Minimal Acylase-Like Peptides. Conformational Control of Absolute Stereospecificity

Synthesis and screening of support-bound combinatorial peptide libraries with free C-termini: determination of the sequence specificity of PDZ domains

Preparation of support-bound combinatorial peptide libraries with free C-termini has been challenging in the past because solid-phase peptide synthesis usually starts from the C-terminus, which must be covalently attached to the solid support. In this work, we have developed a general methodology to synthesize and screen one-bead-one-compound peptide libraries containing free C-termini. TentaGel microbeads (90 mum) were spatially segregated into outer and inner layers, and peptides were synthesized on the beads in the conventional C --> N manner, with their C-termini attached to the support through an ester linkage on the bead surface but through an amide bond in the bead interior. The surface peptides were cyclized between their N-terminal amine and a carboxyl group installed at a C-terminal linker sequence, while the internal peptides were kept in the linear form. Base hydrolysis of the ester linkage in the cyclic peptides regenerated linear peptides that contained a free alpha-carboxyl group at their C-termini but remained covalently attached to the resin via the N-termini ("inverted" peptides). An inverted peptide library containing five random residues (theoretical diversity of 3.2 x 10 (6)) was synthesized and screened for binding to four postsynaptic density-95/discs large/zona occluden-1 (PDZ) domains of sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor-1 (NHERF1) and channel-interacting PDZ domain protein (CIPP). The identity of the binding peptides was determined by sequencing the linear encoding peptides inside the bead by partial Edman degradation/mass spectrometry. Consensus recognition motifs were identified for the PDZ domains, and representative peptides were resynthesized and confirmed for binding to their cognate PDZ domains. This method should be generally applicable to all PDZ domains as well as other protein domains and enzymes that recognize the C-terminus of their target proteins.

Efficiency in nonenzymatic kinetic resolution

The Walden memorial at the Technical University in Riga is pictured in the frontispiece to mark the recent centennial of the Walden inversion. This is a rare public monument to key events from the first era of exploration in stereocontrolled synthesis, and may be the only such monument to use the language of organic chemistry expressed at the molecular level. The reaction of racemic substrates with chiral nucleophiles is one of many methods currently known to achieve kinetic resolution, a phenomenon that ranks as the oldest and most general approach for the synthesis of highly enantioenriched substances. The first nonenzymatic kinetic resolutions as well as the original forms of the Walden inversion were studied in the 1890s. All of these investigations were conducted within the first generation following the demonstration that carbon is tetrahedral, and provided abundant evidence that the principles and importance of enantiocontrolled syntheses were understood. However, a reliable, rapid technique to quantify results and guide the optimization process was still lacking. Many decades passed before this problem was solved by the advent of HPLC and GLPC assays on chiral supports, which stimulated explosive growth in the synthesis of nonracemic substances by kinetic resolution. The Walden monument is accessible to passers-by for hands-on inspection as well as for contemplation and learning. In a similar way, kinetic resolution is experimentally accessible and can be thought-provoking at several levels. We follow the story of kinetic resolution from the early discoveries through fascinating historical milestones and conceptual developments, and close with a focus on modern techniques that maximize efficiency.

Synthesis of phosphine containing amino acids: utilization of peptide synthesis in ligand design

Combinatorial chemistry has recently burst on the scene as a valuable tool for the discovery of new drug candidates. The ability to synthesize hundreds of compounds for screening is a useful complement to rational drug design. There are many similarities between the design of new therapeutic agents and the development of new asymmetric ligands, the most important of which is the limitation of a rational design strategy. For this reason a program was begun that would allow the use of combinatorial technology in the development of new ligands for transition metal catalyzed asymmetric reactions. Because of the large number of catalytic reactions they are involved in the system was based around phosphine ligands. This paper reports the synthesis of phosphine derivatives of alanine, proline, and the aromatic amino acids tyrosine and hydroxyphenylglycine. Examples of the use of these amino acids in the synthesis of peptides possessing helical and beta-turn secondary structures are presented. Metal complexes of these peptide-based ligands are used in hydrogenation and alkylation reactions.

C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted amino acid based peptides in asymmetric catalysis

C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acids constitute a powerful tool for controlling the conformation of short peptide sequences. Chiral peptides may be used in stereoselective reactions both for asymmetric induction and in kinetic resolution. By reviewing recent data from our own laboratories and by presenting new results on the stereoselective oxidation of chalcone to the corresponding oxide, this contribution shows that the control of peptide conformation is a critical issue in order to achieve successful stereoselective catalysis.

