A highly efficient method for the preparation of phosphinic pseudodipeptidic blocks suitably protected for solid-phase peptide synthesis

Potential chemical transformation of phosphinic acid derivatives and their applications in the synthesis of drugs

The chemical transformation of phosphinic acid is a well-considered mature area of research on account of the historical significant reactions such as Kabachnik-Fields, Mannich, Arbuzov, Michaelis-Becker, etc. Considerable advances have been made over last years especially in metal-catalyzed, free-radical processes and asymmetric synthesis using catalytic enantioselective. As a result, the aim of this synopsis is to make the reader familiar with advances in the approaches of phosphinic acids toward the synthesis of highly functionalized and valuable buildings blocks. Another purpose of this survey is to provide the current status of the applications of phosphinic acids in the synthesis of drugs.

Late-Stage Diversification of Phosphinic Dehydroalanine Pseudopeptides Based on a Giese-Type Radical C-Alkylation Strategy

A straightforward, late-stage diversification strategy for the installation of side chains on readily accessible unsaturated phosphinopeptidic scaffolds based on a Giese-type addition of alkyl radicals has been investigated. Among different alternatives, the preferred methodology is operationally simple as it can be carried out in an open flask with no need for protection of acidic moieties. Direct application to the synthesis of SPPS-compatible building blocks or to longer peptides is also reported.

Synthesis and Structural/Functional Characterization of Selective M14 Metallocarboxypeptidase Inhibitors Based on Phosphinic Pseudopeptide Scaffold: Implications on the Design of Specific Optical Probes

Metallocarboxypeptidases (MCPs) of the M14 family are Zn²⁺-dependent exoproteases present in almost every tissue or fluid in mammals. These enzymes perform a large variety of physiological functions and are involved in several pathologies, such as pancreatic diseases, inflammation, fibrinolysis, and cancer. Here, we describe the synthesis and functional/structural characterization of a series of reversible tight-binding phosphinic pseudopeptide inhibitors that show high specificity and potency toward these proteases. Characterization of their inhibitory potential against a large variety of MCPs, combined with high-resolution crystal structures of three selected candidates in complex with human carboxypeptidase A (CPA)1, allowed to decipher the structural determinants governing selectivity for type-A of the M14A MCP family. Further, the phosphinic pseudopeptide framework was exploited to generate an optical probe selectively targeting human CPAs. The phosphinic pseudopeptides presented here constitute the first example of chemical probes useful to selectively report on type-A MCPs activity in complex media.

Synthesis and in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of MMP-12 Selective Optical Probes

In designing new tracers consisting of a small peptide conjugated to a reporter of comparable size, particular attention needs to be paid to the selection of the reporter group, which can dictate both the in vitro and the in vivo performances of the whole conjugate. In the case of fluorescent tracers, this is particularly true given the large numbers of available dye moieties differing in their structures and properties. Here, we have investigated the in vitro and in vivo properties of a novel series of MMP-12 selective probes composed of cyanine dyes varying in their structure, net charge, and hydrophilic character, tethered through a linker to a potent and specific MMP-12 phosphinic pseudopeptide inhibitor. The impact of linker length has been also explored. The crystallographic structure of one tracer in complex with MMP-12 has been obtained, providing the first crystal structure of a Cy5.5-derived probe and confirming that the binding of the targeting moiety is unaffected. MMP-12 remains the tracers' privileged target, as attested by their affinity selectivity profile evaluated in solution toward a panel of 12 metalloproteases. In vivo assessment of four selected probes has highlighted not only the impact of the dye structure but also that of the linker length on the probes' blood clearance rates and their biodistributions. These experiments have also provided valuable data on the stability of the dye moieties in vivo. This has permitted the identification of one probe, which combines favorable binding to MMP-12 in solution and on cells with optimized in vivo performance including blood clearance rate suitable for short-time imaging. Through this series of tracers, we have identified various critical factors modulating the tracers' in vivo behavior, which is both useful for the development and optimization of MMP-12 selective radiolabeled tracers and informative for the design of fluorescent probes in general.

Synthesis and modifications of phosphinic dipeptide analogues

Pseudopeptides containing the phosphinate moiety (-P(O)(OH)CH₂-) have been studied extensively, mainly as transition state analogue inhibitors of metalloproteases. The key synthetic aspect of their chemistry is construction of phosphinic dipeptide derivatives bearing appropriate side-chain substituents. Typically, this synthesis involves a multistep preparation of two individual building blocks, which are combined in the final step. As this methodology does not allow simple variation of the side-chain structure, many efforts have been dedicated to the development of alternative approaches. Recent achievements in this field are summarized in this review. Improved methods for the formation of the phosphinic peptide backbone, including stereoselective and multicomponent reactions, are presented. Parallel modifications leading to the structurally diversified substituents are also described. Finally, selected examples of the biomedical applications of the title compounds are given.

