Functional properties and application in peptide synthesis of trypsin modified with cyclodextrin-containing dicarboxylic acids

The multifaceted role of proteases and modern analytical methods for investigation of their catalytic activity

We discuss the diverse functions of proteases in the context of their biotechnological and medical significance, as well as analytical approaches used to determine the functional activity of these enzymes. An insight into modern approaches to studying the kinetics and specificity of proteases, based on spectral (absorption, fluorescence), mass spectrometric, immunological, calorimetric, and electrochemical methods of analysis is given. We also examine in detail electrochemical systems for determining the activity and specificity of proteases. Particular attention is given to exploring innovative electrochemical systems based on the detection of the electrochemical oxidation signal of amino acid residues, thereby eliminating the need for extra redox labels in the process of peptide synthesis. In the review, we highlight the main prospects for the further development of electrochemical systems for the study of biotechnologically and medically significant proteases, which will enable the miniaturization of the analytical process for determining the catalytic activity of these enzymes.

Extremophilic proteases as novel and efficient tools in short peptide synthesis

The objective of this review is to outline the crucial role that peptides play in various sectors, including medicine. Different ways of producing these compounds are discussed with an emphasis on the benefits offered by industrial enzyme biotechnology. This paper describes mechanisms of peptide bond formation using a range of proteases with different active site structures. Importantly, these enzymes may be further improved chemically and/or genetically to make them better suited for their various applications and process conditions. The focus is on extremophilic proteases, whose potential does not seem to have been fully appreciated to date. The structure of these proteins is somewhat different from that of the common commercially available enzymes, making them effective at high salinity and high or low temperatures, which are often favorable to peptide synthesis. Examples of such enzymes include halophilic, thermophilic, and psychrophilic proteases; this paper also mentions some promising catalytic proteins which require further study in this respect.

A novel synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue coupled with modified β-cyclodextrin: insight into its intramolecular interactions

BACKGROUND

Cyclodextrins (CDs) in combination with therapeutic proteins and other bioactive compounds have been proposed as candidates that show enhanced chemical and enzymatic stability, better absorption, slower plasma clearance and improved dose-response curves or immunogenicity. As a result, an important number of therapeutic complexes between cyclodextrins and bioactive compounds capable to control several diseases have been developed.

RESULTS

In this article, the synthesis and the structural study of a conjugate between a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue, related to the treatment of hormone dependent cancer and fertility, and modified β-cyclodextrin residue are presented. The results show that both the phenyl group of tyrosine (Tyr) as well as the indole group of tryptophan (Trp) can be encapsulated inside the cyclodextrin cavity. Solution NMR experiments provide evidence that these interactions take place intramolecularly and not intermolecularly.

CONCLUSIONS

The study of a LHRH analogue conjugated with modified β-cyclodextrin via high field NMR and MD experiments revealed the existence of intramolecular interactions that could lead to an improved drug delivery.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

NMR in combination with MD simulation is of great value for a successful rational design of peptide-cyclodextrin conjugates showing stability against enzymatic proteolysis and a better pharmacological profile.

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2003-2004

This review is the third update of the original review, published in 1999, on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings the topic to the end of 2004. Both fundamental studies and applications are covered. The main topics include methodological developments, matrices, fragmentation of carbohydrates and applications to large polymeric carbohydrates from plants, glycans from glycoproteins and those from various glycolipids. Other topics include the use of MALDI MS to study enzymes related to carbohydrate biosynthesis and degradation, its use in industrial processes, particularly biopharmaceuticals and its use to monitor products of chemical synthesis where glycodendrimers and carbohydrate-protein complexes are highlighted.

New glycosidic derivatives of histidine-containing dipeptides with antioxidant properties and resistant to carnosinase activity

Synthesis, antioxidant properties and resistance to carnosinase hydrolysis of histidine-containing dipeptides are reported in this study. Carnosine (beta-alanyl-l-histidine), homocarnosine (gamma-aminobutyryl-l-histidine) and anserine (beta-alanyl-3-methyl-l-histidine) were covalently derivatized with beta-cyclodextrin to form different OH- or NH-bound conjugates. Mass spectroscopic and (1)H NMR data were used to determine the structure and the purity of the various beta-cyclodextrin derivatives. The inhibitory effect towards oxidation of human LDL induced by Cu(2+) ions, was estimated by measuring malondialdehyde formation as a function of increasing concentrations of these newly synthesized compounds (the beta-cyclodextrin-anserine conjugated in 3 had the highest antioxidant effect). All derivatives had higher antioxidant effects than those of the corresponding free histidine-containing dipeptides. Resistance to rat brain carnosinase hydrolysis of the most active derivatives indicated that these compounds are good candidates for further studies in more complex cellular and animal models. Their possible applications for remedies in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, are discussed.

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of new homocarnosine beta-cyclodextrin conjugates

Several in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that carnosine (beta-alanil-L-histidine) and homocarnosine (beta-aminobutyril-L-histidine) can act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species. beta-Cyclodextrin was functionalized with homocarnosine, obtaining the following new bioconjugate isomers: 6(A)-[(4-{[(1S)-1-carboxy-2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]amino}-4-oxobutyl)amino]-6(A)-deoxy-beta-cyclodextrin and (2(A)S,3(A)R)-3A-[(4-{[(1S)-1-carboxy-2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]amino}-4-oxobutyl)amino]-3(A)-deoxy-beta-cyclodextrin. Pulse radiolysis investigations show that the beta-cyclodextrin homocarnosine bioconjugates are scavengers of (*)OH radicals because of the formation of stable imidazole-centered radicals and the scavenger ability of glucose molecules of the macrocycle. The ability of these new beta-cyclodextrin derivatives to inhibit the copper(II) driven LDL oxidation was determined in comparison with that displayed by the analogous carnosine derivatives. Both the beta-cyclodextrin carnosine isomers show a higher protective effect than that of free dipeptide and homocarnosine derivatives, bringing into light the role of the beta-CD cavity. The ability of these new beta-cyclodextrin derivatives to inhibit the copper(II) driven LDL oxidation was determined in comparison with that displayed by the analogous carnosine derivatives. Both the beta-cyclodextrin carnosine isomers show a higher protective effect than that of free dipeptide and homocarnosine derivatives, bringing into light the role of the beta-CD cavity.

Improved pharmacological properties for superoxide dismutase modified with β-cyclodextrin–carboxymethylcellulose polymer

Superoxide dismutase was glycosidated with cyclodextrin-branched carboxymethylcellulose. The modified enzyme contained 1.4 mol polymer per mol protein and retained 87% of the initial activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of superoxide dismutase was 2.2-times increased after conjugation and its plasma half-life time was prolonged from 4.8 min to 7.2 h.

Increased Conformational and Thermal Stability Properties for Phenylalanine Dehydrogenase by Chemical Glycosidation with End-group Activated Dextran

A mono-aminated dextran derivative was attached to Bacillus badius phenylalanine dehydrogenase via a carbodiimide-catalyzed reaction. The optimum temperature for the conjugate was 10 degrees C higher than for native enzyme, and its thermostability was improved by 8 degrees C. The activation free energy of thermal inactivation at 45 degrees C was increased by 16.8 kJ/mol. The improved conformational stability of the modified enzyme was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy.