Synthesis and anti-aggregatory activity of linear retro-inverso RGD peptides.

Six retro-inverso tri- and tetrapeptide analogues of RGD were prepared and their anti-aggregatory activity was determined by platelet aggregation tests in comparison with the corresponding parent peptides. An efficient method for the introduction of a malonyl-aspartic residue into a peptide chain is described for the first time. A 2-3-fold decrease in potency or total loss of bioactivity was observed with the new peptides; structure-activity relationships are discussed.     

Synthesis of new class dipeptide analogues with improved permeability and antithrombotic activity

3-(S)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid isolated from A. Chinese G. Don was found to possess moderate anti-aggregation activity, but with poor bioavailability. To improve its pharmacological property, we designed and synthesized a series of novel dipeptide analogues by incorporating tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid skeleton as an amino acid surrogate (*Trp). It turned out these dipeptide analogues exhibited good membrane permeability based on in vitro Caco-2 cell monolayers permeability assay. As a result, the overall biological properties of these molecules were significantly improved depending on the nature of the amino acid residues introduced onto the 3-position of the tetrahydro-beta-carboline moiety. It was very interesting to notice that these dipeptide analogues (5b,c,h,i,n,o,p,q) displayed a remarkable dual antiaggregatory activity in both of ADP- and PAF-induced platelet aggregation assay, and their aggregation response was significantly higher than that of aspirin (p<0.01). In addition, these dipeptide analogues were observed for the dose-dependent antithrombotic effect using in vivo rat arterial thrombosis model. The potency of antithrombotic activity of 5h,i,n,p was significantly higher than that of aspirin (n=12, p<0.01) at equal dose (5 micromol/kg).     

Synthesis of 4-substituted phenyl 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-D-gluco- and -alpha-L-guloseptanosides possessing antithrombotic activity

Two independent approaches were investigated for the synthesis of 3,4-di-O-acetyl-1,6:2,5-dianhydro-1-thio-D-glucitol (18), a key intermediate in the synthesis of 1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-6-thio-alpha-D-glucoseptanose (13), needed as glycosyl donor. In the first approach 1,6-dibromo-1,6-dideoxy-D-mannitol was used as starting material and was converted via 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dibromo-1,6-dideoxy-4-O-methanesulfonyl-3-O-tetrahydropy ranyl-D-glucitol into 18. The second approach started from 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-mannitol and the allyl, 4-methoxybenzyl as well as the methoxyethoxymethyl groups were used, respectively, for the protection of the 3,4-OH groups. The resulting intermediates were converted via their 1,2:5,6-dianhydro derivatives into the corresponding 3,4-O-protected 2,5-anhydro-6-bromo-6-deoxy-D-glucitol derivatives. The 1,6-thioanhydro bridge was introduced into these compounds by exchanging the bromine with thioacetate, activating OH-1 by mesylation and treating these esters with sodium methoxide. Among these approaches, the 4-methoxybenzyl protection proved to be the most suitable for a large scale preparation of 18. Pummerer rearrangement of the sulfoxide, obtained via oxidation of 18 gave a 1:9 mixture of 1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-6-thio-alpha-L-gulo- (12) and -D-glucoseptanose 13. When 12 or 13 were used as donors and trimethylsilyl triflate as promoter for the glycosylation of 4-cyanobenzenethiol, a mixture of 4-cyanophenyl 3,4-di-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-L-gulo- (58) and -alpha-D-glucoseptanoside (61) was formed suggesting an isomerisation of the heteroallylic system of the intermediate. A similar mixture of 58 and 61 resulted when 18 was treated with N-chloro succinimide and the mixture of chlorides was used in the presence of zinc oxide for the condensation with 4-cyanobenzenethiol. When 4-nitrobenzenethiol was applied as aglycon and boron trifluoride etherate as promoter, a mixture of 4-nitrophenyl 3,4-di-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-L-gulo- (60) and -alpha-D-glucoseptanoside (62) was obtained. Deacetylation of 58, 61 and 62 according to Zemplen afforded 4-cyanophenyl 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-L-glucoseptanoside (59), 4-cyanophenyl 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-D-glucoseptanoside (63) and 4-nitrophenyl 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dithio-alpha-D-glucoseptanoside (66), respectively. The 4-cyano group of 63 was transformed into the 4-aminothiocarbonyl, and the 4-(methylthio)(imino)methyl derivative and the 4-nitro group of 66 into the acetamido derivative. All of these thioglycosides displayed a stronger oral antithrombotic effect in rats compared with beciparcil, used as reference.     

