A general strategy to determine a target DNA sequence of a short peptide: application to a d-peptide.

Short peptides could potentially provide a novel element to read-out DNA sequences from the major groove. However, it is difficult to determine sequence-preference of de novo designed monomeric short peptides. Because DNS-binding affinity and specificity of short peptides are usually much lower than those of native DNA-binding proteins, determining the sequence-preference of short peptides by conventional methods utilized to deduce the target sequence of proteins often produces an unclear outcome. We report here a general strategy to defining the sequence-preference of a DNA-binding short peptide by using the heterodimers. A GCN4 basic region peptide tethers a low-affinity DNA-binding peptide adjacent to a GCN4 binding sequence through the cyclodextrin-adamantane association, thereby increasing local concentration of the low-affinity peptide on degenerated DNA sequences. An increase of the local concentration allows one to select a preferential sequence for the low-affinity DNA binding peptide. The method successfully identified specific sequences of short peptides derived from native DNA-binding proteins. The usefulness of this approach has been demonstrated by identifying preferred DNA targets for a peptide composed only of d-amino acids. The method is potentially applicable not only to artificial peptides, but also to other synthethic ligands.     

Lock-and-key motif as a concept for designing affinity adsorbents for protein purification

The lock-and-key (LAK) motif, a common structural moiety found in subunit interfaces of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), plays an important role in biomolecular recognition and quaternary structure integrity. Inspection of the key structural features of the LAK motif prompted the de novo design and combinatorial synthesis of a 13-membered solid-phase ligand library, employing as a lead ligand the Phe-Trz-X structure, mimicking the LAK motif. 1,3,5-Triazine (Trz) was used as the scaffold for assembly, substituted with different LAK-mimetic amino acids. De novo ligand design was effected using bioinformatics and molecular modeling and based on mimicking the interactions of the LAK motif. The library of affinity adsorbents was assessed for binding corn and human serum proteomes and purified proteins of different structure and ligand binding specificity. The results showed remarkable differences in the binding specificity of LAK-mimetic adsorbents for a wide range of proteins, as a consequence of minor changes in ligand structure. One LAK-mimetic adsorbent was integrated in a single-step purification protocol for human monoclonal anti-human immunodeficiency virus 2F5 antibody (mAb 2F5) from spiked corn extract, affording high recovery and purity. The results demonstrate that the principle of natural recognition found in the lock-and-key motif, in combination with de novo combinatorial design, may lead to synthetic affinity ligands, useful in downstream processing and proteomic research.     

General inverse solid-phase synthesis method for C-terminally modified peptide mimetics

Peptide mimetics are of considerable interest as bioactive agents and drugs. C-terminally modified peptide mimetics are of particular interest given the synthetic versatility of the carboxyl group and its derivatives. A general approach to C-terminally modified peptide mimetics, based on a urethane attachment strategy and amino acid t-butyl ester-based N-to-C peptide synthesis, is described. This approach is compatible with the reaction conditions generally employed for solution-phase peptide mimetic synthesis. To develop and demonstrate this approach, it was employed for the solid-phase synthesis of peptide trifluoromethyl ketones, peptide boronic acids, and peptide hydroxamic acids. The development of a versatile general approach to C-terminally modified peptides using readily available starting materials provides a basis for the combinatorial and parallel solid-phase synthesis of these peptide mimetic classes for bioactive agent screening and also provides a basis for the further development of solid-phase C-terminal functional group elaboration strategies.     

Synthesis of cationic porphyrin modified amino acids

Derivatives of amino acids bearing a porphyrin moiety on a side chain were synthesized by coupling a porphyrin to a glutamic acid side chain; the utility of these compounds was demonstrated by their use in solid-phase synthesis of a peptide bearing a cationic porphyrin and by studying its DNA-binding properties.     

