Synthesis, conformational analysis and biological activities of lanthionine analogs of a cell adhesion modulator.

Cell adhesion is critical for many biological processes, such as hemostasis, wound healing, tumor metastasis and inflammation. Integrins are important mediators of cell adhesion. The integrin alpha4beta1, also known as VLA-4, is a cell surface receptor involved in inflammation. A cyclic peptide, 1-FCA-Arg-c[Cys-Asp-Thz-Cys]-OH, is a potent antagonist to VLA-4 with an IC50 of 2.4 nM. In the current study, we synthesized the lanthionine analogs of 1-FCA-Arg-c[Cys-Asp-Thz-Cys]-OH and determined the conformations of both the parent compound and its lanthionine analog in solution by NMR and computer simulations. The lanthionine analog retains its selectivity to VLA-4 with high nanomolar potency. Both molecules adopt similar topological arrangements in their conformations, while some important differences remain in the sulfur bridge region, which may cause the difference in potency.     

Binding crevice for TT-232 in a homology model of type 1 somatostatin receptor

Somatostatin receptor type 1 was modelled based on the atomic structure of bovine rhodopsin. Possible ways of binding interaction between somatostatin receptor type 1 and TT-232, a cycloheptapeptide analogue of somatostatin with broad therapeutic potential, were analysed by molecular docking. The twelve TT-232 conformations, obtained by NMR measurements in H(2)O-D(2)O mixture, were similar, disclosing a consensus backbone conformation. Several residues interacting with TT-232, such as Val133, Asp137 (helix 3), Arg197 (helix 4), Phe287, Gln291, Asn294 (helix 6), Ser305, and Tyr313 (helix 7), were found. In accordance, in vitro binding experiments indicated high-affinity binding of TT-232 to (125)I labelled somatostatin sites in brain membranes. The single binding crevice obtained by docking may allow the design and discovery of new peptidomimetics of TT-232 in the future.     

Synthesis and conformational study of a cyclic hexapeptide analog of somatostatin containing dehydrophenylalanine

A cyclic hexapeptide analog of somatostatin, cyclo-(Pro-delta z-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe) (II) has been synthesized by a combination of solid phase and solution methodology. It shows a potency for inhibition of growth hormone release in vitro about one-tenth that of the corresponding saturated analog, cyclo-(Pro-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe) (I). N.m.r. studies indicate comparable backbone conformations for analogs I and II. However, the sum of our findings from biological evaluation and solution physical data suggest that on the receptor the position-7 phenyl ring of I is adopting a conformation which differs from that of one of the major solution conformers defined previously by n.m.r. studies.     

Synthesis and conformational analysis of arabinofuranosides, galactofuranosides and fructofuranosides

Many microorganisms produce biologically important polysaccharides containing galactofuranosyl, arabinofuranosyl and/or fructofuranosyl residues. Recent interest in identifying antibiotics that act by inhibiting the biosynthesis of these glycans has resulted in the development of new and efficient methods for the assembly of oligosaccharides containing furanose residues. In general, it is now possible to synthesize any furanose-containing oligosaccharide with reasonable efficiency. In conjunction with these synthetic investigations, an increasing number of studies have probed the conformation of furanose rings, and a solid appreciation of the conformational preferences of key furanoside ring systems is now available.     

Synthesis, antiviral activity, and conformational studies of a P3 aza-peptide analog of a potent macrocyclic tripeptide HCV protease inhibitor

BILN 2061 is a macrocyclic tripeptide inhibitor of hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease that has shown efficacy in the clinic for treating patients infected with HCV. We have synthesized a P3 aza-peptide analog of a potent macrocyclic tripeptide inhibitor closely related to BILN 2061. This aza-derivative was found to be >2 orders of magnitude less active than the parent macrocycle in both isolated enzyme (HCV NS3-4A) and HCV subgenomic replicon assays. NMR studies of P3 aza-peptides revealed these compounds adopt a beta-turn conformation stabilized by an intramolecular H-bonding interaction. Molecular models of these structures indicate a D-like configuration of the P3 aza-residue. Thus, the configurationally undefined nature at P3 in the aza-peptide allows the compound to adopt an H-bond stabilized conformation that is substantially different from that necessary for tight binding to the active site of HCV NS3 protease.     

