The use of a cysteinyl prolyl ester (CPE) autoactivating unit in peptide ligation reactions

A peptide containing a cysteinyl prolyl ester (CPE) moiety at the C-terminus (CPE peptide) is spontaneously transformed into a diketopiperazine thioester via an intramolecular N-S acyl shift reaction, followed by diketopiperazine formation. The CPE peptide can be ligated with a Cys-peptide in a one-pot procedure. The peptide diketopiperazine thioester can also be transformed into a peptide thioester by intermolecular thiol-thioester exchange with external thiol compounds such as sodium mercaptoethanesulfonate. Since CPE peptides can be prepared by standard Fmoc solid-phase synthesis, it is a versatile alternative to the peptide thioester, providing a flexible ligation strategy that promises to be useful in polypeptide synthesis.     

Peptide thioester preparation based on an N-S acyl shift reaction mediated by a thiol ligation auxiliary

Formation of peptide thioesters, based on an N to S acyl shift mediated by an auxiliary, N-4,5-dimethoxy-2-mercaptobenzyl (Dmmb) group, under acidic conditions, is described. The protected peptide was assembled on a hydroxymethylphenylacetamidomethyl resin via an N-Dmmb-amino acid residue according to standard Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis following treatment with trifluoroacetic acid. The peptide α-thioester was released from the resin by reaction with 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid in the presence of N,N-diisopropylethylamine.     

Rapid, high-yield, solid-phase synthesis of the antitumor antibiotic sansalvamide A using a side-chain-tethered phenylalanine building block

A 10-step solid-phase synthesis of the cytotoxic depsipeptide sansalvamide A (1) has been accomplished in an overall yield of 67% with >95% purity employing polymer-bound phenylalanine building block 2. Both the N- and C-termini of 2 are extended followed by on-resin head-to-tail macrocyclization of the linear peptide in a high yield. This should be a general stategy for the synthesis of diverse libraries of cyclic peptides and depsipeptides that contain exclusively phenylalanine and other hydrophobic side chains.     

Rapid Total Synthesis of Cyclic Lipodepsipeptides as a Premise to Investigate their Self‐Assembly and Biological Activity

A rapid and efficient total synthesis is reported for the cyclic lipodepsipeptide pseudodesmin A. This member of the Pseudomonas viscosin group is active against Gram‐positive bacteria and features self‐assembling properties. A conserved serine residue within the lactone macrocycle is exploited for initial immobilization on 2‐chlorotrityl chloride resin through ether formation with the side‐chain alcohol. Subsequent elongation proceeds through Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis, including automated incorporation of the enantioselectively synthesized (R)‐3‐hydroxydecanoic acid lipid tail. Following esterification to generate the incipient lactone bond, the macrocycle is formed by on‐resin head‐to‐tail macrolactamization and cleaved from the resin to give the desired compound in good purity. The short and efficient synthesis route allows rapid generation of analogues by facile variation of both the peptide and lipid moieties with good control of epimerization while maximizing automation. Synthesis of the pseudodesmin A enantiomer yields identical self‐assembly and biological activity to that observed for the natural compound, showing that activity is not mediated by chiral interactions. A D ‐Asn8 analogue developed en route retains self‐assembly, but loses activity. The synthesis strategy should be generally applicable for the rapid generation of analogues from various cyclic lipodepsipeptide groups, allowing an investigation of their self‐assembling properties and structure–activity relationships.     

Solid-phase synthesis of asymmetrically branched sequence-defined poly/oligo(amidoamines)

We present for the first time the synthesis of asymmetrically branched sequence-defined poly/oligo(amidoamines) (PAAs) using solid-phase synthesis with the capability of introducing diversity at the side chains. We introduce two new versatile (diethylenetriamine) building blocks for solid-phase synthesis bearing Fmoc/Boc and Fmoc/Alloc protecting groups expanding recently used Fmoc/Boc protecting group strategy for linear PAAs to an Fmoc/Alloc/Boc strategy. This allows for orthogonal on-resin cleavage of Fmoc and Alloc protecting groups during solid-phase synthesis of PAAs with backbones differing in chain length and sequence. With these structures we then demonstrate the potential for generating asymmetrical branching by automated multiple on-resin cleavage of Alloc protecting groups as well as the introduction of side chains varying in length and number. Such systems have high potential as nonviral vectors for gene delivery and will allow for more detailed studies on the correlation between the degree of branching of PAAs and their resulting biological properties.     

On-resin cyclization and antimicrobial activity of Laterocidin and its analogues

Total synthesis of cyclodecapeptide antibiotics from Bacillus laterosporus, laterocidin and its analogues, was accomplished for the first time by solid-phase peptide synthesis followed by traceless on-resin cyclization of the linear precursors with protection of α-carboxyl group on the Asp residue by Dmab as a temporary blocking group for on-resin head-to-tail cyclization, in which the carboxyl group of side chain of Asp was linked to Rink resin. Single alanine substitution or Asn substitution (Asp¹⁰→Asn¹⁰) demonstrated improvements in antibacterial activity. Of note, d-Phe² and Pro⁴ play an important role in on-resin head-to-tail cyclization and exerting antibacterial activity of Laterocidin.     