Targeted binding of the M13 bacteriophage to thiamethoxam organic crystals

Phage display screening with a combinatorial library was used to identify M13-type bacteriophages that express peptides with selective binding to organic crystals of thiamethoxam. The six most strongly binding phages exhibit at least 1000 times the binding affinity of wild-type M13 and express heptapeptide sequences that are rich in hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding amino acids and proline. Among the peptide sequences identified, M13 displaying the pIII domain heptapeptide ASTLPKA exhibits the strongest binding to thiamethoxam in competitive binding assays. Electron and confocal microscopy confirm the specific binding affinity of ASTLPKA to thiamethoxam. Using atomic force microscope (AFM) probes functionalized with ASTLPKA expressing phage, we found that the average adhesion force between the bacteriophage and a thiamethoxam surface is 1.47 ± 0.80 nN whereas the adhesion force of wild-type M13KE phage is 0.18 ± 0.07 nN. Such a strongly binding bacteriophage could be used to modify the surface chemistry of thiamethoxam crystals and other organic solids with a high degree of specificity.     

Mathematical correlations for predicting protein retention times in hydrophobic interaction chromatography

In our work we performed a combinatorial synthesis in aqueous medium to prepare peptide libraries from which we would select amino acid sequences with binding properties towards estrogens. We prepared an affinity solid-phase by using a tetrapeptide with good selectivity and affinity towards the estradiol (K> 10(4) M(-1)). Samples of estrogens in buffer, in tap water and in river water were applied to our column in which they were retained (k' > 116). These could only be eluted in a few millilitres of methanol mobile phase. In all cases there were quantitative recoveries. The pre-concentration studies were promising.     

Peptide quinoline conjugates: a new class of RNA-binding molecules

[reaction: see text] A synthesis of 4,8-disubstituted 2-phenylquinoline amino acids is reported with the incorporation of one example into a peptide by solid-phase synthesis. The phenylquinoline-containing peptide binds an RNA target with nanomolar affinity (K(D) = 208 nM). The strategy can be used to prepare a variety of 2-substituted quinoline amino acids for alteration of affinity in intercalator peptides. Since quinolones represent an important class of antibacterials, these compounds may be useful in the discovery of new antibacterial agents.     

A combinatorial approach to obtain affinity media with binding properties towards the aflatoxins

In our work we performed a combinatorial solid-phase synthesis in aqueous medium to prepare peptide libraries from which to select an amino acid sequence with binding properties towards aflatoxins.We used polystyrene beads, functionalised with carboxylic groups as solid support and eight amino acids as monomers. During the first step 64 different sequences of two amino acids were prepared by exploiting the principles of combinatorial chemistry; then the binding properties of all sequences towards aflatoxin B(1 )were checked. We determined binding constants towards aflatoxin B(1) and towards aflatoxins B(2), G(1) and G(2). Results were promising, so we prepared a new library by using the selected dipeptide as the starting solid phase. After selecting the best tetrapeptide sequences, we determined binding constants towards the quoted aflatoxins. We obtained binding constants ( K>10(4) M(-1)) similar to those shown by human serum albumin for similar compounds. Preliminary studies on an extraction column were promising for the development of an SPE system and for its application in food matrices.     

Semi-Synthesis and Analysis of Chemically Modified Zif268 Zinc-Finger Domains

Total synthesis of proteins can be challenging despite assembling techniques, such as native chemical ligation (NCL) and expressed protein ligation (EPL). Especially, the combination of recombinant protein expression and chemically addressable solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is well suited for the redesign of native protein structures. Incorporation of analytical probes and artificial amino acids into full-length natural protein domains, such as the sequence-specific DNA binding zinc-finger motifs, are of interest combining selective DNA recognition and artificial function. The semi-synthesis of the natural 90 amino acid long sequence of the zinc-finger domain of Zif268 is described including various chemically modified constructs. Our approach offers the possibility to exchange any amino acid within the third zinc finger. The realized modifications of the natural sequence include point mutations, attachment of a fluorophore, and the exchange of amino acids at different positions in the zinc finger by artificial amino acids to create additional metal binding sites. The individual constructs were analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy with respect to the integrity of the zinc-finger fold and DNA binding.     