Synthesis and conformational analysis of AzAsx-containing oligopeptides

Summary For the sake of improving synthetic methods and evaluating the conformational perturbation induced by the substitution of AzAsx for the Asx residue in the cognate dipeptide R-CO-Asx-Pro-NHR, we prepared the AzAsx-dipeptide sequence by making use of the crystalline triphosgene. This reagent allows, in situ and under very mild experimental conditions, both the carbonylation and the activation of the properly substituted and N-protected hydrazine before coupling with the proline partner. With regard to conformational behaviour, the azadipeptide sequence displays a -fold, unlike the cognate dipeptide which adopts an Asx-turn.     

Rational design, conformational studies and bioactivity of highly potent conformationally constrained calcitonin analogues.

Calcitonin is known for its hypocalcaemic effect and the inhibition of bone resorption, and is used therapeutically for the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Our studies on the conformational features of human calcitonin (hCt) bioactivity have led to the conformationally constrained hCt analogue cyclo17,21-[Asp17, Lys21]hCt (1), which had a 5-10 times higher in vivo hypocalcaemic potency than hCt [Kapurniotu, A. & Taylor, J.W. (1995) J. Med. Chem. 38, 836-847]. We hypothesized that a stabilized, possibly type I beta turn/beta sheet conformation between residues 17 and 21 could play a crucial role in hCt bioactivity. Here, we designed, synthesized and studied the conformation and bioactivity of 19-member to 17-member ring-size analogues of 1 with the structure cyclo17,21-[Asp17,XX21]hCt with XX = Orn (2), Dab (3) and Dap (4), of the control peptide [Asp17,Orn21]hCt (5), and of the 19-member cyclo17,21-[Glu17,Dab21]hCt (6). Analyses of the far-UV CD spectra indicated increased type I beta turn and antiparallel beta sheet content in the bicyclic analogues compared with hCt. In the in vivo hypocalcaemic assay, cyclo17,21-[Asp17,Orn21]hCt (2) was found to have a 400-fold higher potency than hCt and was fourfold more potent than salmon calcitonin (sCt), which has been the most potent known Ct. Analogue 3 had a 30-fold higher potency than hCt, whereas the highly constrained analogue 4 was as potent as hCt. Bioactivity was not enhanced for the nonbridged compound [Asp17, Orn21]hCt (5), whereas cyclo17,21-[Glu17,Dab21]hCt (6) showed the same bioactivity as 1. This study identifies 2 as exhibiting the highest in vivo potency among currently known Cts, while it differs in only one amino acid residue from hCt, strongly suggesting that the introduced constraint may have served in 'freezing' hCt in a bioactive conformation. Our findings provide evidence for the first time that a beta turn/beta sheet conformation in region 17-21 of hCt and the topological features of the side chain of Asn17 are strongly associated with in vivo bioactivity, and offer a novel lead structure for a hCt-based drug for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-disorder-related diseases.     

Synthesis, biological activity and conformational analysis of cyclic GRF analogs

A novel cyclic GRF analog, cyclo(Asp8-Lys12)-[Asp8,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)-NH2, i.e. cyclo8,12[Asp8,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)-NH2, was synthesized by the solid phase procedure and found to retain significant biological activity. Solid phase cyclization of Asp8 to Lys12 proceeded rapidly (approximately 2 h) using the BOP reagent. Substitution of Ala2 with D-Ala2 and/or NH2-terminal replacement (desNH2-Tyr1 or N-MeTyr1) in the cyclo8,12[Asp8,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)-NH2 system resulted in highly potent analogs that were also active in vivo. Conformational analysis (circular dichroism and molecular dynamics calculations based on NOE-derived distance constraints) demonstrated that cyclo8,12[Asp8,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)-NH2 contains a long alpha-helical segment even in aqueous solution. A series of cyclo8,12 stereoisomers containing D-Asp8 and/or D-Lys12 were prepared and also found to be highly potent and to retain significant alpha-helical conformation. The high biological activity of cyclo8,12[N-MeTyr1,D-Ala2,Asp8,Ala15]-GRF(1-29)- NH2 may be explained on the basis of retention of a preferred bioactive conformation.     

Synthesis and conformational analysis of the insulin-like 4 gene product.

Insulin-like 4 (INSL-4) is a protein expressed in the early placenta. Its primary structure is insulin-like with reference to the distribution of cysteine residues and the single chain pro-form. Insulin-like 4 was generated by solid-phase peptide synthesis of the two chains followed by the sequential synthesis of the three disulfide bonds. Two disulfide isomers were produced, one with an insulin-like disulfide bonding pattern and the other with a reversed chain orientation. The CD spectra of the two disulfide isomers were indistinguishable without any features produced by periodic structures. In addition, the hydrodynamic properties of the two isomers were identical which implied a very open structure of the disulfide-bonded two-chain molecules. It appears that insulin-likeness cannot be defined solely on the basis of the primary structure of cDNA.     

beta-Nicotinamide-alpha-adenine dinucleotide. Synthesis and properties of a coenzyme analog.

