An Efficient One‐Pot Four‐Segment Condensation Method for Protein Chemical Synthesis

Successive peptide ligation using a one‐pot method can improve the efficiency of protein chemical synthesis. Although one‐pot three‐segment ligation has enjoyed widespread application, a robust method for one‐pot four‐segment ligation had to date remained undeveloped. Herein we report a new one‐pot multisegment peptide ligation method that can be used to condense up to four segments with operational simplicity and high efficiency. Its practicality is demonstrated by the one‐pot four‐segment synthesis of a plant protein, crambin, and a human chemokine, hCCL21.     

One‐Pot Four‐Segment Ligation Using Seleno‐ and Thioesters: Synthesis of Superoxide Dismutase

The synthesis of a peptide selenoester was efficiently carried out by the 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) method using N‐alkylcysteine, at the C‐terminus of the peptide, as the N‐to‐S acyl shift device. The selenoester selectively reacted with the terminal amino group of the peptide aryl thioester in the presence of N ,N ‐diisopropylethylamine and dipyridyldisulfide, thus leaving the aryl thioester intact. Combined with silver‐ion‐promoted and silver‐ion‐free thioester activation methods, a one‐pot four‐segment ligation was realized. The method was successfully used to assemble the entire sequence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is composed of 153 amino‐acid residues, in one pot. After the folding reaction, the fully active SOD was obtained.     

Efficient Chemical Protein Synthesis using Fmoc‐Masked N‐Terminal Cysteine in Peptide Thioester Segments

We report an operationally simple method to facilitate chemical protein synthesis by fully convergent and one‐pot native chemical ligations utilizing the fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) moiety as an N‐masking group of the N‐terminal cysteine of the middle peptide thioester segment(s). The Fmoc group is stable to the harsh oxidative conditions frequently used to generate peptide thioesters from peptide hydrazide or o‐aminoanilide. The ready availability of Fmoc‐Cys(Trt)‐OH, which is routinely used in Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis, where the Fmoc group is pre‐installed on cysteine residue, minimizes additional steps required for the temporary protection of the N‐terminal cysteinyl peptides. The Fmoc group is readily removed after ligation by short exposure (<7 min) to 20 % piperidine at pH 11 in aqueous conditions at room temperature. Subsequent native chemical ligation reactions can be performed in presence of piperidine in the same solution at pH 7.     

Chemical Synthesis of Interleukin‐2 and Disulfide Stabilizing Analogues

Chemical protein synthesis allows the construction of well‐defined structural variations and facilitates the development of deeper understanding of protein structure–function relationships and new protein engineering strategies. Herein, we report the chemical synthesis of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) variants on a multimilligram scale and the formation of non‐natural disulfide mimetics that improve stability against reduction. The synthesis was accomplished by convergent KAHA ligations; the acidic conditions of KAHA ligation proved to be valuable for the solubilization of the hydrophobic segments of IL‐2. The bioactivity of the synthetic IL‐2 and its analogues were shown to be equipotent to recombinant IL‐2 and exhibit improved stability against reducing agents.     

Thio‐Bromo “Click” Reaction Derived Polymer–Peptide Conjugates for Their Self‐Assembled Fibrillar Nanostructures

The synthesis and self‐assembly of peptide–polymer conjugates into fibrillar nanostructures are reported, based on the amyloidogenic peptide KLVFF. A strategy for rational synthesis of polymer–peptide conjugates is documented via tethering of the amyloidogenic peptide segment LVFF (Aβ_17‐20) and its modified derivative FFFF to the hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) polymer via thio‐bromo based “click” chemistry. The resultant conjugates mPEG‐LVFF‐OMe and mPEG‐FFFF‐OMe are purified via preparative gel permeation chromatography technique (with a yield of 61% and 64%, respectively), and are successfully characterized via combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, including electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The peptide‐guided self‐assembling behavior of the as‐constructed amphiphilic supramolecular materials is further investigated via transmission electron microscopic and circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis, exhibiting fibrillar nanostructure formation in binary aqueous solution mixture.     

Surfactant‐directed one‐pot preparation of novel Ti‐containing mesomaterial with improved catalytic activity and reusability

Titanium was incorporated in ionic liquid based periodic mesoporous organosilica to prepare a nanostructured catalyst (Ti@PMO‐IL) with high activity. Procedure for the synthesis of Ti@PMO‐IL was followed according the simultaneous hydrolysis and condensation of alkylimidazolium ionic liquid, tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and tetrabutylorthotitanate (TBOT) where a surfactant template was used together with a simple acid‐based catalytic aproach. N₂ adsorption isotherm of the Ti@PMO‐IL was studied to measure its mean pore volume, pore size distribution and specific surface area. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy was applied to identify the chemical bonds present in Ti@PMO‐IL. The morphology of this nanomaterial was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image was used to study mesoporosity and structure order of the catalyst. The catalytic activity of Ti@PMO‐IL was then studied and found to be efficient and reusable to catalyze Hantzsch reaction.     