Synthesis of RGD containing peptides and their bioactivities

RGDS, RGDV, and RGDF were used for the structural modification of YIGSR and YIGSK, the sequences involved in the development of metastasis disease. By use of a solution method, YIGSRRGDS, YIGSRRGDV, YIGSRRGDF, YIGSKRGDS, YIGSKRGDV, YIGSKRGDF, YIGSRYIGSK, and YIGSKYIGSR were prepared in good yield. The results of bioassay in vitro indicated that the target property of RGDS, RGDV, and RGDF to high affinity-receptors may be responsible for the enhanced anti-aggregation, anti-adhesion, and anti-invasion potency.     

Synthesis of stereoisomers of antithrombotic nipecotamides

The stereoisomers of α,α′-bis[3-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)-piperidino]-p-xylene ( 1 ) were synthesized. Rac ethyl nipecotate was resolved by diastereomeric (-)-D - and (+)-L-tartrate salt formation. The enantiomeric esters were hydrolyzed to the corresponding nipecotic acids, which were then converted into t-BOC derivatives. Treatment of the latter with diethylamine/isobutyl chloroformate and removal of the t-BOC protecting group afforded (R)- and (S)-N,N-diethylnipecotamides. Condensation of the latter with α,α′-dibromo-p-xylene gave (R,R)- and (S,S)- 1 . The meso-diastereomer was obtained by stereospecific synthesis in addition to our earlier procedure involving fractional crystallization of the diastereomeric mixture obtained by synthesis. The latter was resolved earlier into 1A , 1B , and 1C using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Based on the stereospecific synthesis now achieved, 1A and 1B are assigned the configurations, (R,R) and (S,S) respectively, and 1C is assigned the meso configuration. The (R,S) structure of the latter is also confirmed by X-ray crystallography. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Synthesis and biological activity of novel 1,4-diazepane derivatives as factor Xa inhibitor with potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity

Factor Xa (fXa) is a serine protease involved in the coagulation cascade, which has received great interest as a potential target for the development of new antithrombotic drugs. Herein we report a novel series of fXa inhibitors in which the 1,4-diazepane moiety was designed to interact with the S4 aryl-binding domain of the fXa active site. Compound 13 (YM-96765) showed potent fXa inhibitory activity (IC(50) = 6.8 nM) and effective antithrombotic activity without prolonging bleeding time.     

Synthesis of 4-cyano and 4-nitrophenyl 1,6-dithio-D-manno-, L-ido- and D-glucoseptanosides possessing antithrombotic activity