It was not possible to synthesize beta-nicotinamide-alpha-adenine dinucleotide (NalphaAD) via the NAD pyrophosphorylase-catalyzed reaction of beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide and alpha-adenosine-5'-O-triphosphate. It was therefore prepared by reacting a mixture of beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide and alpha-adenosine-5'-O-monophosphate in aqueous pyridine, using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as condensing agent. NalphaAD can replace NAD in the lactate-dehydrogenase-catalyzed oxidation of lactate to pyruvate with LDH 4M from hog muscle as well as LDH 4H from pig heart. Km values are found to be about one order of magnitude higher for NalphaAD than for NAD. The turnover number for NalphaAD with LDH 4H is similar to that of NAD (95%), whereas it is reduced to one third (35%) in the reaction with LDH 4M. Experiments findings are discussed on the lines of a NAD-equivalent conformation of NalphaAD in the holoenzyme complex.     

Synthesis, lipophilicity and anti-HIV activity of a new brominated analog of zidovudine.

A novel cyclic bromine zidovudine analog, (-)-trans-(5S,6S)-5-bromo-6,5'- epoxy-5,6-dihydro-3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (2), and its diastereoisomer (+)-trans-(5R,6R)-(3) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, obtaining 3 in very low yields. The major product 2 presents a selectivity index (CCID50/IC50) similar to zidovudine but 55.5 times with higher lipophilicity, which should increase the ability of 2 to cross the blood-brain barrier by a non facilitated diffusion mechanism.     

Synthesis and conformational analysis of a series of galactosyl enkephalin analogues showing high analgesic activity.

Two galactosyl derivatives of [DMet2,Pro5] enkephalin-amide (compound 1), namely [DMet2,Pro5] enkephalin [N1.5-beta-D-galactopyranosyl] amide (compound 2) and O1.5-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl) [DMet2,Hyp5] enkephalin-amide (compound 3) have been synthesized. Such glycosylpeptides have been shown to be extremely potent analgesic agonists. The conformational analysis of these three compounds in DMSO-d6 solution has been carried out using two-dimensional NMR methods. Both the parent compound (1) and the beta N-galactosyl derivative (2) show similar NMR parameters which are consistent with fairly rigid beta-strands at both the N-terminus and C-terminus, connected by a glycine residue that displays a mixture between multiple conformational states. Thus, although the beta N-galactosyl derivative (2) has been shown to be significantly more potent than the parent compound (1) in the tail immersion and paw pressure tests of analgesia, no correlation can be established between the conformation of (1) and (2) in DMSO and the difference in analgesic activity. In contrast, important conformational differences with respect to (1) and (2) have been detected in the beta O-galactosyl derivative (3). In this case, only one of the likely conformations for (1) and (2) are consistent with the experimental data. These data show that the position of the galactose residue in compound (3) causes Gly3 to loose flexibility leading to a more rigid folded conformation. Such a change in conformation could be related to the difference in analgesic activity between (2) and (3).     

Synthesis, conformational analysis and biological activity of cyclic analogs of the octadecaneuropeptide ODN. Design of a potent endozepine antagonist.

The octadecaneuropeptide (ODN; QATVGDVNTDRPGLLDLK) and its C-terminal octapeptide (OP; RPGLLDLK), which exert anxiogenic activity, have been previously shown to increase intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured rat astrocytes through activation of a metabotropic receptor positively coupled to phospholipase C. It has also been found that the [d-Leu5]OP analog possesses a weak antagonistic activity. The aim of the present study was to synthesize and characterize cyclic analogs of OP and [d-Leu5]OP. On-resin homodetic backbone cyclization of OP yielded an analog, cyclo1-8 OP, which was three times more potent and 1.4-times more efficacious than OP to increase [Ca2+]i in cultured rat astrocytes. Cyclo1-8 OP also mimicked the effect of both OP and ODN on polyphosphoinositide turnover. Conversely, the cyclo1-8 [d-Leu5]OP analog was totally devoid of agonistic activity but suppressed the effect of OP and ODN on [Ca2+]i and phosphoinositide metabolism in astrocytes. The structure of these cyclic analogs has been determined by two-dimensional 1H-NMR and molecular dynamics. Cyclo1-8 OP exhibited a single conformation characterized by a gamma turn comprising residues Pro2-Leu4 and a type III beta turn encompassing residues Leu5-Lys8. Cyclo1-8 [d-Leu5]OP was present as two equimolar conformers resulting from cis/trans isomerization of the Arg-Pro peptide bond. These pharmacological and structural data should prove useful for the rational design of non peptidic ODN analogs.     

