Steric structure of L-proline oligopeptides. II. Far-ultraviolet absorption spectra and optical rotations of L-proline oligopeptides

The results of the measurement of the far-ultraviolet absorption spectra of L -proline oligomers in water and acetonitrile are summarized as follows. The monomer has an absorption maximum at 182.5 mμ in acetonitrile. The absorption maximum of the dimer is found at 185 mμ and a shoulder appears around 200 mμ, that is, splitting of the absorption spectrum is observed in the dimer. As the degree of polymerization increases, the position of the shoulder shifts toward the wavelength of the absorption maximum of poly-L -proline II, with an accompanying increase in intensity. We may describe the absorption peak around 203 mμ of poly-L -proline II as identical with the shoulder with an increased intensity. By measurements of optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroic spectra, it was also confirmed that the appearance of the helical conformation commences at the tetramer. When the number of residues is five or greater, the conformation of the helical structure of poly-L -proline II seems to be completed.     

Changement de structure de la poly-L-proline à l'état solide par hydratation: Etude par spectrométrie infra-rouge

Films of poly-L -proline I and II have been hy drated by water vapor and their infrared spectra analysed between 1250 and 3500 cm^?1. Forms I and II behave differently. Water binds to the carbonyl of form II through hydrogen bridges and, when released by drying, leaves the polypeptide conformation unchanged. In form I, complex formation with water seems to proceed through a different mechanism involving more than the carbonyls. Hydration of form I yields a partial irreversible transition to form II. Successive hydration and drying of the film brings the transition to completion. This I → II transition in the solid state has a cooperative character; its mechanism is discussed. Poly-L -prolines I and II also absorb vapors of aliphatic alcohols but not change in conformation is observed.     

NMR studies in solution of poly-L-proline

The isomerization of poly-L -proline in different solvents has been studied by NMR spectroscopy. Different resonance signals for the CH_α protons have been obtained for the two different helical conformations of thus compound, namely form I and form II.     

Vibrational analysis and dispersion curves of poly-L-hydroxyproline chain

Dispersion curves and frequency distribution for poly-L -hydroxyproline (PLHP) chain were obtained using Wilson's GF matrix method as modified by Higgs. These are compared with those of poly-L -proline II and polyglycine II, which also have three-fold screw symmetry. Ring and skeletal modes characteristic of PLHP are identified and the assignments of observed infrared and Raman frequencies are reported. Urey-Bradley force constants were evaluated.     

The solution behavior of poly-L-proline: II. Fluorescence behavior of labeled polyproline in water and conentrated aqueous neutral salt solytions

Fluorescence depolarization experiments performed on labaled poly-L -proline Forme II suggest the occurrence of aggrgation in water while 6M guanidinium-HCl induces dissociation. The solvent 4M CaCl₂ results in a reduction of polymer structural orgganization. These findings corroborate suggestion of polyproline aggregation and solution behavior in aqueous neutral salt solytion (see preceding article).     

Vibrational spectra and dispersion curves of poly-L-proline II chain

Using Wilson's GF-matrix method as modified by Higgs for infinite helical polymers, dispersion curves and the frequency distribution function have been calculated for poly-L -proline II chain. Infrared spectrum is obtained and a Urey-Bradley force field, which provides best fit with the observed frequencies, is evaluated. The result are discussed from the viewpoint of the conformational characteristics of forms I and II.     

An infrared study on the conformation of poly-L-proline in concentrated aqueous salt solutions

The infrared absorption of poly-L -proline in concentrated aqueous salt solutions was measured in the fundamental region. Of primary interest were the carbonyl absorption of the peptide linkage and the methylene C–H bending absorption of the pyrrolidine ring. These spectral regions each show an additional component in the concentrated salt solutions. Using the position of the absorptions of poly-L -proline I (cis) and II (trans) as models, we conclude that both cis–trans linkages are present in the peptide in salt solutions. Increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium slightly in favor of cis.     