Secondary‐Structure‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Reactive Polypept(o)ides: Controlling Size,Shape, and Function of Core Cross‐Linked Nanostructures

Achieving precise control over the morphology and function of polymeric nanostructures during self‐assembly remains a challenge in materials as well as biomedical science, especially when independent control over particle properties is desired. Herein, we report on nanostructures derived from amphiphilic block copolypept(o)ides by secondary‐structure‐directed self‐assembly, presenting a strategy to adjust core polarity and function separately from particle preparation in a bioreversible manner. The peptide‐inherent process of secondary‐structure formation allows for the synthesis of spherical and worm‐like core‐cross‐linked architectures from the same block copolymer, introducing a simple yet powerful approach to versatile peptide‐based core–shell nanostructures.     

Solvent‐Free Sonochemical Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Bromide [RMIM]Br Ionic Liquids

In view of the continuous threat of opportunistic fungal infections to human health and the emerging importance of ionic liquids in therapeutic applications, we report the efficient one‐pot synthesis of a series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide [RMIM]Br ionic liquids through an ultrasound‐assisted reaction of 1‐methylimidazole and alkyl bromides (RBr) under solvent‐free conditions. High product yields were obtained for all syntheses (>95%) under mild conditions (2‐5 hours at 20‐40 °C). The success of the synthetic method was confirmed through ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. All products exhibited activity against the fungus C. albicans with clotrimazole and water as positive and negative controls, respectively. At a concentration of 1%, [OMIM]Br IL exhibited an antimycotic activity with an index of 1.5 which is comparable to that of 1% clotrimazole having an antimicrobial index of 1.3, signifying the potential of the product as a fungal growth inhibitor. Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR) studies showed that an increase in the alkyl chain length corresponds to an increase in the antifungal activity of the ionic liquids.     

Allosteric Optical Control of a Class B G‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor

Allosteric regulation promises to open up new therapeutic avenues by increasing drug specificity at G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, drug discovery efforts are at present hampered by an inability to precisely control the allosteric site. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis, and testing of PhotoETP, a light‐activated positive allosteric modulator of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R), a class B GPCR involved in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis in humans. PhotoETP potentiates Ca²⁺, cAMP, and insulin responses to glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and its metabolites following illumination of cells with blue light. PhotoETP thus provides a blueprint for the production of small‐molecule class B GPCR allosteric photoswitches, and may represent a useful tool for understanding positive cooperativity at the GLP‐1R.     

norHarmane containing ionic liquid matrices for low molecular weight MALDI‐MS carbohydrate analysis: The perfect couple with α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid

Cinnamic acid derivatives, particularly α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (E‐α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid or (E)‐2‐cyano‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐enoate; CHCA), have been extensively used especially for protein and peptide analysis. Together with the introduction of ionic liquid MALDI matrix (ILM) started the study of applications of IL prepared with CHCA and a counter organic base (ie, aliphatic amines) in which CHCA moiety is the chromophore responsible of UV‐laser absorption. Despite the extensive studies of norharmane (9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole; nHo) applications as matrix and its peculiar basic properties in the ground and electronic excited state, nHo containing ILM was never tested in MALDI‐MS experiments. This pyrido‐indole compound was introduced as MALDI matrix 22 years ago for different applications including low molecular weight (LMW) carbohydrates (neutral, acidic, and basic carbohydrates). These facts encouraged us to use it as a base, for the first time, for ILM preparation. As a rational design of new IL MALDI matrices, E‐α‐cyanocinnamic acid.nHo and E‐cinnamic acid.nHo were prepared and their properties as matrices studied. Their performance was compared with that of (a) the corresponding IL prepared with butylamine as basic component, (b) the corresponding crystalline E‐α‐cyanocinnamic and E‐cinnamic acid, and (c) the classical crystalline matrices (2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, DHB; nHo) used in the analysis of neutral/sulfated carbohydrates. The IL DHB.nHo was tested, too. Herein, we demonstrate the outstanding performance for the IL CHCA.nHo for LMW carbohydrate in positive and negative ion mode (linear and reflectron modes). Sulfated oligosaccharides were detected in negative ion mode, and although the dissociation of sulfate groups was not completely suppressed the relative intensity (RI) of [M ? Na]^? peak was quite high. Additionally, to better understand the quite different performance of each IL tested as matrix, the physical and morphological properties in solid state were studied (optical image; MS image).     

Heavy‐Atom Labeled Transmembrane β‐Peptides: Synthesis,CD‐Spectroscopy,and X‐ray Diffraction Studies in Model Lipid Multilayer

Transmembrane β‐peptides are promising candidates for the design of well‐controlled membrane anchors in lipid membranes. Here, we present the synthesis of transmembrane β‐peptides with and without tryptophan anchors, as well as a novel iodine‐labeled d ‐β³‐amino acid. By using one or more of the heavy‐atom labeled amino acids as markers, the orientation of the helical peptide was inferred based on the electron‐density profile determined by X‐ray reflectivity. The β‐peptides were synthesized through manual Fmoc‐based solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and reconstituted in unilamellar vesicles forming a right‐handed 3₁₄‐helix secondary structure, as shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy. We then integrated the β‐peptide into solid‐supported membrane stacks and carried out X‐ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering to determine the β‐peptide orientation and its effect on the membrane bilayers. These β‐peptides adopt a well‐ordered transmembrane motif in the solid‐supported model membrane, maintaining the basic structure of the original bilayer with some distinct alterations. Notably, the helical tilt angle, which accommodates the positive hydrophobic mismatch, induces a tilt of the acyl chains. The tilted chains, in turn, lead to a membrane thinning effect.     

Novel N‐(2,2‐Dimethyl‐2H‐azirin‐3‐yl)‐L‐prolinates as Aib‐Pro Synthons

The syntheses of phenacyl N‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirin‐3‐yl)‐L ‐prolinate and allyl N‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirin‐3‐yl)‐L ‐prolinate are reported. Reactions of these 2H‐azirin‐3‐amine derivatives with Z‐protected amino acids have shown them to be suitable synthons for the Aib‐Pro unit in peptide synthesis. After incorporation into the peptide by means of the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’, the C‐termini of the resulting peptides were deprotected selectively with Zn in AcOH or by a mild Pd⁰‐promoted procedure, respectively.     

Solid‐Phase Synthesis of the Aged‐Nonapeptide‐Nerve‐Agent Adduct of Butyrylcholinesterase as Reference Materials for Analytical Verification

Two pathways were developed and investigated for the synthesis of the ‘aged’‐nonapeptide nerve‐agent bioadduct of human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Considering the fast ageing of nerve‐agent adducts of BuChE in patients and biomedical samples this target molecule is of paramount relevance for quantitative analysis with respect to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Two approaches using a precursor bearing a hydroxyl on its phosphonyl moiety and a benzyl protected precursor were considered. Several impurities were identified and circumvented during the optimization of the peptide synthesis step. The ‘aged’‐nonapeptide adduct was successfully synthesized by solid‐phase‐peptide‐synthesis (SPPS ).     

Total Synthesis and Conformational Study of Callyaerin A: Anti‐Tubercular Cyclic Peptide Bearing a Rare Rigidifying (Z)‐2,3‐ Diaminoacrylamide Moiety

The first synthesis of the anti‐TB cyclic peptide callyaerin A ( 1 ), containing a rare (Z)‐2,3‐diaminoacrylamide bridging motif, is reported. Fmoc‐formylglycine‐diethylacetal was used as a masked equivalent of formylglycine in the synthesis of the linear precursor to 1 . Intramolecular cyclization between the formylglycine residue and the N‐terminal amine in the linear peptide precursor afforded the macrocyclic natural product 1 . Synthetic 1 possessed potent anti‐TB activity (MIC₁₀₀=32 μm ) while its all‐amide congener was inactive. Variable‐temperature NMR studies of both the natural product and its all‐amide analogue revealed the extraordinary rigidity imposed by this diaminoacrylamide unit on peptide conformation. The work reported herein pinpoints the intrinsic role that the (Z)‐2,3‐diaminoacrylamide moiety confers on peptide bioactivity.     

Synthesis and characterization of MgO nanoparticles supported on ionic liquid‐based periodic mesoporous organosilica (MgO@PMO‐IL) as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of novel spirooxindole‐furan derivatives

The synthesis and catalytic application of a novel MgO containing periodic mesoporous organosilica with ionic liquid framework (MgO@PMO‐IL) is described. The prepared MgO@PMO‐IL was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption/desorption, transmission electron microscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and inductively coupled plasma analyses. This nanocatalyst was successfully applied as a highly efficient and recoverable catalyst for the synthesis of novel spirooxindole‐furan derivatives via the three‐component reaction of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, N‐phenacyl pyridinium salts and isatin derivatives. The products were achieved in high to excellent yields with a simple work‐up procedure and short reaction times, and the catalyst could be recovered through a simple filtration process and successfully reused seven times without any significant decrease in its efficiency.     