Synthesis of Fmoc-Gly-Ile Phosphinic Pseudodipeptide: Residue Specific Conditions for Construction of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Building Blocks

The efficient synthesis of an Fmoc-Gly-Ile phosphinic pseudodipeptide was desired as an eventual building block for construction of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. A Michael-type addition reaction of bis(tri-methylsilyl) phosphonite with the appropriate acrylate generated the pseudodipeptide bond. Additional of adamantyl (Ad) protection by our prior route (reaction of in situ generated phosphinic acid chloride with the sodium salt of adamantanol) was surprisingly inefficient. Adamantyl protection was achieved in high yield by refluxing the phosphinic acid, Ag₂O, and 1-AdBr in chloroform. Subsequently a concise one-pot three-step reaction comprising a double deprotection of the N- and C-termini under catalytic hydrogenation conditions followed by selective protection of the N-terminus with an Fmoc group yielded Fmoc-NHCH₂PO(OAd)CH₂CH(2-butyl)CO₂H in 41 % overall yield. These results indicate that, as the diversity of phosphinic pseudodipeptides is increased to create selective matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, different synthetic pathways may be required for efficient building block preparation.

Efficient synthesis of Fmoc-protected phosphinic pseudodipeptides: Building blocks for the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

A convenient route for the synthesis of Fmoc-protected phosphinic dipeptide building blocks is described. The protected amino acid isosteres benzyloxycarbonyl aminomethyl phosphinic acid (glycine surrogate), benzyl α-isopropyl acrylate (valine surrogate), and benzyl α-isobutyl acrylate (leucine surrogate) were synthesized starting from commercially available materials. Reaction of either the valine or leucine surrogate with bis(trimethylsilyl) phosphonite generated the pseudodipeptide bond. The synthesis concluded with an efficient one-pot three-step procedure involving a bis-deprotection of the N- and C-termini under catalytic hydrogenation conditions followed by selective capping of the N-terminus with an Fmoc group to yield either Fmoc-NHCH(2) PO(OAd)CH(2) CH(Pr(i) )CO(2) H or Fmoc-NHCH(2) PO(OAd)CH(2) CH(Bu(i) )CO(2) H.

Structure, mechanism, and substrate profile for Sco3058: the closest bacterial homologue to human renal dipeptidase

Human renal dipeptidase, an enzyme associated with glutathione metabolism and the hydrolysis of beta-lactams, is similar in sequence to a cluster of approximately 400 microbial proteins currently annotated as nonspecific dipeptidases within the amidohydrolase superfamily. The closest homologue to the human renal dipeptidase from a fully sequenced microbe is Sco3058 from Streptomyces coelicolor. Dipeptide substrates of Sco3058 were identified by screening a comprehensive series of l-Xaa-l-Xaa, l-Xaa-d-Xaa, and d-Xaa-l-Xaa dipeptide libraries. The substrate specificity profile shows that Sco3058 hydrolyzes a broad range of dipeptides with a marked preference for an l-amino acid at the N-terminus and a d-amino acid at the C-terminus. The best substrate identified was l-Arg-d-Asp (k(cat)/K(m) = 7.6 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)). The three-dimensional structure of Sco3058 was determined in the absence and presence of the inhibitors citrate and a phosphinate mimic of l-Ala-d-Asp. The enzyme folds as a (beta/alpha)(8) barrel, and two zinc ions are bound in the active site. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to probe the importance of specific residues that have direct interactions with the substrate analogues in the active site (Asp-22, His-150, Arg-223, and Asp-320). The solvent viscosity and kinetic effects of D(2)O indicate that substrate binding is relatively sticky and that proton transfers do not occurr during the rate-limiting step. A bell-shaped pH-rate profile for k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m) indicated that one group needs to be deprotonated and a second group must be protonated for optimal turnover. Computational docking of high-energy intermediate forms of l/d-Ala-l/d-Ala to the three-dimensional structure of Sco3058 identified the structural determinants for the stereochemical preferences for substrate binding and turnover.

Synthesis of α-carboxyphosphinopeptides derived from norleucine

In the present study, we describe in detail the synthesis of a relatively rare class of phosphorus compounds, α-carboxyphosphinopeptides. We prepared several norleucine-derived α-carboxyphosphinic pseudopeptides of the general formula Nle-Ψ[PO(OH)]-Gly. These compounds could have important applications as transition state-mimicking inhibitors for methionine or leucine aminopeptidases or other enzymes. For the preparation of the key α-carboxyphosphinate protected precursors, we investigated, compared and improved two different synthetic methods described in literature: the Arbuzov reaction of a silylated N-protected phosphinic acid with a bromoacetate ester and the nucleophilic addition of a mixed O-methyl S-phenyl N-protected phosphonic acid or a methyl N-protected phosphonochloridate with tert-butyl lithioacetate. We also prepared two N-Fmoc protected synthons, Fmoc-Nle-Ψ[PO(OH)]-Gly-COOH and Fmoc-Nle-Ψ[PO(OAd)]-Gly-COOH, and demonstrated that these precursors are suitable building blocks for the solid-phase synthesis of α-carboxyphosphinopeptides.

Matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP-11; stromelysin-3) and synthetic inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-11, or Stromelysin 3, is a particular member of MMP family, a group of zinc-dependent endopeptidases involved in matrix degradation and tissue remodeling. Despite intense efforts since its first characterization 15 years ago, its role and target substrates in different diseases remain largely unknown. While mice with MMP-11 deficiency display no particular phenotype, analysis of different tumorigenesis models with these mice lead to the conclusion that MMP-11 promotes tumor development. In contrast with other MMPs, MMP-11 is unable to degrade any major extracellular matrix component and unlike most of other MMPs that are secreted as inactive proenzymes and activated extracellularly, MMP-11 is secreted under active form. MMP-11 may thus play a unique role in tissue remodeling processes, including those associated with tumor progression. Although MMP-11 and other MMPs have been considered as promising targets to combat cancer, a first series of clinical trials using broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors have not led to significant therapeutic benefits. These disappointing results highlight the need for better understanding of the exact role played by each MMP during the different stages of tumor progression. Among the different strategies to fill this gap, highly specific MMP inhibitors would be of great value. This review provides an update on the selectivity profile of phosphinic MMP-11 synthetic inhibitors developed and discusses the opportunities and limitations to identify inhibitors able to fully discriminate MMP-11 from the other MMPs.

Triple-helical transition state analogues: a new class of selective matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

Alterations in activities of one family of proteases, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), have been implicated in primary and metastatic tumor growth, angiogenesis, and pathological degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as collagen and laminin. Since hydrolysis of the collagen triple-helix is one of the committed steps in ECM turnover, we envisioned modulation of collagenolytic activity as a strategy for creating selective MMP inhibitors. In the present study, a phosphinate transition state analogue has been incorporated within a triple-helical peptide template. The template sequence was based on the alpha1(V)436-450 collagen region, which is hydrolyzed at the Gly(439)-Val(440) bond selectively by MMP-2 and MMP-9. The phosphinate acts as a tetrahedral transition state analogue, which mimics the water-bound peptide bond of a protein substrate during hydrolysis. The phosphinate replaced the amide bond between Gly-Val in the P1-P1' subsites of the triple-helical peptide. Inhibition studies revealed Ki values in the low nanomolar range for MMP-2 and MMP-9 and low to middle micromolar range for MMP-8 and MMP-13. MMP-1, MMP-3, and MT1-MMP/MMP-14 were not inhibited effectively. Melting of the triple-helix resulted in a decrease in inhibitor affinity for MMP-2. The phosphinate triple-helical transition state analogue has high affinity and selectivity for the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and represents a new class of protease inhibitors that maximizes potential selectivity via interactions with both prime and nonprime active site subsites as well as with secondary binding sites (exosites).

Application of in situ silylation for improved, convenient preparation of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected phosphinate amino acids

A convenient and efficient method has been developed for the preparation of 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected 1-aminoalkylphosphinic acids. Reproducible procedures for the synthesis and purification of free alpha-amino H-phosphinates are provided. Protection of free amino phosphinates as the N-Fmoc derivative was achieved by in situ trimethylsilylation of aminoalkylphosphinic acids, which then reacted with Fmoc-Cl to provide corresponding products in excellent yields and in high purity after simple extractive isolation. Mechanistic aspects of the silylation are discussed, and the application of the procedure to another class of amino phosphorus acids is presented.

Chemoselective Protection of Solid-Phase Compatible Fmoc-Phosphinic Building Blocks

An efficient four-step synthetic strategy able to fully discriminate hydroxyphosphinyl and carboxylic groups of Fmoc-phosphinic building blocks and related analogues has been developed. The proposed method applies selective acidic removal of the phenacyl (Pac) group from the hydroxyphosphinyl functionality and protection by the 1-adamantyl (Ad) group. Reductive removal of the Pac group from the carboxylic functionality leads to Fmoc-protected phosphinic pseudodipeptidic units suitable for phosphinic peptide and library development using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS).

Shortcut to Fmoc-Protected Phosphinic Pseudodipeptidic Blocks

A three-component condensation reaction of Fmoc-carbamate, aldehydes, and alkylphosphinic acids provides a new, direct, and efficient method for synthesizing Fmoc-protected phosphinic pseudodipeptidic blocks, directly usable for solid-phase peptide synthesis. [reaction: see text]