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Rodriguez J, Battistini F, Learte-Aymamí S, Orozco M, Mascareñas JL. Molecular dynamics modelling of the interaction of a synthetic zinc-finger miniprotein with DNA. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:486-493. [PMID: 37415868 PMCID: PMC10320839 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00053b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the modelling of the DNA complex of an artificial miniprotein composed of two zinc finger modules and an AT-hook linking peptide. The computational study provides for the first time a structural view of these types of complexes, dissecting interactions that are key to modulate their stability. The relevance of these interactions was validated experimentally. These results confirm the potential of this type of computational approach for studying peptide-DNA complexes and suggest that they could be very useful for the rational design of non-natural, DNA binding miniproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rodriguez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri Reixac 10-12 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Federica Battistini
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri Reixac 10-12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - Soraya Learte-Aymamí
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Modesto Orozco
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) Baldiri Reixac 10-12 08028 Barcelona Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Barcelona 08028 Barcelona Spain
| | - José L Mascareñas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
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2
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Learte-Aymamí S, Martin-Malpartida P, Roldán-Martín L, Sciortino G, Couceiro JR, Maréchal JD, Macias MJ, Mascareñas JL, Vázquez ME. Controlling oncogenic KRAS signaling pathways with a Palladium-responsive peptide. Commun Chem 2022; 5:75. [PMID: 36697641 PMCID: PMC9814687 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-022-00691-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS oncoproteins are molecular switches associated with critical signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Mutations in the RAS family, mainly in the KRAS isoform, are responsible for some of the deadliest cancers, which has made this protein a major target in biomedical research. Here we demonstrate that a designed bis-histidine peptide derived from the αH helix of the cofactor SOS1 binds to KRAS with high affinity upon coordination to Pd(II). NMR spectroscopy and MD studies demonstrate that Pd(II) has a nucleating effect that facilitates the access to the bioactive α-helical conformation. The binding can be suppressed by an external metal chelator and recovered again by the addition of more Pd(II), making this system the first switchable KRAS binder, and demonstrates that folding-upon-binding mechanisms can operate in metal-nucleated peptides. In vitro experiments show that the metallopeptide can efficiently internalize into living cells and inhibit the MAPK kinase cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Learte-Aymamí
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Spain
| | - Pau Martin-Malpartida
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, 08028 Spain
| | - Lorena Roldán-Martín
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193 Spain
| | - Giuseppe Sciortino
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193 Spain ,grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Tarragona, 43007 Spain
| | - José R. Couceiro
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Spain
| | - Jean-Didier Maréchal
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola, 08193 Spain
| | - Maria J. Macias
- grid.473715.30000 0004 6475 7299Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, 08028 Spain ,grid.425902.80000 0000 9601 989XInstitució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010 Spain
| | - José L. Mascareñas
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Spain
| | - M. Eugenio Vázquez
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Spain
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3
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Gómez-González J, Martínez-Castro L, Tolosa-Barrilero J, Alcalde-Ordóñez A, Learte-Aymamí S, Mascareñas JL, García-Martínez JC, Martínez-Costas J, Maréchal JD, Vázquez López M, Vázquez ME. Selective recognition of A/T-rich DNA 3-way junctions with a three-fold symmetric tripeptide. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:7769-7772. [PMID: 35730795 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02874c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Non-canonical DNA structures, particularly 3-Way Junctions (3WJs) that are transiently formed during DNA replication, have recently emerged as promising chemotherapeutic targets. Here, we describe a new approach to target 3WJs that relies on the cooperative and sequence-selective recognition of A/T-rich duplex DNA branches by three AT-Hook peptides attached to a three-fold symmetric and fluorogenic 1,3,5-tristyrylbenzene core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobo Gómez-González
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Laura Martínez-Castro
- Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Juan Tolosa-Barrilero
- Department of Inorganic, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain.,Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Ana Alcalde-Ordóñez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Soraya Learte-Aymamí
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - José L Mascareñas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Joaquín C García-Martínez
- Department of Inorganic, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain.,Regional Center for Biomedical Research (CRIB), 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - José Martínez-Costas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jean-Didier Maréchal
- Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Miguel Vázquez López
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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4
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Rodríguez J, Pérez-González C, Martínez-Calvo M, Mosquera J, Mascareñas JL. Deactivation of a dimeric DNA-binding peptide through a palladium-mediated self-immolative cleavage. RSC Adv 2022; 12:3500-3504. [PMID: 35425354 PMCID: PMC8979313 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09180h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe an approach for the on-demand disassembly of dimeric peptides using a palladium-mediated cleavage of a designed self-immolative linker. The utility of the strategy is demonstrated for the case of dimeric basic regions of bZIP transcription factors. While the dimer binds designed DNA sequences with good affinities, the peptide–DNA complex can be readily dismounted by addition of palladium reagents that trigger the cleavage of the spacer, and the release of unfunctional monomeric peptides. A metallic trigger for disassembling and cancelling function.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rodríguez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n Santiago de Compostela 15782 Spain
| | - Cibrán Pérez-González
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n Santiago de Compostela 15782 Spain
| | - Miguel Martínez-Calvo
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n Santiago de Compostela 15782 Spain
| | - Jesús Mosquera
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n Santiago de Compostela 15782 Spain