1,6-Anhydro-3,4-O-isopropylidene-1-thio-D-mannitol was converted into its sulfoxide which after hydrolysis, acetylation and subsequent Pummerer rearrangement gave the penta-O-acetyl-1-thio-D-mannoseptanose anomers in excellent yield. This anomeric mixture was used as donor for the glycosylation of 4-nitro- and 4-cyanobenzenethiol in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate and trimethylsilyl triflate, respectively, to yield the corresponding thioseptanosides in high yield. The same strategy was applied for the synthesis of the corresponding L-idothioseptanosides using 1,6-anhydro-3,4-O-isopropylidene-1-thio-L-iditol as starting material. The penta-O-acetyl-D-glucothioseptanose donors could not be synthesised the same way, as the Pummerer reaction of the corresponding tetra-O-acetyl-1,6-thioanhydro-1-thio-D-glucitol sulfoxides led to an inseparable mixture of the corresponding L-gulo- and D-glucothioseptanose anomers. Therefore, D-glucose diethyl dithioacetal was converted via its 2,3,4,5-tetra-O-acetyl-6-S-acetyl derivative into an anomeric mixture of its 6-thio-septanose and -furanose peracetates which could be separated by column chromatography. Condensation of the 6-thio-glucoseptanose peracetates with 4-cyano- and 4-nitrobenezenethiol in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate afforded anomeric mixtures of the corresponding thioseptanosides. The D-manno-, L-ido- and D-glucothioseptanosides obtained after Zemplén deacetylation of these mixtures were tested for their oral antithrombotic activity.     

Camptothecins in tumor homing via an RGD sequence mimetic

A RGD peptide mimetic was conjugated to four camptothecins, with the purpose to improve their therapeutic index. The conjugate derivatives were evaluated against two tumor cell lines, one overexpressing integrins (human ovarian carcinoma, A2780) and a second one with a low integrin expression (human prostate cancer, PC3). The in vitro screening was completed with the adhesion behavior to vitronectin. Compound 8 (ST7456CL1) was selected for the in vivo investigation after stability tests over 24 h, in PBS solution and in rat plasma, and compared to irinotecan. The former showed a prolonged half-life.     

Synthesis of RGD containing peptides and their vasodilation effect

APLRV, SLRR, RGDS, and RGDF were synthesized by use of the solution method via the corresponding protective intermediates. After fragment condensation and deprotection, APLRVRGDS, APLRVRGDF, SLRRRGDS, and SLRRRGDF were obtained. The effect of these RGD containing peptides on rat aortic strips pretreated with noradrenaline (NE) were observed. The relaxing extents of contracted strips for them at three doses (10(-5) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L and 10(-7) mol/L) indicated that, in a few cases, this kind of combination of these fragments may enhance the desirable activity.     

Solution conformation of a model hexapeptide containing RGD sequence.

The solution conformation of a model hexapeptide Asp-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Gly (DRGDSG) containing the RGD sequence has been studied in DMSO-d6 as well as in aqueous solution (H2O:D2O/90:10%) by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The unambiguous identification of spin systems of various amino acid residues and sequence specific assignment of all proton resonances was achieved by a combination of two dimensional COSY and NOESY experiments. The temperature coefficient data of the amide proton chemical shifts in conjunction with the vicinal coupling constants, i.e. 3JNH-C alpha H, NOESY and ROESY results indicate that the peptide in both the solvents exists in a blend of conformers with beta-sheet like extended backbone structure and folded conformations. The folded conformers do not appear to be stabilised by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Our results are consistent with the flexibility of RGD segment observed in the NMR studies on the protein echistatin containing the RGD motif (references 23-25).     

Synthesis and bioactivities of nitronyl nitroxide and RGD containing pseudopeptides

1-(1',3'-dioxyl-4',4',5',5'-tetramethyldihydroimidazol-2'-yl)-phenyl-4-yloxylacetic acid (3), and 1-(1',3'-dioxyl-4',4',5',5'-tetramethyldihydroimidazol-2'-yl)-phenyl-4-yloxylacetyl-RGDS (13), -RGDV (14), -RGDF (15) were synthesized. The ESR measurement gave the same spectroscopy for 3 and 13-15. The NO scavenging tests in vitro, anti-platelet aggregation tests in vitro and the anti-thrombosis assay in vivo indicated that introducing 3 into the N-terminal of RGDS, RGDV and RGDF the corresponding bioactivities for both of 3 and RGD peptides can be remained completely. The present combinations provided a beneficial strategy for simultaneous scavenging NO and anti-thrombosis, and for the use of spin label of RGD peptides in the conformational researches.     