Enantioselective TADMAP-catalyzed carboxyl migration reactions for the synthesis of stereogenic quaternary carbon

The chiral, nucleophilic catalyst TADMAP [1, 3-(2,2,2-triphenyl-1-acetoxyethyl)-4-(dimethylamino)pyridine] has been prepared from 3-lithio-4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (5) and triphenylacetaldehyde (3), followed by acylation and resolution. TADMAP catalyzes the carboxyl migration of oxazolyl, furanyl, and benzofuranyl enol carbonates with good to excellent levels of enantioselection. The oxazole reactions are especially efficient and are used to prepare chiral lactams (23) and lactones (30) containing a quaternary asymmetric carbon. TADMAP-catalyzed carboxyl migrations in the indole series are relatively slow and proceed with inconsistent enantioselectivity. Modeling studies (B3LYP/6-31G*) have been used in qualitative correlations of catalyst conformation, reactivity, and enantioselectivity.

Peptides of aminoxy acids as foldamers

This Feature Article summarizes our efforts in developing a new family of foldamers from alpha-, beta- and gamma-aminoxy acids. From a series of conformational studies, we demonstrate that peptides consisting of aminoxy acids adopt several well-defined secondary structures, such as alpha N-O turns (which feature an eight-membered-ring hydrogen bond), beta N-O turns (a nine-membered-ring hydrogen bond), gamma N-O turns (a ten-membered-ring hydrogen bond), 1.8(8) helices (consecutive homochiral alpha N-O turns), 7/8 helices (alternating alpha N-O turns and gamma-turns), 1.7(9) helices (consecutive beta N-O turns), reverse turns (consecutive heterochiral alpha N-O turns) and sheet-like structures.

Heptapeptide mimic of ohmefentanyl binding in the discontinuous mu-opiod receptor

[reaction: see text] Ohmefentanyl binds to the rat mu-opiod receptor via two dipeptide sequences (Trp-His and Asp-Tyr) that are separated by 170 residues. A turn-inducing tripeptide, Pro-Aib-Aib, holds the dipeptides in a conformation that binds the narcotic (K(b) = 7.1 x 10(4) M(-)(1)) in THF. Binding is specific for ohmefentanyl over morphine and is accompanied by a conformational change in the heptapeptide host. Control experiments with a Gly-Gly-Gly tripeptide linking the dipeptides show no evidence of binding.

In search of peptide-based catalysts for asymmetric organic synthesis

The discovery of short peptide sequences that function as asymmetric catalysts for a variety of reactions is documented. The evolution of the project from an exercise in rational design to an endeavor that combines combinatorial screening with various mechanism-based experiments is presented. The specific development of catalysts for enantioselective acylation, phosphorylation, conjugate addition, and Morita-Baylis-Hillman reactions is described.

Effect of Side Chains on Turns and Helices in Peptides of β3-Aminoxy Acids

We have investigated, using NMR, IR, and CD spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, the conformational properties of peptides 1-10 of beta(3)-aminoxy acids (NH(2)OCHRCH(2)COOH) having different side chains on the beta carbon atom (e.g., R = Me, Et, COOBn, CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2), i-Bu, i-Pr). The beta N-O turns and beta N-O helices that involve a nine-membered-ring intramolecular hydrogen bond between NH(i)(+2) and CO(i), which have been found previously in peptides of beta(2,2)-aminoxy acids (NH(2)OCH(2)CMe(2)COOH), are also present in those beta(3)-aminoxy peptides. X-ray crystal structures and NMR spectral analysis reveal that, in the beta N-O turns and beta N-O helices induced by beta(3)-aminoxy acids, the N-O bond could be either anti or gauche to the C(alpha)-C(beta) bond depending on the size of the side chain; in contrast, only the anti conformation was found in beta(2,2)-aminoxy peptides. Both diamide 1 and triamide 9 exist in different conformations in solution and in the solid state: parallel sheet structures in the solid state and predominantly beta N-O turn and beta N-O helix conformations in nonpolar solvents. Theoretical studies on a series of model diamides rationalize very well the experimentally observed conformational features of these beta(3)-aminoxy peptides.

