Chemical Synthesis of the 20 kDa Heme Protein Nitrophorin 4 by α‐Ketoacid‐Hydroxylamine (KAHA) Ligation

The chemical synthesis of the 184‐residue ferric heme‐binding protein nitrophorin 4 was accomplished by sequential couplings of five unprotected peptide segments using α‐ketoacid‐hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation reactions. The fully assembled protein was folded to its native structure and coordinated to the ferric heme b cofactor. The synthetic holoprotein, despite four homoserine residues at the ligation sites, showed identical properties to the wild‐type protein in nitric oxide binding and nitrite dismutase reactivity. This work establishes the KAHA ligation as a valuable and viable approach for the chemical synthesis of proteins up to 20 kDa and demonstrates that it is well‐suited for the preparation of hydrophobic protein targets.     

Traceless Preparation of C‐Terminal α‐Ketoacids for Chemical Protein Synthesis by α‐Ketoacid–Hydroxylamine Ligation: Synthesis of SUMO2/3

A novel protecting group for enantiopure α‐ketoacids delivers C‐terminal peptide α‐ketoacids directly upon resin cleavage and allows the inclusion of all canonical amino acids, including cysteine and methionine. By using this approach, SUMO2 and SUMO3 proteins were prepared by KAHA ligation with 5‐oxaproline. The synthetic proteins containing homoserine residues were recognized by and conjugated to RanGAP1 by SUMOylation enzymes.     

Formation and Rearrangement of Homoserine Depsipeptides and Depsiproteins in the α‐Ketoacid–Hydroxylamine Ligation with 5‐Oxaproline

The primary products of the chemical ligation of α‐ketoacids and 5‐oxaproline peptides are esters, rather than the previously reported amides. The depsipeptide product rapidly rearranges to the amide in basic buffers. The formation of esters sheds light on possible mechanisms for the type II KAHA ligations and opens an avenue for the chemical synthesis of depsiproteins.     

Chemoselective Derivatization of Folded Synthetic Insulin Variants with Potassium Acyltrifluoroborates (KATs)

Synthetic folded insulin variants containing an ornithine‐hydroxylamine residue are readily modified in aqueous buffers by amide‐forming ligations with potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs). The synthetic insulin analogs were prepared by Fmoc‐SPPS, α‐ketoacid‐hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation, and a prosthetic C‐peptide that delivers the correct disulfide pattern and allows facile incorporation at the B0 position of Glargine M2 of a new ornithine hydroxylamine protected with a photolabile group. The folded insulin is readily modified by photo‐deprotection followed by amide‐forming KAT ligation to give insulin variants labeled with dyes, lipids, and PEGs, as well as the formation of a covalent dimer.     

Synthesis of β3‐Peptides and Mixed α/β3‐Peptides by Thioligation

Five β‐peptide thioesters ( 1 – 5 , containing 3, 4, 10 residues) were prepared by manual solid‐phase synthesis and purified by reverse‐phase preparative HPLC. A β‐undecapeptide ( 6 ) and an α‐undecapeptide ( 7 ) with N‐terminal β³‐HCys and Cys residues were prepared by manual and machine synthesis, respectively. Coupling of the thioesters with the cysteine derivatives in the presence of PhSH (Scheme and Fig. 1) in aqueous solution occurred smoothly and quantitatively. Pentadeca‐ and heneicosapeptides ( 8 – 10 ) were isolated, after preparative RP‐HPLC purification, in yields of up to 60%. Thus, the so‐called native chemical ligation works well with β‐peptides, producing larger β³‐ and α/β³‐mixed peptides. Compounds 1 – 10 were characterized by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS) and by CD spectroscopy, including temperature and concentration dependence. β‐Peptide 9 with 21 residues shows an intense negative Cotton effect near 210 nm but no zero‐crossing above 190 nm, (Figs. 2–4), which is characteristic of β‐peptidic 3₁₄‐helical structures. Comparison of the CD spectra of the mixed α/β‐pentadecapeptide ( 10 ) and a helical α‐peptide (Fig. 5) indicate the presence of an α‐peptidic 3.6₁₃ helix.     

Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Isoxazolidine Monomers for the Preparation of β3‐Oligopeptides by Iterative α‐Keto Acid?Hydroxylamine (KAHA) Ligations

A versatile method for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure isoxazolidine monomers for the synthesis of β³‐oligopeptides via α‐keto acid? hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation is presented. This one‐pot synthetic method utilizes in situ generated nitrones bearing gulose‐derived chiral auxiliaries for the asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with methyl 2‐methoxyacrylate. The resulting enantiomerically pure isoxazolidine monomers bearing diverse side chains (proteinogenic and non‐proteinogenic) can be synthesized in either configuration (like‐ and unlike‐configured). The scalable and enantioselective synthesis of the isoxazolidine monomers enables the use of the synthesis of β³‐oligopeptides via iterative α‐keto acid? hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation.     