On-resin cyclization of a head-to-tail cyclopeptide using an allyldimethylsilyl polystyrene resin pre-loaded by metathesis

Here, we report the solid-phase synthesis of a 17-mer cyclopeptide which is expected to have anti-angiogenic properties. The peptidic synthesis is performed on an allyldimethylsilyl polystyrene support loaded by metathesis with a conveniently functionalized d-Tyrosine amino acid. The linear peptide was assembled by standard Fmoc chemistry and on-resin cyclization was enabled after selective deprotection of the C-terminal group with 2% hydrazine/DMF at room temperature. Final cleavage was realized under mild acidic conditions allowing to obtain a cyclopeptide under partially protected form.     

N-Alkyl cysteine-assisted thioesterification of peptides

A new method for the preparation of peptide thioester by the post-solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) approach was developed. A series of N-alkyl cysteine derivatives were prepared and used as the C-terminus residue of the peptides prepared by the Fmoc SPPS. The synthetic peptides released from resin by TFA were readily converted to the peptide thioester in aqueous 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) without significant side reactions.     

The potential of N-alkoxymethyl groups as peptide backbone protectants

In this study, the potential of N-alkoxymethyl groups as protectants for the peptide backbone has been investigated. These groups were found to be compatible with the standard conditions of Fmoc/^tBu SPPS, and can be cleaved off from the peptide backbone by acids. Thus, backbone N-alkoxymethyl groups may be useful to prevent undesired side-reactions and/or interchain aggregation during peptide elongation on the solid-phase. However, the main issue for their application as protecting groups is the difficulty to incorporate them into the peptide backbone.     

Synthesis of cyclic peptides through hydroxyl side-chain anchoring

A general method was developed for the synthesis of serine or threonine containing cyclic peptides utilizing the β-hydroxyl side-chain of these residues as an anchor point to Wang resin. The peptide chain was assembled by conventional Fmoc/tBu solid-phase chemistry followed by palladium catalyzed exposure of the allyl protected C-terminus group and on-resin cyclization. The cyclic heptapeptide stylostatin 1 was prepared to demonstrate the utility of this technique.     

Investigation for the cyclization efficiency of linear tetrapeptides: Synthesis of tentoxin B and dihydrotentoxin

Investigation of the cyclization efficiency of N-methyl linear tetrapeptides using a molecular modeling study and chemical synthesis is described. The linear peptide with two N-methyl groups, MeAla-Leu-MePhe-Gly, forms γ-turn like conformation with the amine at N-terminus and the carbonyl at C-terminus in closer proximity to give the desired cyclic tetrapeptide, dihydrotentoxin. In addition, synthesis of tentoxin B by the combination of Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution phase has been reported. An unusual amino acid, an L-N-methyl-β-hydroxyphenylalanine derivative, which was assembled on solid support, was prepared from ethyl cinnamate. Cyclic tetrapeptide formation and cleavage of benzyl ether were optimized with DIPCI/HOBt/DIPEA and Et₃SiH/Pd(OH)₂, respectively.     

New cyclic RGD peptides: synthesis,characterization, and theoretical activity towards αvβ3 integrin

Two new cyclic RGD peptides were prepared using a click chemistry approach. The linear RGDfV peptide was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis using a 9-fluorenylmetoxicarbonyl (Fmoc) strategy and a 2-chlorotrityl chloride resin. After coupling 5-hexynoic acid the peptide was cleaved from the resin and linked to propargylamine. The bis-alkynyl RGDfV peptide was then reacted with two different bis-azides by treatment with copper iodide and triethylamine. These two cyclic RGD peptides were characterized by NMR and HRMS. In order to evaluate the interaction of these new compounds with integrin α_vβ₃ docking experiments were carried out and the results compared with those obtained with cyclo(RGDf[N–Me]V) (Cilengitide). The two new cyclic RGD peptides showed a higher affinity to the α_vβ₃ integrin when compared with Cilengitide thus representing two new potential integrin α_vβ₃ antagonists.     

High-pressure-promoted Fmoc-aminoacylation of N-ethylcysteine: preparation of key devices for the solid-phase synthesis of peptide thioesters

In this study synthesis of Fmoc-aminoacyl-N-ethyl-S-triphenylmethylcysteine, a new N→S acyl migratory device for the preparation of peptide thioesters by Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is described. Condensation of Fmoc-aminoacyl fluoride and N-ethyl-S-triphenylmethylcysteine allyl ester, readily prepared from known S-triphenylmethylcysteine allyl ester, was efficiently promoted in CH₂Cl₂ under high-pressure (800 MPa). When the reaction was performed with the additive DIEA, considerable epimerization at the chiral centers occurred, affording a mixture of diastereomers. When the preparation procedure for N-ethyl-S-triphenylmethylcysteine allyl ester was changed and the additive DIEA in the high-pressure reaction was excluded, Fmoc-aminoacyl-N-ethyl-S-triphenylmethylcysteines was obtained as a single stereoisomer without epimerization. The Fmoc-l-leucine adduct thus prepared was deallylated and used for the SPPS of a known decapeptide. A remarkable increase (44%) in the overall yield of the decapeptidethioester was achieved, compared to the 7% obtained by the stepwise on-resin Leu-Cys condensation method.     