Solid-Phase Peptide Modification via Deaminative Photochemical Csp3-Csp3 Bond Formation Using Katritzky Salts

Introduction of unnatural amino acids can significantly improve the binding affinity and stability of peptides. Commercial availability of such amino acids is limited, and their synthesis is a long and tedious process. We here describe a method that allows the functionalization of peptides directly on solid-support by converting lysine residues to Katritzky salts, and subjecting them to a photochemical Giese reaction under mild reaction conditions. The method avoids the need for amino acid synthesis and instead offers a late-stage modification route for rapid peptide diversification. While numerous modification approaches at the lysine amine have been described, this work provides the first example of deaminative functionalization of peptides at lysine. The two-step protocol is compatible with various substrates, lysine analogues, resins, and all proteinogenic amino acids. Finally, by leveraging solid-phase modification, this protocol facilitates the functionalization of longer peptides as was demonstrated using biologically relevant peptides of up to 15 amino acids.     

基于VHSE结构表征的TAP亲和活性预测及选择特异性分析

应用氨基酸描述子VHSE(Principal component score vector of hydrophobic, steric, and electronic properties)对613个抗原9肽进行结构表征, 在此基础上, 采用支持向量机结合逐步回归变量筛选方法, 成功建立了抗原肽抗原处理相关转运蛋白(Transporter associated with antigen processing, TAP)亲和活性预测模型, 最优线性支持向量机模型的R2, Q2和R2ext分别为0.7386, 0.7270和0.6057. 模型结果分析表明, 影响TAP亲和活性的首要因素是电性, 其次是立体和疏水性质; 底物9肽的P1(N端)及P2, P7和P9(C端)位氨基酸物化性质对TAP亲和活性有重要影响, 而P3, P4, P5和P6位对模型贡献相对较小, P8位则与活性无关. 依据最优模型对模拟点突变9肽的TAP亲和活性的预测结果, 并结合变量载荷分析, 对TAP底物选择特异性进行了分析和总结.     

Determination of the carbohydrate-binding site of Bauhinia purpurea lectin by affinity chromatography.

To determine the carbohydrate-binding site of Bauhinia purpurea lectin (BPA), a D-galactose- and lactose-binding lectin, a peptide which interacts with lactose was purified from endoproteinase Asp-N digests of BPA by chromatography on a lactose-Sepharose column. It consists of nine amino acids and its amino acid sequence is Asp-Thr-Trp-Pro-Asn-Thr-Glu-Trp-Ser. A tryptic fragment with the ability to interact with lactose was also purified and found to contain this sequence, consisting of nine amino acids. This nonapeptide was aligned in a part of the metal-binding region conserved in all legume lectins. The chemical synthesis of the nonapeptide was carried out by a solid-phase method and the synthetic peptide showed a lactose-specific binding activity in the presence of calcium. A chimeric lectin gene was constructed using a cDNA coding BPA in which the nonapeptide sequence was replaced by the corresponding region of the alpha-D-mannose binding Lens culinaris lectins. Although BPA is specific for beta-D-galactose, the chimeric lectin expressed in Escherichia coli was found to bind alpha-D-mannosyl-bovine serum albumin and this binding was inhibited by D-mannose.     

Design of peptide that recognizes double-stranded DNA.

A novel molecular tool for double-stranded (ds) DNA detection using synthetic peptide is described. The peptide was designed based on the DNA binding domain of the lambda phage CRO repressor (CRO). The designed peptides contain helix-turn-helix (HTH), which is DNA binding motif. A cyclic peptide and a mutant peptide based on CRO were also designed, and the resulting affinity for dsDNA was increased. Furthermore, native amino acids of the peptide were replaced with arginine to increase the affinity for dsDNA. The affinity of these peptides for DNA binding was assessed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique.     