Quaternary β2,2‐Amino Acids: Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis and Incorporation into Peptides by Fmoc‐Based Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis

β‐Amino acid incorporation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the stability of parent peptides and to improve their biological activity. Owing to the lack of reliable access to β^2,2‐amino acids in a setting suitable for peptide synthesis, most contemporary research efforts focus on the use of β³‐ and certain β^2,3‐amino acids. Herein, we report the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β^2,2‐amino acids and their incorporation into peptides by Fmoc‐based solid‐phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc‐SPPS). A quaternary carbon center was constructed by the palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of 4‐substituted isoxazolidin‐5‐ones. The N?O bond in the products not only acts as a traceless protecting group for β‐amino acids but also undergoes amide formation with α‐ketoacids derived from Fmoc‐protected α‐amino acids, thus providing expeditious access to α‐β^2,2‐dipeptides ready for Fmoc‐SPPS.     

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.     

Novel Fluoride‐Labile Nucleobase‐Protecting Groups for the Synthesis of 3′(2′)‐O‐Aminoacylated RNA Sequences

With the aim to develop a general approach to a total synthesis of aminoacylated t‐RNAs and analogues, we describe the synthesis of stabilized, aminoacylated RNA fragments, which, upon ligation, could lead to aminoacylated t‐RNA structures. Novel RNA phosphoramidites with fluoride‐labile 2′‐O‐[(triisopropylsilyl)oxy]methyl (=tom) sugar‐protecting and N‐{{2‐[(triisopropylsilyl)oxy]benzyl}oxy}carbonyl (=tboc) base‐protecting groups were prepared (Schemes 4 and 5), as well as a solid support containing an immobilized N⁶‐tboc‐protected adenosine with an orthogonal (photolabile) 2′‐O‐[(S)‐1‐(2‐nitrophenyl)ethoxy]methyl (=(S)‐npeom) group (Scheme 6). From these building blocks, a hexameric oligoribonucleotide was prepared by automated synthesis under standard conditions (Scheme 7). After the detachment from the solid support, the resulting fully protected sequence 34 was aminoacylated with L ‐phenylalanine derivatives carrying photolabile N‐protecting groups (→ 42 and 43 ; Scheme 9). Upon removal of the fluoride‐labile sugar‐ and nucleobase‐protecting groups, the still stabilized, partially with the photolabile group protected precursors 44 and 45 , respectively, of an aminoacylated RNA sequence were obtained (Scheme 9 and Fig. 3). Photolysis of 45 under mild conditions resulted in the efficient formation of the 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated RNA sequence 46 (Fig. 4). Additionally, we carried out model investigations concerning the stability of ester bonds of aminoacylated ribonucleotide derivatives under acidic conditions (Table) and established conditions for the purification and handling of 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated RNA sequences and their stabilized precursors.     

Peptide o‐Aminoanilides as Crypto‐Thioesters for Protein Chemical Synthesis

Fully unprotected peptide o‐aminoanilides can be efficiently activated by NaNO₂ in aqueous solution to furnish peptide thioesters for use in native chemical ligation. This finding enables the convergent synthesis of proteins from readily synthesizable peptide o‐aminoanilides as a new type of crypto‐thioesters. The practicality of this approach is shown by the synthesis of histone H2B from five peptide segments. Purification or solubilization tags, which are sometimes needed to improve the efficiency of protein chemical synthesis, can be incorporated into the o‐aminoanilide moiety, as demonstrated in the preparation of the cyclic protein lactocyclicin Q.     

Dye‐Labeled Cα‐Tetrasubstituted α‐Amino Acids

We report the synthesis of pyrene‐ and carboxyfluorescein labeled C^α‐tetrasubstituted amino acids (TAAs). The fluorescent dye can be coupled to the TAA before or after its incorporation into a peptide sequence using a Suzuki‐type C? C bond formation.     

Total Synthesis of (2Z)‐[(4R,5R,6S)‐6‐(β‐D‐Glucopyranosyloxy)‐4,5‐dihydroxycyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ylidene]ethanenitrile,a Cyanoglucoside from Ilex warburgii

The total synthesis of the noncyanogenic cyanoglucoside 1 , originally isolated from Ilex warburgii, was achieved in nine steps (9% overall yield), starting from an optically pure Diels–Alder adduct ((+)‐ 3 ). The key step of the synthesis, the glycosidation, was carried out under Koenigs–Knorr conditions closely related to those developed for the total syntheses of (?)‐lithospermoside and (?)‐bauhinin. We had to tune the protecting groups used for the two free cis‐configured OH groups of the aglycone, which afforded the desired β‐d‐ glucoside intermediate 15 in very good yield (62%).     

