Nanomolar binding of peptides containing noncanonical amino acids by a synthetic receptor

This paper describes the molecular recognition of phenylalanine derivatives and their peptides by the synthetic receptor cucurbit[7]uril (Q7). The 4-tert-butyl and 4-aminomethyl derivatives of phenylalanine (tBuPhe and AMPhe) were identified from a screen to have 20-30-fold higher affinity than phenylalanine for Q7. Placement of these residues at the N-terminus of model tripeptides (X-Gly-Gly), resulted in no change in affinity for tBuPhe-Gly-Gly, but a remarkable 500-fold increase in affinity for AMPhe-Gly-Gly, which bound to Q7 with an equilibrium dissociation constant (K(d)) value of 0.95 nM in neutral phosphate buffer. Structure-activity studies revealed that three functional groups work in a positively cooperative manner to achieve this extraordinary stability (1) the N-terminal ammonium group, (2) the side chain ammonium group, and (3) the peptide backbone. Addition of the aminomethyl group to Phe substantially improved the selectivity for peptide versus amino acid and for an N-terminal vs nonterminal position. Importantly, Q7 binds to N-terminal AMPhe several orders of magnitude more tightly than any of the canonical amino acid residues. The high affinity, single-site selectivity, and small modification in this system make it attractive for the development of minimal affinity tags.     

Sequence-specific recognition and cooperative dimerization of N-terminal aromatic peptides in aqueous solution by a synthetic host

This article describes the selective recognition and noncovalent dimerization of N-terminal aromatic peptides in aqueous solution by the synthetic host compound, cucurbit[8]uril (Q8). Q8 is known to bind two aromatic guests simultaneously and, in the presence of methyl viologen, to recognize N-terminal tryptophan over internal and C-terminal sequence isomers. Here, the binding of Q8 to aromatic peptides in the absence of methyl viologen was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The peptides studied were of sequence X-Gly-Gly, Gly-X-Gly, and Gly-Gly-X (X = Trp, Phe, Tyr, and His). Q8 selectively binds and dimerizes Trp-Gly-Gly (1) and Phe-Gly-Gly (4) with high affinity (ternary K = 10(9)-10(11) M(-)(2)); binding constants for the other 10 peptides were too small to be measured by ITC. Both peptides bound in a stepwise manner, and peptide 4 bound with positive cooperativity. Crystal structures of Q8.1 and Q8.4(2) reveal the basis for selective recognition as simultaneous inclusion of the hydrophobic aromatic side chain into the cavity of Q8 and chelation of the proximal N-terminal ammonium group by carbonyl groups of Q8. The peptide sequence selectivity and positively cooperative dimerization reported here are, to the best of our knowledge, unprecedented for synthetic hosts in aqueous solution. Specific peptide recognition and dimerization by synthetic hosts such as Q8 should be important in the study of dimer-mediated biochemical processes and for the separation of peptides and proteins.     

Charge-mediated recognition of N-terminal tryptophan in aqueous solution by a synthetic host

The molecular recognition of peptides and proteins in aqueous solution by designed molecules remains an elusive goal with broad implications for basic biochemical research and for sensors and separations technologies. This paper describes the recognition of N-terminal tryptophan in aqueous solution by the synthetic host cucurbit[8]uril (Q8). Q8 is known to form 1:1:1 heteroternary complexes with methyl viologen (MV) and a second aromatic guest. Here, the complexes of Q8.MV with (i) the four natural aromatic alpha-amino acids, (ii) four singly charged tryptophan derivatives, and (iii) four tryptophan-containing tripeptides were characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry, mass spectrometry, and UV-visible, fluorescence, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. We find that Q8.MV binds Trp-Gly-Gly with high affinity (K(a) = 1.3 x 10(5) M(-1)), with 6-fold specificity over Gly-Trp-Gly, and with 40-fold specificity over Gly-Gly-Trp. Analysis of the nine indole-containing compounds suggests that peptide recognition is mediated by the electrostatic charge(s) proximal to the indole, and that the mode of binding is consistent for these compounds. Complex formation is accompanied by the growth of a visible charge-transfer band and the quenching of indole fluorescence. These optical properties, combined with the stability and selectivity of this system, are promising for applications in sensing and separating specific peptides.     