Synthesis of N‐[(tert‐Butoxy)carbonyl]‐3‐(9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxoacridin‐2‐yl)‐L‐alanine,a New Fluorescent Amino Acid Derivative

A simple synthesis of a new, highly fluorescent amino acid and of its protected derivative useful in peptide studies is described. The obtained derivative, N‐[(tert‐butoxy)carbonyl]‐3‐(9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxoacridin‐2‐yl)‐L ‐alanine ( 6 ), shows intense long‐wave absorption (above 360 nm) and emission (above 400 nm). The quantum yield of fluorescence of the investigated compound is very high, so it can serve as a sensitive analytical probe useful, e.g., in analysis of peptide conformations.     

Preventive Effects of Thermosensitive Biopolymer‐Conjugated C‐Peptide against High Glucose‐Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunction

C‐peptide has emerged as a potential drug for treating diabetic complications. However, clinical application of C‐peptide is limited by its short half‐life during circulation and costly synthesis methods. To overcome these limitations, a biocompatible and thermosensitive biopolymer‐C‐peptide conjugate composed of human C‐peptide genetically conjugated at the C‐terminus of nine repeats of lysine‐containing elastin‐like polypeptide (K9‐C‐peptide) is generated. K9‐C‐peptide exhibits reversible thermal phase behavior with a transition temperature dependent on polypeptide concentration. Degradation of K9‐C‐peptide hydrogel depends on the concentration of four cleavage enzymes as well as the reaction time and frequency of treatments with elastase‐2. The preventive effect of K9‐C‐peptide against high glucose‐induced human aortic endothelial cell dysfunction is further investigated. K9‐C‐peptide inhibits high glucose‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, transglutaminase 2 activation, and apoptosis, similar to the inhibitory effects of human C‐peptide. Thus, K9‐C‐peptide is a potential drug depot for the sustained delivery of C‐peptide to treat diabetic complications.     

Stimuli‐responsive brush‐shaped conjugated polymers with pendant well‐defined poly(vinyl ether)s

For the synthesis of brush‐shaped conjugated polymers consisting of a poly(phenylene butadiynylene) backbone and well‐defined poly(vinyl ether) (polyVE) side chains, we designed polyVE‐based macromonomers bearing a diethynyl benzene group at the terminus and applied them to the grafting through synthesis. The macromonomer (DE‐PIBVE) was synthesized by living cationic polymerization of isobutyl VE (IBVE) using a functionalized initiator (TMS‐DEVE‐TFA) having a TMS protected diethynyl benzene moiety, followed by deprotection of the TMS groups. As a result, we succeeded in the synthesis of the target brush‐shaped conjugated polymers [poly(DE‐PIBVE)] by oxidative coupling reaction of the diethynyl benzene groups. We found that the solution of poly(DE‐PIBVE) with a specific side chain length exhibited solvatochromism and thermochromism depending on the polarity of the media employed. This phenomenon was attributed to self‐assembly in polar media due to the intermolecular π–π interaction between neighboring conjugated polymer backbones, where the self‐assembly behavior would be closely related to the pendant polyVE structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 3318–3325     

N‐(tert‐Butoxycarbonyl)‐L‐valyl‐L‐valine methyl ester: a twisted parallel β‐sheet in the crystal structure of a protected dipeptide

The title compound, C₁₆H₃₀N₂O₅, crystallizes with three molecules in the asymmetric unit, each adopting a β‐strand/polyproline II backbone conformation. The main‐chain functional groups are hydrogen bonded into tapes having the characteristics of parallel β‐sheets. Each tape has a left‐handed twist and thus forms a helix, with six peptide molecules needed to complete a full 360° rotation. A comparison of hydrogen‐bond lengths and twisting modes is made with other related structures of protected dipeptides and with a hexapeptide derived from amyloid‐β containing the Val–Val segment. Additionally, a comparison of the backbone conformation is made with that of the Val141–Val142 segment of the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4).     

A One‐Pot Chemically Cleavable Bis‐Linker Tether Strategy for the Synthesis of Heterodimeric Peptides

Heterodimeric peptides linked by disulfide bonds are attractive drug targets. However, their chemical assembly can be tedious, time‐consuming, and low yielding. Inspired by the cellular synthesis of pro‐insulin in which the two constituent peptide chains are expressed as a single‐chain precursor separated by a connecting C‐peptide, we have developed a novel chemically cleavable bis‐linker tether which allows the convenient assembly of two peptide chains as a single “pro”‐peptide on the same solid support. Following the peptide cleavage and post‐synthetic modifications, this bis‐linker tether can be removed in one‐step by chemical means. This method was used to synthesize a drug delivery‐cargo conjugate, TAT‐PKCi peptide, and a two‐disulfide bridged heterodimeric peptide, thionin (7‐19)‐(24‐32R), a thionin analogue. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a one‐pot chemically cleavable bis‐linker strategy for the facile synthesis of cross‐bridged two‐chain peptides.