Cooperative transition between two helical conformations in a linear system: Poly-L-proline I ⇌ II. I. Equilibrium studies

The solvent-induced conformational transition between the two helical forms of poly-L -proline is studied as a model for cooperative order ? order transitions. The chain length dependent equilibrium data in two solvent systems are described by Schwarz's theory, which is based upon the most general formulation of the linear Ising model with nearest neighbor interactions. The parameter σ which describes the difficulty of nucleation of a I (II) residue in an uninterrupted II (I)-helix is 10^?5 in both solvent systems. The ratios of the nucleation difficulties of states I and II at the ends of the chains β′ and β″ are very different in the two systems. Nucleation difficulty within the chain is interpreted as being due to unfavorable excess interaction energies at the I–II and II–I junctions, which add up to 7 kcal/mole of nuclei as calculated from the σ value. A similar value is computed from the atomic interactions at the junctions. In contrast to this intrinsic properly of poly-L -proline, the energies of I and II residues at the ends are heavily influenced by interactions of the endgroups with the solvent. The above values of the nucleation parameters are determined by a new least-square fitting procedure which does not necessitate the assumption of the dependence of the equilibrium constant s for propagation upon the external parameters, but yields this function from the experimental transition data. A quantitative explanation of this experimental s function through the binding of solvent is attempted. In the transition region a very small free energy change (about 0.1 kcal/mole), arising from a preferential binding of solvent molecules to one of the conformational states, is sufficient for a complete conversion from one helical form to the other.     

Steric structure of L-proline oligopeptides. I. Infrared absorption spectra of the oligopeptides and poly-L-proline

Poly-L -prolines I and II were differentiated by the characteristic bands in the far infrared region. Form I showed two broad bands at about 280 and 160 cm^?1 and form II two bands at, 400 and 670 cm.^?1. Furthermore, three broad bands at about 250, 200, and 100 cm.^?1 were observed in the spectrum for form II. Infrared absorption bands of the pentamer, hexamer, and octamer of tert-amyloxycarbonyl-L -proline were almost similar to those of poly-L -proline II in the 1800–75 cm.^?1 region. In the far-infrared region, especially, the absorption bands of these three oligopeptides were in good agreement with that of poly–L –proline II. Accordingly we concluded that the molecules of pentamer, hexamer, and octamer had a helical structure of a left-handed threefold screw axis. The tetrapeptide of tert-amyloxycarbonyl-L -proline might also have a left-handed helix, probably one turn, since the tetramer clearly showed an absorption band at about 400 cm.^?-1 characteristic of poly–L –proline II.     

Diamide model for the optical activity of collagen and polyproline I and II

A diamide, N-acetyl-L -proline-N,N-dimethylamide (AcProDMA), in water solution has optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) and circular dichroism (CD) spectra very similar to those of poly-L -proline II and the fibrous protein collagen. In contrast, AcProDMA in cyclohexane solution has optical activity resembling that of poly-L -proline I. Conformational analysis shows that AcProDMA is confined by steric constraints to either of two narrow regions of conformational space. The trans isomer of AcProDMA assumes conformations near those of polyproline II and collagen nearest neighbors, while cis-AcProDMA assumes conformations near that of polyproline I nearest neighbors. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments show that an equilibrium mixture of the cis and trans isomers of AcProDMA is present in solution. The trans isomer predominates in aqueous solution, but the equilibrium shifts to favor the cis isomer in nonpolar organic solvents such as cyclohexane. Analysis of the ORD spectra in terms of two basic spectra reveals a solvent dependent isomerization which parallels that observed by NMR. The optical activity of the pure isomers of AcProDMA can be derived from the ORD, CD and NMR data. A comparison of component cotton effects confirms the similarity in optical activity of trans-AcProDMA, polyproline II, and collagen on the one hand, and of cis-AcProDMA and Polyproline I on the other.     

Conformational aspects of polypeptide structure. XLI. Crystal structure of S-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and helical structure of poly((S)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid)

The helical structures of poly[(S)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid], in the cis and trans forms, were redetermined by using the new sets of bond angles and bond lengths established by X-ray diffraction analysis of L -thioproline. Calculations of the helical structures of poly-L -proline and poly[(S)-oxazolidine-4-carboxylic acid] were also repeated. As a result of these energy calculations, it is suggested that, in contrast to poly-L -proline and poly[(S)-oxazolidine-4-carboxylic acid], poly[(S)-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid] should not mutarotate from the trans to the cis form. This result is due to the fact that the energy barrier for the conversion is most likely too high. Previous experimental work is consistent with this finding.     