Role of Secondary Structure in the Asymmetric Acylation Reaction Catalyzed by Peptides Based on Chiral Cα-Tetrasubstituted α-Amino Acids

In a recent series of papers, Miller and co-workers were able to show that His(pi-Me)-based, terminally protected peptides are potent catalysts of the asymmetric acyl transfer reaction, useful for the kinetic resolution of alcohols. In a structure-supporting solvent, one of the most active compounds, an Aib-containing tetrapeptide, is folded in a doubly intramolecularly H-bonded beta-hairpin motif incorporating a type-II' beta-turn conformation. In this work, we have expanded the study of the Miller tetrapeptide by examining a set of analogues and shorter sequences (dipeptide amides), characterized by chiral C(alpha)-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acids of diverging bulkiness and optical configuration. Peptide synthesis in solution, conformational analysis by FT-IR absorption and (1)H NMR techniques, and screening of catalytic activity as well have been performed. Our results confirm the close relationship between the beta-hairpin 3D-structure and the catalytic activity of the peptides. A tetrapeptide analogue slightly more selective than the Miller compound has been found. However, the terminally protected, industrially more appealing, dipeptide amides are poorly effective.

High asymmetric induction with beta-turn-derived palladium phosphine complexes

[reaction: see text] Work toward the development of a bisphosphine ligand system for the palladium-catalyzed addition to cyclic allyl acetates is reported. A parallel approach using phosphine-containing amino acids in conjunction with natural amino acids was used to develop a selective ligand system. The ligand system was examined while attached to the polymer support as well as in solution. Selectivites with the difficult substrate 3-acetoxycyclopentene of up to 95% ee are reported.

Discovery of new peptide-based catalysts for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction

A series of oligo-peptide based catalysts were prepared using Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. It was found that peptides with N-terminal proline residues catalyzed an aldol reaction yielding enantiomeric enriched product. Peptide H-Pro-Glu-Leu-Phe-OH catalyzed the reaction with good activity and moderate enantioselectivity (66% ee). Furthermore, it was shown that an acidic side chain and/or C-termini are essential to catalysis.

The discovery of catalytically active peptides through combinatorial chemistry

In recent years, ogliopeptides have enjoyed ever increasing interest in two areas: first, approaches to biomimetic enzyme-like activity; and second, as metal-free catalysts for enantioselective transformations of synthetic interest. The discovery and optimization of peptides for these purposes has often used the methodology of combinatorial chemistry. Examples include the screening of peptide libraries for ester and phosphate cleavage, aided by novel chromogenic and gel-based assays, and optimization of metal-free peptide catalysts for asymmetric epoxidation, enantioselective acylation/phosphorylation, conjugate addition to enimides, and hydrocyanation of imines (Strecker-reaction).

The design of novel N-4'-pyridinyl-alpha-methyl proline derivatives as potent catalysts for the kinetic resolution of alcohols

A novel family of chiral acylation catalysts based on a N-4'-pyridinyl-alpha-methyl proline structure has been studied. A set of 31 compounds has been easily prepared and screened in the kinetic resolution of racemic alcohol 33 resulting in high enantioselectivities in most cases. From results obtained, H-bonding interactions between the catalyst and the substrate would appear essential to afford high enantioselectivity during the catalytic acylation. Additional solvent dependence and anhydride studies have been made to better identify the mechanism. This work has been further extended to the study of a number of structurally different alcohols. Ethanolamine derivatives in particular were found to be highly effective substrates (up to S = 18.8) in the kinetic resolution.

Copper ion-induced activation and asymmetric benzoylation of 1,2-diols: kinetic chiral molecular recognition

New catalytic ability of copper(II) ion has been exploited for monobenzoylation of 1,2-diols. The catalyst can be readily modified by ligation to acquire higher stereoselectivity. Highly effective kinetic resolution of dl-1,2-diols was achieved. The enantiodiscrimination process was clearly shown to be controlled by the kinetics of acylation of dl-1,2-diols. The catalytic method was successfully applied to asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-hydrobenzoin.