Design of superactive and selective integrin receptor antagonists containing the RGD sequence

Summary Integrins play a major role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The majority of the different types of integrins recognize the tripeptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD). To explore the spatial requirements of the pharmacophore for receptor selectivity and high activity, a new procedure, spatial screening, was used. The procedure is based on the experience that the conformation of small cyclic peptides is mainly determined by the chirality of the amino acids (and glycine or proline). For example, cyclic pentapeptides with one d and four l amino acids prefer a II'/ conformation. The sequence RGDFV was shifted around this spatial II'/ template by synthesis of five peptides in which one of the amino acids was used in d-configuration. It turned out that cyclo(-RGDfV-) is a selective inhibitor for the _v3 integrin, which is strongly expressed in cancer cells. Systematic variations with different turn mimetics, retro-inverso structures, modified peptide bonds and sugar amino acids are discussed.     

Thrombin functions through its RGD sequence in a non-canonical conformation

Previous studies have suggested that thrombin interacts with integrins in endothelial cells through its RGD (Arg-187, Gly-188, Asp-189) sequence. All existing crystal structures of thrombin show that most of this sequence is buried under the 220-loop and therefore interaction via RGD implies either partial unfolding of the enzyme or its proteolytic digestion. Here, we demonstrate that surface-absorbed thrombin promotes attachment and migration of endothelial cells through interaction with alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(5)beta(1) integrins. Using site-directed mutants of thrombin we prove that this effect is mediated by the RGD sequence and does not require catalytic activity. The effect is abrogated when residues of the RGD sequence are mutated to Ala and is not observed with proteases like trypsin and tissue-type plasminogen activator, unless the RGD sequence is introduced at position 187-189. The potent inhibitor hirudin does not abrogate the effect, suggesting that thrombin functions through its RGD sequence in a non-canonical conformation. A 1.9-Angstroms resolution crystal structure of free thrombin grown in the presence of high salt (400 mm KCl) shows two molecules in the asymmetric unit, one of which assumes an unprecedented conformation with the autolysis loop shifted 20 Angstroms away from its canonical position, the 220-loop entirely disordered, and the RGD sequence exposed to the solvent.     

Synthesis and preliminary biological assessments of RGD bearing biocompatible telomers

Work reported herein deals with the synthesis and preliminary biological assessments of a new class of biocompatible telomeric carriers bearing peptidic RGDSK sequences as tumor cell targeting and tyrosine moieties labelled with 125I as in vivo probe. The radioactivity levels obtained in several tissues, after the intravenous injections of these telomers in mice bearing grafted B16 syngenic melanoma showed that the addition of a RGD residue to a telomeric structure confers it an increased affinity for the highly vascularized zone surrounding the tumor.     

Synthesis of 4-cyanophenyl and 4-nitrophenyl 2-azido-2-deoxy-1,5-dithio-beta-D-arabino- and -beta-D-lyxopyranosides possessing antithrombotic activity

Tri-O-acetyl-5-thio-D-ribopyranosyl bromide was converted into 3,4-di-O-benzoyl-1,5-anhydro-5-thio-D-erythro-pent-1-enitol (3,4-di-O-benzoyl-5-thio-D-ribal), the azidonitration of which afforded an unstable mixture of 2-azido-3,4-di-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-1-O-nitro-5-thio-D-pentopyranoside++ + isomers. This was converted without separation into the corresponding 1-O-acetyl derivatives from which an alpha,beta anomeric mixture of the 1-O-acetyl-2-azido-3,4-di-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-5-thio-D-arabinopyranose+ ++ isomers could be isolated in high yield. Glycosidation of this mixture with 4-cyano- or 4-nitrobenzenethiol, using trimethylsilyl triflate or boron trifluoride etherate, respectively, as promoters gave the corresponding D anomers exclusively. Zemplén debenzoylation afforded 4-cyanophenyl as well as 4-nitrophenyl 2-azido-2-deoxy-1,5-dithio-beta-D-arabinopyranoside, respectively. When 1-O-acetyl-2-azido-3,4-di-O-benzoyl-2-deoxy-5-thio-D-lyxopyranose was used as glycosyl donor only the corresponding 1 anomers, i.e., 4-cyanophenyl as well as 4-nitrophenyl 2-azido-2-deoxy-1,5-dithio-beta-D-lyxopyranosides, could be isolated after Zemplén debenzoylation in high yield. All four 1,5-dithioglycosides possess significant oral antithrombotic activity.     

