselective aza-Michael additions of phenylethylamine to 3-aroylbutenoic acids are reported. During these processes, efficient control over two new stereogenic centers on the Michael acceptor has been possible via crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation (CIAT). As an application, a convenient two-step synthesis of anti-beta-methylhomophenylalanines is also described.