Synthesis of a Tyr-octreotate conjugated closo-carborane [HC2B10H10]: a potential compound for boron neutron capture therapy

A novel Tyr³-octreotate conjugated closo-carborane as a potential compound for boron neutron capture therapy was obtained via Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis. The boron cluster [C₂B₁₀H₁₁] was introduced through the reaction of 6,9-bis(acetonitrile)decaborane and 5-hexynoic acid yielding a new closo-carborane conjugated carboxylic acid which was coupled subsequently with solid phase conjugated Tyr³-octreotate. The final boron-containing peptide was purified by preparative reverse phase HPLC and structural identity was proved applying MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.     

Synthesis of new ribosylated Asn building blocks as useful tools for glycopeptide and glycoprotein synthesis

We performed the first synthesis of new Asn derivatives bearing α- or β-ribose as pure anomers, linked by an N-glycosidic bond, on the side chain of the Asn residue orthogonally protected for Fmoc/^tBu SPPS, by an efficient five-step strategy with a global yield of 73% starting from d-ribose. These building blocks are obtained in a large scale and can be useful tools for glycopeptide and glycoproteins synthesis.     

N-Nosyl-α-amino acids in solution phase peptide synthesis

A highly efficient and practical synthesis of peptides in solution phase has been developed. The procedure is based on the use of p-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (nosyl) group for the protection of the amino function of α-amino acids. Every step of the procedure, protection of the amino function by the nosyl group, formation of the peptide bond, and removal of the sulfonamide group, is characterized by high yields and excellent purity of the final products. The described strategy allows the preparation of short peptide sequences keeping the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors. Compatibility of nosyl group with the side-chain protecting groups used in Fmoc-based strategy is demonstrated. The method here presented is an alternative strategy that could provide advantages for future peptide synthesis.     

A total synthesis of a highly N-methylated cyclodepsipeptide [2S,3S-Hmp]-aureobasidin L using solid-phase methods

[2S,3S-Hmp]-Aureobasidin L 2 has been successfully synthesised through a combination of solution- and solid-phase peptide synthesis. All of the Fmoc-protected residues including a depsidipeptide, Fmoc-MeVal-Hmp-OH, were prepared in solution phase. Chain elongation on chlorotrityl resin was undertaken using selected coupling reagents including HBTU/HOBt, HATU/HOAt and BTC/collidine. Cleavage of the linear depsinonapeptide was followed by cyclisation to give the desired cyclodepsipeptide.     

Solid phase library synthesis of cyclic depsipeptides: aurilide and aurilide analogues

A solid-phase combinatorial synthesis approach toward the cyclic depsipeptide aurilide (1) and related analogues is described. The peptide moiety 2 was assembled on trityl linker-functionalized SynPhase Crowns using an Fmoc strategy. Optimization of the tetrapeptide assembly 5 was carried out using parallel multiple synthesis and LC/MS analysis. The aliphatic moiety 3a was coupled with the solid-supported 2 using DIC/HOBt. Following deprotection and cleavage of linear precursor 26, macrocyclization was achieved under high dilution conditions. Removal of the methylthiomethyl protecting group provided aurilide (1) in 11% overall yield. Synthesis of a combinatorial library of aurilide derivatives 4 was accomplished with a similar protocol using the TranSort technique.     

Solid-phase synthesis of a cyclodepsipeptide: cotransin

The first solid-phase synthesis of cotransin--a cyclic depsipeptide having high pharmacological potential--was achieved, by a proper choice of coupling reagents and use of either TBAF or DBU for Fmoc removal to suppress the otherwise dominating, sequence-derived diketopiperazine formation. Starting the assembly from C-terminal lactic acid allowed fast and epimerization-free cyclization in solution. Novel conditions for orthogonal use of the Fmoc/Bsmoc-protection system were discovered, and an unexpected nucleophilic behavior of DBU was observed.     

A biocompatible stapling reaction for in situ generation of constrained peptides

Constrained peptides are promising next-generation therapeutics. Peptide stapling is a particularly attractive technique to generate constrained macrocycles with improved biological activity and metabolic stability. We introduce a biocompatible two-component stapling approach based on the reagent 2,6-dicyanopyridine and a pseudo-cysteine amino acid. Stapling can proceed either directly on-resin during solid-phase synthesis or following isolation of the linear peptide. The stapling reaction is orthogonal to natural amino acid side chains and completes in aqueous solution at physiological pH, enabling its direct use in biochemical assays. We performed a small screening campaign of short peptides targeting the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3, allowing the direct comparison of linear with in situ stapled peptides. A stapled screening hit showed over 28-fold stronger inhibition than its linear analogue, demonstrating the successful identification of constrained peptide inhibitors.

A synthetically straightforward and biocompatible peptide-stapling strategy that can be used directly in biochemical assays to identify constrained enzyme inhibitors.