A Binary Bivalent Supramolecular Assembly Platform Based on Cucurbit[8]uril and Dimeric Adapter Protein 14‐3‐3

Interactions between proteins frequently involve recognition sequences based on multivalent binding events. Dimeric 14‐3‐3 adapter proteins are a prominent example and typically bind partner proteins in a phosphorylation‐dependent mono‐ or bivalent manner. Herein we describe the development of a cucurbit[8]uril (Q8)‐based supramolecular system, which in conjunction with the 14‐3‐3 protein dimer acts as a binary and bivalent protein assembly platform. We fused the phenylalanine–glycine–glycine (FGG) tripeptide motif to the N‐terminus of the 14‐3‐3‐binding epitope of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) for selective binding to Q8. Q8‐induced dimerization of the ERα epitope augmented its affinity towards 14‐3‐3 through a binary bivalent binding mode. The crystal structure of the Q8‐induced ternary complex revealed molecular insight into the multiple supramolecular interactions between the protein, the peptide, and Q8.     

瓜环对氨基酸的分子识别研究

使用¹H NMR和UV-Vis光谱法研究了七、八元瓜环对九种天然氨基酸盐酸盐的分子识别作用. 结果表明, 瓜环对芳香侧基取代的L-酪氨酸、L-色氨酸、L-苯丙氨酸均能进行有效识别, 而侧链上不带芳香基团的氨基酸, 如L-组氨酸、L-谷氨酸、L-蛋氨酸、L-缬氨酸、L-白氨酸、L-丙氨酸, 与这些瓜环的作用相对较弱. 对于七元瓜环, 主客体间都以1∶1化学计量比形成包结物, 并得到它们相互作用的稳定常数; 八元瓜环与L-酪氨酸及L-色氨酸也以1∶1形成包结物, 而与L-苯丙氨酸以1∶2形成包结物. L-酪氨酸、L-色氨酸和L-苯丙氨酸荧光性质研究表明, 七、八元瓜环既可成为这些氨基酸荧光性质的增敏试剂, 也可成为它们荧光淬灭试剂, 这与氨基酸的结构有关.     

Modification of N-terminal α-amino groups of peptides and proteins using ketenes

A method of highly selective N-terminal modification of proteins as well as peptides by an isolated ketene was developed. Modification of a library of unprotected peptides XSKFR (X varies over 20 natural amino acids) by an alkyne-functionalized ketene (1) at room temperature at pH 6.3 resulted in excellent N-terminal selectivity (modified α-amino group/modified ε-amino group = >99:1) for 13 out of the 20 peptides and moderate-to-high N-terminal selectivity (4:1 to 48:1) for 6 of the 7 remaining peptides. Using an alkyne-functionalized N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester (2) instead of 1, the modification of peptides XSKFR gave internal lysine-modified peptides for 5 out of the 20 peptides and moderate-to-low N-terminal selectivity (5:1 to 1:4) for 13 out of the 20 peptides. Proteins including insulin, lysozyme, RNaseA, and a therapeutic protein BCArg were selectively N-terminally modified at room temperature using ketene 1, in contrast to the formation of significant or major amounts of di-, tri-, or tetra-modified proteins in the modification by NHS ester 2. The 1-modified proteins were further functionalized by a dansyl azide compound through click chemistry without the need for prior treatment.     

Supramolecular Inhibition of Amyloid Fibrillation by Cucurbit[7]uril

Amyloid fibrils are insoluble protein aggregates comprised of highly ordered β‐sheet structures and they are involved in the pathology of amyloidoses, such as Alzheimer’s disease. A supramolecular strategy is presented for inhibiting amyloid fibrillation by using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]). CB[7] prevents the fibrillation of insulin and β‐amyloid by capturing phenylalanine (Phe) residues, which are crucial to the hydrophobic interactions formed during amyloid fibrillation. These results suggest that the Phe‐specific binding of CB[7] can modulate the intermolecular interaction of amyloid proteins and prevent the transition from monomeric to multimeric states. CB[7] thus has potential for the development of a therapeutic strategy for amyloidosis.     