| | - José L Mascareñas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CIQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela Rúa Jenaro de la Fuente s/n Santiago de Compostela 15782 Spain
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5
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Kuepper A, McLoughlin NM, Neubacher S, Yeste-Vázquez A, Collado Camps E, Nithin C, Mukherjee S, Bethge L, Bujnicki JM, Brock R, Heinrichs S, Grossmann TN. Constrained peptides mimic a viral suppressor of RNA silencing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:12622-12633. [PMID: 34871435 PMCID: PMC8682738 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The design of high-affinity, RNA-binding ligands has proven very challenging. This is due to the unique structural properties of RNA, often characterized by polar surfaces and high flexibility. In addition, the frequent lack of well-defined binding pockets complicates the development of small molecule binders. This has triggered the search for alternative scaffolds of intermediate size. Among these, peptide-derived molecules represent appealing entities as they can mimic structural features also present in RNA-binding proteins. However, the application of peptidic RNA-targeting ligands is hampered by a lack of design principles and their inherently low bio-stability. Here, the structure-based design of constrained α-helical peptides derived from the viral suppressor of RNA silencing, TAV2b, is described. We observe that the introduction of two inter-side chain crosslinks provides peptides with increased α-helicity and protease stability. One of these modified peptides (B3) shows high affinity for double-stranded RNA structures including a palindromic siRNA as well as microRNA-21 and its precursor pre-miR-21. Notably, B3 binding to pre-miR-21 inhibits Dicer processing in a biochemical assay. As a further characteristic this peptide also exhibits cellular entry. Our findings show that constrained peptides can efficiently mimic RNA-binding proteins rendering them potentially useful for the design of bioactive RNA-targeting ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Kuepper
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Niall M McLoughlin
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Neubacher
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
| | - Estel Collado Camps
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Chandran Nithin
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Sunandan Mukherjee
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Lucas Bethge
- Silence Therapeutics GmbH, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw 02-109, Poland
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Bahrain
| | - Stefan Heinrichs
- University Hospital Essen, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund 44227, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
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6
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Gómez-González J, Bouzada D, Pérez-Márquez LA, Sciortino G, Maréchal JD, Vázquez López M, Vázquez ME. Stereoselective Self-Assembly of DNA Binding Helicates Directed by the Viral β-Annulus Trimeric Peptide Motif. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1564-1569. [PMID: 34320309 PMCID: PMC8485332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Combining
coordination chemistry and peptide engineering offers
extraordinary opportunities for developing novel molecular (supra)structures.
Here, we demonstrate that the β-annulus motif is capable of
directing the stereoselective assembly of designed peptides containing
2,2′-bipyridine ligands into parallel three-stranded chiral
peptide helicates, and that these helicates selectively bind with
high affinity to three-way DNA junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobo Gómez-González
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - David Bouzada
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lidia A Pérez-Márquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Sciortino
- Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Jean-Didier Maréchal
- Insilichem, Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Miguel Vázquez López
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS), Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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7
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Rodriguez J, Mosquera J, Learte-Aymamı́ S, Vázquez ME, Mascareñas JL. Stimuli-Responsive DNA Binding by Synthetic Systems. Acc Chem Res 2020; 53:2286-2298. [PMID: 32997936 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DNA is the molecule responsible for the storage and transmission of the genetic information in living organisms. The expression of this information is highly regulated. In eukaryotes, it is achieved mainly at the transcription level thanks to specialized proteins called transcription factors (TFs) that recognize specific DNA sequences, thereby promoting or inhibiting the transcription of particular genes. In many cases, TFs are present in the cell in an inactive form but become active in response to an external signal, which might modify their localization and DNA binding properties or modulate their interactions with the rest of the transcriptional machinery. As a result of the crucial role of TFs, the design of synthetic peptides or miniproteins that can emulate their DNA binding properties and eventually respond to external stimuli is of obvious interest. On the other hand, although the B-form double helix is the most common DNA secondary structure, it is not the only one with an essential biological function. Guanine quadruplexes (GQs) have received considerable attention due to their critical role in the regulation of gene expression, which is usually associated with a change in the GQ conformation. Thus, the development of GQ probes whose properties can be controlled using external signals is also of significant relevance.In this Account, we present a summary of the recent efforts toward the development of stimuli-responsive synthetic DNA binders with a particular emphasis on our own contributions. We first introduce the structure of B and GQ DNAs, and some of the main factors underlying their selective recognition. We then discuss some of the different approaches used for the design of stimulus-mediated DNA binders. We have organized our discussion according to whether the interaction takes place with duplex or guanine quadruplex DNAs, and each section is divided according to the nature of the stimulus (i.e., physical or chemical). Regarding physical stimuli, light (through the incorporation of photolabile protecting groups or photoisomerizable agents) is the most common input for the activation/deactivation of DNA binding events. With respect to chemical signals, the use of metals (through the incorporation of metal-coordinating groups in the DNA binding agent) has allowed the development of a wide range of stimuli-responsive DNA binders. More recently, redox-based systems have also been used to control DNA interactions.This Account ends with a "Conclusions and Outlook" section highlighting some of the general lessons that have been learned and future directions toward further advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rodriguez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesús Mosquera
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, United Kingdom
| | - Soraya Learte-Aymamı́
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M. Eugenio Vázquez
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Luis Mascareñas
- Centro Singular de Investigación en Química Biolóxica e Materiais Moleculares (CiQUS) and Departamento de Química Orgánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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