N-to-C solid-phase peptide and peptide trifluoromethylketone synthesis using amino acid tert-butyl esters

Solid-phase peptide synthesis in the N-to-C direction, opposite to the classical C-to-N direction of peptide synthesis, provides the synthetically versatile C-terminal carboxyl group for further modification into C-terminally modified peptide mimetics. These are of general interest as potential bioactive agents, particularly as protease inhibitors. Elaboration of peptide mimetics on the solid-phase would facilitate synthesis of peptide mimetic combinatorial libraries. This report describes an effective strategy for solid-phase inverse peptide synthesis based on readily available amino acid tert-butyl esters. The potential of this approach for peptide mimetic synthesis is demonstrated by the solid-phase synthesis of two peptide trifluoromethylketones.     

特异性识别DNA的吡咯-咪唑多聚酰胺的研究进展

吡咯-咪唑多聚酰胺为一类人工合成的主要由五元杂环化合物N-甲基吡咯(Py)、N-甲基咪唑(Im)和N-甲基3-羟基吡咯(Hp)芳香氨基酸组成的,经酰胺键连接的人工小分子配体.它们具有与天然DNA结合蛋白相媲美的DNA特异性识别和结合能力.近20年来,对此类化合物的研究取得了重要进展,确定了简单的氨基酸对识别碱基对的规则,研究了多种方式连接的吡咯-咪唑多聚酰胺与DNA小沟结合模式,合成了多种双功能吡咯-咪唑多聚酰胺,且吡咯-咪唑多聚酰胺能穿过细胞膜,具有在体内外调节基因表达的作用。     

Directed evolution of ATP binding proteins from a zinc finger domain by using mRNA display

Antibodies have traditionally been used for isolating affinity reagents to new molecular targets, but alternative protein scaffolds are increasingly being used for the directed evolution of proteins with novel molecular recognition properties. We have designed a combinatorial library based on the DNA binding domain of the human retinoid-X-receptor (hRXRalpha). We chose this domain because of its small size, stable fold, and two closely juxtaposed recognition loops. We replaced the two loops with segments of random amino acids, and used mRNA display to isolate variants that specifically recognize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), demonstrating a significant alteration of the function of this protein domain from DNA binding to ATP recognition. Many novel independent sequences were recovered with moderate affinity and high specificity for ATP, validating this scaffold for the generation of functional molecules.     

Fmoc solid phase synthesis of polyamides containing pyrrole and imidazole amino acids

[structure: see text]. Polyamides containing N-methylimidazole (Im) and N-methylpyrrole (Py) amino acids are synthetic ligands that have an affinity and specificity for DNA comparable to those of many naturally occurring DNA binding proteins. A machine-assisted Fmoc solid phase synthesis of polyamides has been optimized to afford high stepwise coupling yields (>99%). Two monomer building blocks, Fmoc-Py acid and Fmoc-Im acid, were prepared in multigram scale. Cleavage by aminolysis followed by HPLC purification affords up to 200 mg quantities of polyamide with purities and yields greater than or equal to those reported using Boc chemistry. A broader set of reaction conditions will increase the number and complexity of minor groove binding polyamides which may be prepared and help ensure compatibility with many commercially available peptide synthesizers.     

Evaluation of the titanium dioxide approach for MS analysis of phosphopeptides

The affinity of titanium dioxide for phosphate groups has been successfully used for enrichment of phosphopeptides from complex mixtures. This paper reports the relationship between the occurrence of some amino acids and the phospho-specific and nonspecific binding of peptides that occurs during titanium dioxide enrichment. In order to perform a systematic study, two well-characterized peptide mixtures consisting of either 33 or 8 synthetic phosphopeptides and their nonphosphorylated analogs, which differed in charge and hydrophobicity, were synthesized and analyzed by ESI-MS and MALDI-MS. The titanium dioxide procedure was also evaluated for comprehensive detection of phosphopeptides in phosphoproteomics. In summary, our results clearly confirm the high selectivity of titanium dioxide for phosphorylated sequences. Drastically reduced recovery was observed for phosphopeptides with multiple basic amino acids. Nonspecific binding of nonphosphorylated peptides and sample loss of phosphopeptides must also be taken into account.