Synthesis and activity of p-azidobenzoyloxyferricrocin, a photoactivatable analog of ferrichrome

p-azidobenzoyloxy desferriferricrocin (AF) 2, a photoactivatable analog of ferrichrome, was prepared by selective acylation of the serine group of ferricrocin 1 in two steps: transesterification of ferricrocin followed by demetallation. A model compound, (L) 2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-3-p-azidobenzoyloxy N-isopropyl propionamide 8, was separately synthesized in order to set up optimal transesterification conditions to avoid , -elimination or epimerization of serine. Binding of iron-loaded AF (FeAF) to the FhuA outer membrane receptor protein of Escherichia coli AB2847 was demonstrated by inhibition of ferrichrome transport, interference with the infection by the bacteriophage 80 and with killing of cells by albomycin and colicin M. FeAF transported iron only weakly which indicates that the photoaffinity moiety is incompatible with transport or intracellular iron release from the siderophore.     

Synthesis of a fluorescent 7-methylguanosine analog and a fluorescence spectroscopic study of its reaction with wheatgerm cap binding proteins.

In the initiation of protein synthesis, the mRNA 5'-terminal 7-methylguanosine cap structure and several recognition proteins play a pivotal role. For the study of this cap binding reaction, one approach is to use fluorescence spectroscopy. A ribose diol-modified fluorescent cap analog, anthraniloyl-m7GTP (Ant-m7GTP), was designed and synthesized for this purpose. This fluorescent cap analog was found to have a high quantum yield, resistance to photobleaching and avoided overlap of excitation and emission wavelengths with those of proteins. The binding of Ant-m7GTP with wheatgerm initiation factors elF-4F and elF-(iso)4F was determined. The fluorescent cap analog and m7GTP had similar interactions with both cap binding proteins. Fluorescence quenching experiments showed that the microenvironment of Ant-m7GTP when bound to protein was hydrophobic.     

Synthesis, DNA-binding and biological activity of a double intercalating analog of ethidium bromide.

A bis-phenanthridinium salt has been synthesized and its DNA-binding studied. Evidence provided by UV and CD spectra, by thermal denaturation profiles and by equilibrium dialysis of the drug-DNA complex lead to the conclusion that both phenanthridine moieties intercalate in the helix. The double intercalator appears to be less potent than ethidium chloride as an inhibitor of nucleic acid synthesis in cultured L1210 cells, though it is more potent than a monomeric analog. The low potency may be due to a low cell influx rate.     

Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity of a new VO2+/aspirin complex

A new VO2+ complex with salicylic acid acetate (Aspirin) of formula C18H18Cl2O12V2 was synthesized and characterized. Its biological effects upon cell proliferation, differentiation and promotion of tyrosine protein phosphorylation have been tested in two lines of osteoblast-like cells in culture.     

Synthesis and biological activities of a phosphorodithioate analog of 2',5'-oligoadenylate.

To enhance the resistance of 2-5A (pppA2'p5'A2'p5'A) to degradation by exo- and endonucleases, a phosphorodithioate analog was synthesized using a solid-phase phosphite triester approach with N6-benzoyl-5'-O-dimethoxytrityl-3'-O-t-butyldimethylsilyladenosine 2'-[S-(beta-thiobenzoylethyl)-pyrrolidinophosphorothioamidit e]. 5'-Monophosphorylation was accomplished with 2-[2-(4,4'-dimethoxytrityloxy)-ethylsulfonyl]ethyl-(2-cyanoe thyl)-(N,N- diisopropyl)-phosphoramidite. The resulting product, p5'A2'(s2p)- 5'A2'(s2p)5'A, was approximately 10-fold less effective as an activator of purified human recombinant 2-5A-dependent RNase than was 2-5A itself. This loss of activation ability was related directly to the loss of binding ability of the phosphorodiothioate analog. As predicted, p5'A2'(s2p)5'A2' (s2p)5'A was stable to snake venom phosphodiesterase and the nucleolytic activities of both human lymphoblastoid CEM cell extracts and human serum, under conditions that led to facile degradation of parent 2-5A. This nuclease stability permitted the observation of the CEM cell extracts and human serum phosphatase activity which led to 5'-dephosphorylation of p5'A2'(s2p)5'A2'(s2p)5'A.