Enantiodivergence in Small-Molecule Catalysis of Asymmetric Phosphorylation: Concise Total Syntheses of the Enantiomeric d-myo-Inositol-1-phosphate and d-myo-Inositol-3-phosphate

Peptide-based catalysts have been found that catalyze the enantiodivergent phosphorylation of a meso myo-inositol-derived triol (1). The sequential screening of random peptide libraries, followed by the evaluation of a focused library, led to the identification of two peptides (2 and 24) that are complementary in producing enantiomeric D-myo-inositol-1-phosphate and D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate derivatives. The catalysts were then used to complete efficient total syntheses of both D-I-1P and D-I-3P in optically pure form. Additional information is gleaned from relative rate experiments that unambiguously show the catalysts to afford enantioselection through rate accelerative pathways with respect to simple achiral alkylimidazole catalysts. Furthermore, solvent effect studies show that the two enantiodivergent catalysts exhibit different tolerances of polar media. The systematic discovery of site-selective catalysts establishes a basis for future studies of chiral catalysts that differentiate unique functional groups in polyfunctional molecules.

Enantioselective Organocatalysis

The last few years have witnessed a spectacular advancement in new catalytic methods based on metal-free organic molecules. In many cases, these small compounds give rise to extremely high enantioselectivities. Preparative advantages are notable: usually the reactions can be performed under an aerobic atmosphere with wet solvents. The catalysts are inexpensive and they are often more stable than enzymes or other bioorganic catalysts. Also, these small organic molecules can be anchored to a solid support and reused more conveniently than organometallic/bioorganic analogues, and show promising adaptability to high-throughput screening and process chemistry. Herein we focus on four different domains in which organocatalysis has made major advances: 1) The activation of the reaction based on the nucleophilic/electrophilic properties of the catalysts. This type of catalysis has much in common with conventional Lewis acid/base activation by metal complexes. 2) Transformations in which the organic catalyst forms a reactive intermediate: the chiral catalyst is consumed in the reaction and requires regeneration in a parallel catalytic cycle. 3) Phase-transfer reactions: The chiral catalyst forms a host-guest complex with the substrate and shuttles between the standard organic solvent and the second phase (i.e. a solid, aqueous, or fluorous phase in which the organic transformation takes place). 4) Molecular-cavity-accelerated asymmetric transformations: the catalyst can select between competing substrates, depending on size and structure criteria. The rate acceleration of a given reaction is similar to the Lewis acid/base activation and is the consequence of the simultaneous action of different polar functions. Herein it is shown that organocatalysis complements rather than competes with current methods. It offers something conceptually novel and opens new horizons in synthesis.

Selection of enantioselective acyl transfer catalysts from a pooled peptide library through a fluorescence-based activity assay: an approach to kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols of broad structural scope

An assay employing a fluorescently labeled split and pool peptide library has been applied to the discovery of a new class of octapeptide catalysts for the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols. A highly diverse library of peptide-based catalysts was synthesized on solid-phase synthesis beads such that each individual bead was co-functionalized with (i) a uniform loading of a pH-sensitive fluorophore and (ii) a unique peptide-based catalyst. The library was then screened for activity in acylation reactions employing (+/-)-sec-phenylethanol as the substrate and acetic anhydride as the acylation agent. From the most active catalysts, a lead peptide (4) was identified that provides a selectivity-factor (k(rel)) of 8.2 upon resynthesis and evaluation under homogeneous conditions. A "directed" second-generation split and pool peptide library was synthesized such that the new peptide sequences in the library were biased toward the lead structure. Random samples of the second generation library were screened in single bead assays that revealed several new peptide-based catalysts that afford improved selectivities in kinetic resolutions. Peptide catalyst 13 proves effective for the kinetic resolution of sec-phenylethanol (k(rel) = 20), as well as eight other secondary alcohols of a broad substrate scope (k(rel) = 4 to >50).

Enantioselective nucleophilic catalysis with "Planar-Chiral" heterocycles

Although Lewis bases (e.g., tertiary phosphines, tertiary amines, and pyridines) serve as nucleophilic catalysts for a wide array of reactions, there have been relatively few reports of enantioselective nucleophilic catalysts. In this Account, we describe the design and synthesis of a new family of chiral nucleophilic catalysts, specifically, planar-chiral heterocycles. These complexes provide good levels of enantiomeric excess in the addition of alcohols to ketenes, the rearrangement of O-acylated azlactones, and the kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols.

A His-Pro-Aib peptide that exhibits an Asx-Pro-turn-like structure

[formula: see text] Small peptides 1 and 2, which differ only in that 1 possesses a BOC-Phe residue at the N-terminus, where 2 bears a BOC-(tau-benzyl)His, were found to exhibit very different structures. In both the solid state (X-ray) and in solution (NMR and IR), peptide 1 exists as a beta-turn, whereas peptide 2 exists in a conformation that resembles the Asx-Pro motif.