A series of novel 1,3-dimethylisocyanurates has been synthesized as potential inhibitors of β-ketoacyl synthase in mycobacteria. Most of the 25 compounds described and tested for their activity against M.tuberculosis have a bacteriostatic effect, comparable and even higher that of first-line antituberculosis drugs. These compounds are nontoxic, species-specific, exhibiting no activity against other bacterial species.

The effects of melafen (plant growth stimulant) on membrane structure and functions of animal cells were studied. The process of signal transduction from cell surface to intracellular structures and conformation changes in membranes in the presence of this substance were studied by light scatter and differential scanning microcalorimetry. Melafen in a wide range of concentrations (10(-13)-10(-3) M) inhibited Ca(2+) signal system involved in the function of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) and Cl(-) channels in Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma cells. Being a hydrophilic substance, melafen had little effect on the lipid phase of artificial membranes, but impaired the function state of transformed cell. The importance of studies of transformed cells causes no doubt because of increasing incidence of diseases associated with uncontrolled cell division.

The effects of growth regulator of the new generation-melamine salt of bis(oxymethyl)phosphine acid (melafen)--on culture growth, pigment and protein content, and the induction of protective chloroplastic chaperone HSP70B in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CW15 cells were studied. Melafen exhibited 10-30% growth inhibition at 10(-9)-10(-2)% concentration. At 10(-9)-10(-4)% of melafen electrophoretic concentration, the pattern of cellular proteins was similar to the control. The alterations in protein content of algae cells were detected only at 10(-2)% concentration. The content of chlorophyll and carotenoids in melafen-treated cells was 17-40% lower than in the control. Melafen at 10(-9)-109-2)% concentration inhibited HSP70B induction by 39-43% compared to untreated cells. The potential mechanism of melafen effect might involve its influence on nuclear gene expression.