Tyr72 and Tyr80 are Involved in the Formation of an Active Site of a Luciferase of Copepod Metridia longa

Luciferase of copepod Metridia longa (MLuc) is a naturally secreted enzyme catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of coelenterazine with the emission of light. To date, three nonallelic isoforms of different lengths (17–24 kDa) for M. longa luciferase have been cloned. All the isoforms are single‐chain proteins consisting of a 17‐residue signal peptide for secretion, variable N‐terminal part and conservative C‐terminus responsible for luciferase activity. In contrast to other bioluminescent proteins containing a lot of aromatic residues which are frequently involved in light emission reaction, the C‐terminal part of MLuc contains only four Phe, two Tyr, one Trp and two His residues. To figure out whether Tyr residues influence bioluminescence, we constructed the mutants with substitution of Tyr to Phe (Y72F and Y80F). Tyrosine substitutions do not eliminate the ability of luciferase to bioluminescence albeit significantly reduce relative specific activity and change bioluminescence kinetics. In addition, the Tyr replacements have no effect on bioluminescence spectrum, thereby indicating that tyrosines are not involved in the emitter formation. However, as it was found that the intrinsic fluorescence caused by Tyr residues is quenched by a reaction substrate, coelenterazine, in concentration‐dependent manner, we infer that both tyrosine residues are located in the luciferase substrate‐binding cavity.     

可逆加成-断裂链转移策略制备可识别转铁蛋白的抗原决定基印迹微球

应用可逆加成-断裂链转移（RAFT）策略制备了一种抗原决定基表面印迹微球。这一工作以转铁蛋白的抗原决定基N端九肽作为模板,通过共价键合的方式固载于修饰了戊二醛的硅胶颗粒表面。然后以甲基丙烯酸、甲基丙烯酰羟乙酯为功能单体,甲叉基双丙烯酰胺为交联剂,偶氮二异丁腈（AIBN）为引发剂,N,N-二甲基甲酰胺为溶剂,在三硫酯试剂2-（十二烷基三硫代碳酸酯基）-2-甲基丙酸的调控下,于70 ℃进行活性-可控的聚合反应,制备得到分子印迹微球。该材料对模板抗原决定基的识别容量为2.36 mg/g,印迹因子为1.89;对转铁蛋白的识别容量为4.98 mg/g,印迹因子为1.61,120 min内可达到吸附平衡;在多蛋白质竞争识别中,该材料对转铁蛋白识别的印迹因子远高于细胞色素C、乳球蛋白等其他竞争蛋白质的印迹因子。以上结果证明,通过RAFT策略制备得到的抗原决定基分子印迹材料在对抗原决定基具有良好的识别能力的同时,对模板抗原决定基对应的转铁蛋白也具有优良的选择性、较高的识别容量和较快的识别速度。     

The binding selectivity of ADAR2's dsRBMs contributes to RNA-editing selectivity

ADAR2 is an RNA editing enzyme that deaminates adenosines in certain duplex structures. Here, we describe the role of its RNA binding domain, consisting of two copies of a common dsRNA binding motif (dsRBM), in editing site selectivity. ADAR2's dsRBMs bind selectively on a duplex RNA that mimics the Q/R editing site in the glutamate receptor B-subunit pre-mRNA. This selectivity is different from that of PKR's dsRBM I, indicating that dsRBMs from different proteins possess intrinsic binding selectivity. Using directed hydroxyl radical cleavage data, molecular models were developed that predict important recognition surfaces on the RNA for identified dsRBM binding sites. Blocking these surfaces by benzyl modification of guanosine 2-amino groups impeded RNA-editing, demonstrating a correlation between deamination efficiency by ADAR2 and selective binding by its dsRBMs. In addition, the editing activity of a mutant of ADAR2 lacking dsRBM I on N(2)-benzylguanosine-modified RNA suggests the location of the dsRBM I binding site that leads to editing at the GluR-B Q/R site.     