Role of the RGD sequence in parasite adhesion to host cells

For many protozoan parasites, one of the first events in the process of infection is attachment to the surface of host cells. This adhesion phase usually involves ligand-receptor interactions, and has stimulated interest in the biochemical characterization of those host cell and parasite surface components involved. In this article, Ali Ouaissi discusses the strategy employed by pathogens such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Trichomonas, Leishmania and Treponema pallidum, in binding to their host cells' fibronectin receptors. Two systems appear available - to bind to the dimeric cell surface fibronectin through the Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid (RGD) sequence that is not occupied by the host cell surface receptors, or to present a surface antigen representing a 'fibronectin-like' molecule containing the RGD sequence directly to the host cell fibronectin receptors.     

The Synthesis of a Lipophilic Derivative of RGD Peptide

Bishexadecyl ester of RGD peptide was synthesized in solution by the conventional methods of peptide chemistry in a total yield of 48%.     

Cloning of habutobin cDNA and antithrombotic activity of recombinant protein

The habutobin cDNA was cloned from total RNA extracted from venom glands of Trimeresurus flavoviridis (the habu snake). The conceptual translation of 1539 bp of habutobin cDNA consists of 236 amino acids and its molecular weight is 25.7 kDa. Histidine (His)-tagged recombinant habutobin fusion protein, pET-r-habutobin and AcNPV-r-habutobin, was purified by bacterial system and baculoviral system, respectively. After refolding pET-r-habutobin, there were two protein bands at about 32 kDa and 65 kDa, indicating that habutobin might be produced as a monomer protein and processed to form two concatenated protein. Purified AcNPV-r-habutobin dose-dependently increased fibrin forming activity and inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of rabbit washed platelets. Thus, AcNPV-r-habutobin produced by baculoviral system is very useful for study on structure-function relationship, which is necessary for developing an antithrombotic drug from habutobin.     

Structure of the fibrinogen binding sequence: arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD)

The crystal structure of a tetrahydrated form of L-arginyl-glycyl-L-aspartic acid (RGD), the consensus sequence for binding of fibrinogen to cell surface receptors, has been determined from diffractometer data. The tripeptide was crystallized in double zwitterionic form via hanging drop vapor diffusion experiments at a pH near 6.5. The orthorhombic unit cell contains four formula units in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with lattice parameters a = 4.852(4), b = 11.376(3), c = 34.083(8)A at RT. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R = 0.067 based upon 1345 observations with I greater than or equal to 2 sigma(I). Peptide bonds both are trans, omega 2 = 174.2(6) degrees and omega 3 = -169.3(6) degrees. The backbone bends at glycine with phi 2 = -85.5(8) degrees. One of the water molecules sits between the arginyl side chain and the C-terminal carboxylate, forming an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the glycyl carboxyl and linking adjacent molecules through two other H-bond interactions. Comparison of the structure to RGD sequences extracted from 3-D protein structures reveals a diversity of conformations for this tripeptide sequence.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of type VI beta-turn templated RGD peptidomimetics

We report the design, synthesis, and binding affinities of a family of cyclic RGD peptides attached to type VI beta-turn scaffolds. The analogues prepared exhibit interesting binding data to the isolated receptors alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5. The results demonstrate the utility of these type VI beta-turn scaffolds for the constraint of biologically relevant peptides.