The circular dichroism spectrum of poly-L-acetoxyproline

We report the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of poly-L acetoxyproline in trifluoroethanol, a solvent in which the form I to form II conformational isomerization occurs slowly enough to permit observation of the spectral changes. A comparison is made to poly-L proline. As judged by the similarity of the CD spectra, the conformations of the corresponding forms of the two polymers must be nearly the same. Transition assignments are proposed; these are shown to agree with the theoretical calculations of Pysh. There is a serious unexplained discrepancy between our solution data and those of Fasman for poly-L acetoxyproline.     

Specific ion effects on the solution conformation of poly-L-proline

The effects of various electrolytes on the conformation of poly-L -proline II in aqueous and nonaqueous solution have been investigated by optical rotatory techniques. It is shown that these agents induce a linear decrease in the corrected specific levorotaton of poly-L -proline with increasing salt concentration, with a molar effectiveness which varies from one salt to another. The salt-induced rotatory changes may be divided into anion and cation components, and it is shown that the major specific affectors are the anions, which increase in effectiveness in reducing the corrected specific levorotation in the following sequence: Cl^? < NO₃^? < Br^? < I^? < ClO₄^? < SCN^?. The inorganic monovalent cations tested (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) are all equally effective in decreasing the specific levorotation. Ca⁺⁺ has a marginally greater effect per mole than the inorganic monovalent cations, while the effectiveness of the ganidinium cation is appreciably less. The tetraalkylammonium cations decrease the specific levorotation more effectively than the inorganic monovalent cations, with the molar effectiveness increasing linearly with total content of methyl plus methylene groups. A similar linear increase with increasing methyl plus methylene content is shown by the aliphatic alcohols, though the effect per mole of CH₂ or CH₃ group is appreciably smaller than that shown by the tetraaklylammonium cations. Salts dissolved in essentially anhydron for mamide are also appreciably effective. Selected viscosity experiments have also been carried out to show that the observed effects on specific levorotation have a structural as well as an optical basis. These results are interpreted in terms of a model which involves binding of anions at the imide nitrogen, and cations at the carbonyl oxygen. It is proposed that this binding induces an increase in the double-bond character; of the peptide bond (and thus a shortening of the bond) which is roughly proportional in the polarizability of the bound anion and that this increase is potentiated by cations which decrease the total dielectric constant (e.g., the tetraalkylammonium series), and reduced by cations presenting competitive local anion binding sites (e.g., the guanidinium ion). We propose further that this shortening of the peptide bond is accompanied by a lengthening of the adjacent bond, thus reducing the steric restraints to rotation about this bond (increasing the accessible range of the angle ψ) sufficiently to induce a progressive non-cooperative collapse of the poly-L -proline II structure. Several lines of evidence are presented to support this interpretation. The various neutral salts are also shown to induce a time-dependent precipitation or “salting-out” of poly-L -proline from solution. In order of decreasing molar effectiveness as salting-out agents in this system, the various ions may be ranked: SO₄^? > Ac^? > Cl^? > Br^? > SCN^? > I^? > ClO₄^?; and K⁺ ? Na⁺ > Li⁺ > Ca⁺⁺. These rankings follow the usual Hofmeister or lyotropic series, and are quite different from hose which apply to the effects on solution conformation of poly-L -proline.     

Single crystals of poly-L-lysine

Crystals of poly-L -lysine have been grown from aqueous solution in the presence of divalent anions. The most stable of these incorporate the HPO ion and are precipitated by the addition of sodium monohydrogen phosphate to solutions of poly-L -lysine HBr. Precipitation at or slightly above room temperature gives rise to single crystals of α-poly-L -lysine HPO₄ in the form of hexagonal lamellae about 150 Å thick. The axes of the helical polypeptide molecules are oriented normal to the planes of the lamellae, and since molecular length is about 1100 Å in the α-helical conformation, these helices must be folded. The a parameter of the hexagonal unit cell is 19.55 Å for crystals immersed in mother liquor, and the lysine side chains are almost fully extended. Precipitation brought about by heating the same solutions to about 75°C produces micro-crystals of β-poly-L -lysine HPO₄. A mode of packing of the anions in these crystals is proposed tentatively on the basis of an intersheet spacing determined from x-ray powder diffraction patterns. In general, α crystals are transformed to β structures on drying; conditions under which the transition can either be forestalled or reversed are discussed.     