Characterization of the dynamics of an essential helix in the U1A protein by time-resolved fluorescence measurements

The RNA recognition motif (RRM), one of the most common RNA-binding domains, recognizes single-stranded RNA. A C-terminal helix that undergoes conformational changes upon binding is often an important contributor to RNA recognition. The N-terminal RRM of the U1A protein contains a C-terminal helix (helix C) that interacts with the RNA-binding surface of a beta-sheet in the free protein (closed conformation), but is directed away from this beta-sheet in the complex with RNA (open conformation). The dynamics of helix C in the free protein have been proposed to contribute to binding affinity and specificity. We report here a direct investigation of the dynamics of helix C in the free U1A protein on the nanosecond time scale using time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy. The results indicate that helix C is dynamic on a 2-3 ns time scale within a 20 degrees range of motion. Steady-state fluorescence experiments and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the dynamical motion of helix C occurs within the closed conformation. Mutation of a residue on the beta-sheet that contacts helix C in the closed conformation dramatically destabilizes the complex (Phe56Ala) and alters the steady-state fluorescence, but not the time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy, of a Trp in helix C. Mutation of Asp90 in the hinge region between helix C and the remainder of the protein to Ala or Gly subtly alters the dynamics of the U1A protein and destabilizes the complex. Together these results show that helix C maintains a dynamic closed conformation that is stable to these targeted protein modifications and does not equilibrate with the open conformation on the nanosecond time scale.     

Design of an adenosine analogue that selectively improves the affinity of a mutant U1A protein for RNA

The RNA recognition motif (RRM), one of the most common RNA binding domains, contains three highly conserved aromatic amino acids that participate in stacking interactions with RNA bases. We have investigated the contribution of these highly conserved aromatic amino acids to the affinity of the complex formed between the N-terminal RRM of the U1A protein and stem loop 2 of U1 snRNA. Previously, we found that substitution of one of these conserved aromatic amino acids, Phe56, with Ala resulted in a large destabilization of the complex. Here, we have modified A6, the base in stem loop 2 RNA that stacks with Phe56, to compensate for a portion of the destabilization caused by the Phe56Ala mutation. We have designed two modified adenosines, A-3CPh and A-4CPh, in which a phenyl group is linked to the adenosine such that it may replace the phenyl group that is eliminated by the Phe56Ala mutation in the complex. We have found that incorporation of A-3CPh into stem loop 2 RNA stabilizes the complex formed with Phe56Ala by 0.6 kcal/mol, while incorporation of A-4CPh into stem loop 2 RNA stabilizes this complex by 1.8 kcal/mol. Either base modification destabilizes the wild-type complex by 0.8-0.9 kcal/mol. Experiments with other U1A mutant proteins suggest that the stabilization of the complex between the Phe56Ala U1A protein and stem loop 2 RNA is due to a specific interaction between the Phe56Ala U1A protein and A6-4CPh stem loop 2 RNA.     

Mass spectrometry characterization of the glycation sites of bovine insulin by tandem mass spectrometry

Bovine insulin was glycated under hyperglycemic reducing conditions and in nonreducing conditions. Purification through HPLC allowed isolating glycated forms of insulin and a novel triglycated form (6224.5 Da) was purified. Endoproteinase Glu-C digestion combined with mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) allowed determining the exact location of the glycation sites in each of the isolated glycated insulins. For the first time, a triglycated form of insulin was isolated and characterized accordingly to its glycation sites. These glucose binding sites were identified as the N-terminals of both chains (Gly1 and Phe1) and residue Lys29 of B-chain. Moreover, in diglycated insulin we found the coexistence of one specie glycated at the N-terminals of both chains (Gly1 and Phe1) and another specie containing the two glucitol adducts in B-chain (Phe1 and Lys29). Also, in monoglycated insulin generated in reducing and nonreducing conditions, one specie glycated at Phe1 and another specie glycated at Lys29, both B-chain residues coexist.     

Computational insights into the selectivity mechanism of APP-IP over matrix metalloproteinases

In this work, selectivity mechanism of APP-IP inhibitor (β-amyloid precursor protein-derived inhibitory peptide) over matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs including MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-14) was investigated by molecular modeling methods. Among MMPs, MMP-2 is the most favorable one for APP-IP interacting based on our calculations. The predicted binding affinities can give a good explanation of the activity difference of inhibitor APP-IP. In Comparison with MMP-2/APP-IP complex, the side chain of Tyr214^MMP-7 makes the binding pocket so shallow that the whole side chain of Tyr3^APP-IP can not be fully embraced, thus unfavorable for the N-terminal of APP-IP binding to MMP-7. The poor selectivity of APP-IP toward MMP-9 is mainly related with the decrease of interaction between the APP-IP C-terminal and MMP-9 due to the bulky side chains of Pro193 and Gln199, which is in agreement with experiment. The mutations at residues P193A and Q199G of MMP-9 alternate the binding pattern of the C-terminal of APP-IP by forming two new hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with MMP-9. The mutants favor the binding affinity of MMP-9 largely. For MMP-14/APP-IP, the large steric effect of Phe204^MMP-14 and the weak contributions of the polar residues Asn231^MMP-14 and Thr190^MMP-14 could explain why MMP-14 is non-selective for APP-IP interacting. Here, the molecular modeling methods were successfully employed to explore the selective inhibitor of MMPs, and our work gives valuable information for future rational design of selective peptide inhibitors toward individual MMP.     

A Binary Bivalent Supramolecular Assembly Platform Based on Cucurbit[8]uril and Dimeric Adapter Protein 14-3-3

Interactions between proteins frequently involve recognition sequences based on multivalent binding events. Dimeric 14-3-3 adapter proteins are a prominent example and typically bind partner proteins in a phosphorylation-dependent mono- or bivalent manner. Herein we describe the development of a cucurbit[8]uril (Q8)-based supramolecular system, which in conjunction with the 14-3-3 protein dimer acts as a binary and bivalent protein assembly platform. We fused the phenylalanine–glycine–glycine (FGG) tripeptide motif to the N-terminus of the 14-3-3-binding epitope of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) for selective binding to Q8. Q8-induced dimerization of the ERα epitope augmented its affinity towards 14-3-3 through a binary bivalent binding mode. The crystal structure of the Q8-induced ternary complex revealed molecular insight into the multiple supramolecular interactions between the protein, the peptide, and Q8.     

De novo analysis of protein N-terminal sequence utilizing MALDI signal enhancing derivatization with Br signature

De novo analysis of protein N-terminal sequence is important for identification of N-terminal proteolytic processing such as N-terminal methionine or signal peptide removal, or for the genome annotation of uncharacterized proteins. We introduce a de novo sequencing method of protein N terminus utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) signal enhancing picolinamidination with bromine isotopic tag incorporated to the N terminus. The doublet signature of bromine in the tandem mass (MS/MS) spectrum distinguished N-terminal ion series from C-terminal ion series, facilitating de novo N-terminal sequencing of protein. The dual advantage of MALDI signal enhancement by the basic picolinamidine and b-ion selection aided by Br signature is demonstrated using a variety of peptides. The N-terminal sequences of myoglobin and hemoglobin as model proteins were determined by incorporating the Br tag to the N terminus of the proteins and obtaining a series of b-ions with Br signature by MS/MS analysis after chymotryptic digestion of the tagged proteins. The N-terminal peptide was selected for MS/MS analysis from the chymotryptic digest based on the Br signature in the mass spectrum. Identification of phosphorylation site as well as N-terminal sequencing of a phosphopeptide was straightforward.     

Reinventing Hsp90 Inhibitors: Blocking C‐Terminal Binding Events to Hsp90 by Using Dimerized Inhibitors

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone (90 kDa) that functions as a dimer. This protein facilitates the folding, assembly, and stabilization of more than 400 proteins that are responsible for cancer development and progression. Inhibiting Hsp90’s function will shut down multiple cancer‐driven pathways simultaneously because oncogenic clients rely heavily on Hsp90, which makes this chaperone a promising anticancer target. Classical inhibitors that block the binding of adenine triphosphate (ATP) to the N‐terminus of Hsp90 are highly toxic to cells and trigger a resistance mechanism within cells. This resistance mechanism comprises a large increase in prosurvival proteins, namely, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), and heat shock factor 1 (HSF‐1). Molecules that modulate the C‐terminus of Hsp90 are effective at inducing cancer‐cell death without activating the resistance mechanism. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological binding affinity for a series of dimerized C‐terminal Hsp90 modulators. We show that dimers of these C‐terminal modulators synergistically inhibit Hsp90 relative to monomers.     