Semisynthesis of 3′(2′)‐O‐(Aminoacyl)‐tRNA Derivatives as Ribosomal Substrate

An efficient synthesis of (3′‐terminally) 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated pCpA derivatives is described, which could lead to the production of (aminoacyl)‐tRNAs following T4 RNA ligase mediated ligation. The tetrahydrofuranyl (thf) group was used as a permanent protective group for the 2′‐OH of the cytidine moiety which can be removed during the purification of the 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated‐pCpA. This approach allowed for a general synthesis of (3′‐terminally) 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated oligonucleotides. The fully protected pCpA 14 was synthesized by phosphoramidite chemistry and treated with NH₃ solution to remove the 2‐cyanoethyl and benzoyl groups (→ 15 ; Schemes 1 and 2). The 2′‐O‐thf‐protected‐pCpA 15 was coupled with α‐amino acid cyanomethyl esters, and the products 20a – c were deprotected and purified with AcOH buffer to afford 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated pCpA 21a – c in high yields. The 3′(2′)‐O‐aminoacylated pCpA were efficiently ligated with tRNA(? CA) to yield (aminoacyl)‐tRNA which was an active substrate for the ribosome.     

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.     

Eco‐Friendly Combination of the Immobilized PGA Enzyme and the S‐Phacm Protecting Group for the Synthesis of Cys‐Containing Peptides

Enzyme‐labile protecting groups have emerged as a green alternative to conventional protecting groups. These groups introduce a further orthogonal dimension and eco‐friendliness into protection schemes for the synthesis of complex polyfunctional organic molecules. S‐Phacm, a Cys‐protecting group, can be easily removed by the action of a covalently immobilized PGA enzyme under very mild conditions. Herein, the versatility and reliability of an eco‐friendly combination of the immobilized PGA enzyme and the S‐Phacm protecting group has been evaluated for the synthesis of diverse Cys‐containing peptides.     

Facile Synthesis of Internal and C‐Terminal Peptide α‐Ketoamides with Fmoc‐Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis

We report a general and operationally simple method for the solid phase synthesis of α‐ketoamide peptides using standard Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis. The method delivers deprotected peptide α‐ketoamides directly upon resin cleavage without any additional steps, and tolerates all side chain functional groups. A small collection of C‐terminal and internal α‐ketoamide peptides – including two reported protease inhibitors (HCV and SUB1) – were prepared in good yields. In addition, we demonstrate that our method serves as versatile platform for the convenient preparation of cyclic α‐ketoamide peptides, photocagged peptide α‐ketoamides, and fluorescently labeled peptides.     

Chemical Synthesis of the 12 kDa Human Myokine Irisin by α‐Ketoacid‐Hydroxylamine (KAHA) Ligation

Irisin is a recently discovered protein hormone with a conserved sequence among vertebrates and with putative functions in the regulation of adipose tissue and bone metabolism. We report the first chemical synthesis using two sequential ketoacid‐hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligations to give milligram quantities of unlabeled and fluorescence‐labeled irisin protein. The synthetic proteins were utilized in cell binding assays, which indicated the expected binding characteristics to stromal cells of white adipose tissue. These studies strongly imply the presence of a specific irisin receptor and provide a path to its identification with synthetic irisin.     

Catalyst‐Directed Diastereo‐ and Site‐Selectivity in Successive Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Allylations of Chiral 1,3‐Diols: Protecting‐Group‐Free Synthesis of Substituted Pyrans

The iridium‐catalyzed, protecting group‐free synthesis of 4‐hydroxy‐2,6‐cis‐ or trans‐pyrans through successive nucleophilic and electrophilic allylations of chiral 1,3‐diols occurs with complete levels of catalyst‐directed diastereoselectivity in the absence of protecting groups, premetallated reagents, or discrete alcohol‐to‐aldehyde redox reactions.     

Synthesis,and Helix or Hairpin‐Turn Secondary Structures of ‘Mixed’ α/β‐Peptides Consisting of Residues with Proteinogenic Side Chains and of 2‐Amino‐2‐methylpropanoic Acid (Aib)

Twelve peptides, 1 – 12 , have been synthesized, which consist of alternating sequences of α‐ and β‐amino acid residues carrying either proteinogenic side chains or geminal dimethyl groups (Aib). Two peptides, 13 and 14 , containing 2‐methyl‐3‐aminobutanoic acid residues or a ‘random mix’ of α‐, β²‐, and β³‐amino acid moieties were also prepared. The new compounds were fully characterized by CD (Figs. 1 and 2), and ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS). In two cases, 3 and 14 , we discovered novel types of turn structures with nine‐ and ten‐membered H‐bonded rings forming the actual turns. In two other cases, 8 and 11 , we found 14/15‐helices, which had been previously disclosed in mixed α/β‐peptides containing unusual β‐amino acids with non‐proteinogenic side chains. The helices are formed by peptides containing the amino acid moiety Aib in every other position, and their backbones are primarily not held together by H‐bonds, but by the intrinsic conformations of the containing amino acid building blocks. The structures offer new possibilities of mimicking peptide–protein and protein–protein interactions (PPI).     

Chemoselective coupling of sugar oximes and α-ketoacids to glycosyl amides and N-glycopeptides

The reaction of unprotected sugar hydroxylamines and oximes with α-ketoacids leads to the chemoselective formation of glycosyl amides following the decarboxylative condensation pathway of Bode’s ketoacid hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation. Sugar oximes with gluco configuration stereoselectively form β-linked products. This method can be used for the convergent synthesis of N-acylated sugars and oligosaccharides bearing small labels, spacers, or peptides in the acyl part.