Extended conformations of polypeptides and proteins in urea and guanidine hydrochloride

By analyzing the effect of urea and guanidine hydrochloride on the circular dichroism of many polypeptides and proteins, it is concluded that under conditions of high concentration of the perturbant and at low temperatures the resultant state approached is that of a local extended helix structure instead of a completely random coil. Intensification by urea and guanidine hydrochloride of the circular dichroism bands of poly-L -proline II leads to the proof that the mechanism of interaction of urea and guanidine hydrochloride with proteins is through hydrogen bonding to the backbone carbonyl group.     

Effect of temperature on the circular dichroism spectra of polypeptides in the extended state

The circular dichroism (CD) spectra of poly-L -proline and of poly-L -glutamic acid and poly-L -lysine in their charged states have been studied as a function of temperature. The variation of CD spectra with temperature is inconsistent with the assignment of the spectrum of such charged polypetides to an unordered chain conformation, but does support our earlier assignment to a locally ordered structure—what we have called the extended helix conformation. These results also strengthen our previous assignment of the CD spectrum of an unordered chain, and indicate that three conformational states (α-helix, extended helix, and unordered) should be incorporated in our thinking about conformational transitions in polypeptides.     

A model for solvent contributions to polypeptide and protein circular dichroism

The possibility of bound solvent contributing directly to the circular dichroism of polypeptides and proteins is discussed. The model presented is based on the requirement of a breakdown in the planar symmetry of the amide environment. This symmetry breakdown is described in terms of the conformational states of the chain, and leads to necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for observable solvent contributions. Application of the model leads to the conclusion that, while some chain conformations are intrinsically incapable of roviding the required breakdown in the symmetry of solvent perturbations, other conformations force such a breakdown, notably poly-L -proline II and disordered chains.     

Raman spectra of poly-L-lysines

The Raman spectra of poly-L -lysine hydrochloride and poly-?-carbobenzoxy-L -lysine in the solid state have been obtained and are consistent with the presence of an α-helical structure. The Raman spectrum of poly-L -lysine in aqueous solution suggests the presence of random coil structures.     

Electric birefringence studies on polyglutamic acid.

The electric birefringence for the aqueous solution of poly-L -glutamic acid (PGA) in the helical form was studied. PGA samples were fractionated by gel column chromatography. PGA showed a positive electric birefringence. The permanent dipole moment of the PGA molecule was suggested to be largely suppressed. The measurements of the intrinsic Kerr constants for various molecular lengths showed that the electric anisotropy (polarizability) of PGA is proportional to the 1.5 power of the length. The electric birefrigence measurement was also carried out in the helix–coil transition region. The Kerr constant of PGA was largely reduced on going from the helical form to the coiled form.     

Kinetics for the transition between cis- and trans-helices in poly-L-proline

The kinetics for the cis-trans isomerization of long-chain poly-L -proline has been studied as a function of pressure, temperature, and solvent composition in the acetic acid + n-propanol solvent system. Our complete kinetic curves were fitted by Monte Carlo techniques, and rate constants for nucleation, growth, and termination were estimated. It was found that for the formation of a cis-helix, high pressure, low temperature, and increased acetic acid content of the solvent, lowered the rate of nucleation relative to growth. The inverse seems to be t rue for the formation of a trans-helix. Molecular models suggest that this behavior of the kinetic constants can be due to the exposure of peptide units to solvent in the transition state for trans nucleation, and the burying of peptide units in the transition state for cis nucleation. It is further suggested from our analysis of complete kinetic curves that at least one of the assumptions usually made in the analysis of relaxation kinetics is invalid for poly-L -proline.