How Chorismatases Regulate Distinct Reaction Channels in a Single Conserved Active Pocket: Mechanistic Analysis with QM/MM (ONIOM) Investigations

The FkbO and Hyg5 subfamilies of chorismatases share the same active-site architectures, but perform distinct reaction mechanisms, that is, FkbO employs a hydrolysis reaction whereas Hyg5 proceeds through an intramolecular mechanism. Despite extensive research efforts, the detailed mechanism of the product selectivity in chorismatases need to be further unmasked. In this study, the effects of the A/G residue group (A244^FkbO/G240^Hyg5) and the V/Q residue group (V209^FkbO/Q201^Hyg5) on the catalytic mechanisms are investigated by employing molecular dynamics simulations and hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations of the two wild-type models (FkbO/CHO and Hyg5/CHO; CHO=chorismate) and four mutants models (A244G-FkbO/CHO and G240A-Hyg5/CHO; V209Q-FkbO/CHO and Q201V-Hyg5/CHO). Our results showed that the A/G residue group mentioned by previous works would cause changes in the binding states of the substrate and the orientation of the catalytic glutamate, but only these changes affect the product selectivity in chorismatases limitedly. Interestingly, the distal V/Q residue group, which determines the internal water self-regulating ability at the active site, has significant impact on the selectivity of the catalytic mechanisms. The V/Q residue group is suggested to be an important factor to control the catalytic activities in chorismatases. The results are consistent with biochemical and structural experiments, providing novel insight into the mechanism of product selectivity in chorismatases.     

The importance of stereochemically active lone pairs for influencing Pb(II) and As(III) protein binding

The toxicity of heavy metals, which is associated with the high affinity of the metals for thiolate rich proteins, constitutes a problem worldwide. However, despite this tremendous toxicity concern, the binding mode of As(III) and Pb(II) to proteins is poorly understood. To clarify the requirements for toxic metal binding to metalloregulatory sensor proteins such as As(III) in ArsR/ArsD and Pb(II) in PbrR or replacing Zn(II) in δ-aminolevulinc acid dehydratase (ALAD), we have employed computational and experimental methods examining the binding of these heavy metals to designed peptide models. The computational results show that the mode of coordination of As(III) and Pb(II) is greatly influenced by the steric bulk within the second coordination environment of the metal. The proposed basis of this selectivity is the large size of the ion and, most important, the influence of the stereochemically active lone pair in hemidirected complexes of the metal ion as being crucial. The experimental data show that switching a bulky leucine layer above the metal binding site by a smaller alanine residue enhances the Pb(II) binding affinity by a factor of five, thus supporting experimentally the hypothesis of lone pair steric hindrance. These complementary approaches demonstrate the potential importance of a stereochemically active lone pair as a metal recognition mode in proteins and, specifically, how the second coordination sphere environment affects the affinity and selectivity of protein targets by certain toxic ions.     

Chiral protein scissors activated by light: recognition and protein photocleavage by a new pyrenyl probe

Strong chiral discrimination and site-selective photocleavage of two model proteins, lysozyme and bovine serum albumin (BSA), by new pyrenyl probes are reported here. The enantiomeric pyrenyl probes D-phenylalanine-1(1-pyrene)methylamide (PMA- D-Phe) and L-phenylalanine-1(1-pyrene)methylamide (PMA- l-Phe) were synthesized by coupling the carboxyl function of D-phenylalanine or L-phenylalanine with the amino group of 1(1-pyrene)methylamine. Binding affinities of the two enantiomers with the proteins were quantitated in absorption titrations. BSA indicated 10-fold selectivity for PMA- D-Phe, and the binding constants for the L- and D-enantiomers were 3.8 x 10(5) and 4.0 x 10(6) M(-1), respectively. Lysozyme, similarly, indicated a 6-fold preference for PMA- D-Phe with binding constants of 3.3 x 10 (5) and 2.0 x 10(6) M(-1) for the L- and D-isomers, respectively. Such strong chiral discrimination illustrates the key role of the chiral center of the probe (Phe) in the binding interactions. The enantiomers were tested to examine how the chiral discrimination for their binding influences reactivity toward protein photocleavage. Irradiation of the probe-protein complexes, at 342 nm in the presence of hexammine cobalt(III) chloride, resulted in the cleavage of the protein backbone. Photocleavage did not proceed in the dark or in the absence of the pyrenyl probes. Both enantiomers indicated low reactivity with BSA (<5% yield), while large photocleavage yields ( approximately 57%) have been noted with lysozyme. This lysozyme photocleavage yield is a significant improvement over previous reports. However, both enantiomers cleaved lysozyme at the same location between Trp108-Val109, despite the strong chiral selectivity for binding. H-atom abstraction from Trp 108, accessible from the active site cleft, could initiate the observed peptide bond cleavage.