Conformational Analysis of Constrained Dilactam-bridged Tetrapeptides

[Conformational analysis of cyclic dipeptides: I]

Conformational analysis of two pairs of synthetic cyclodipeptides formed by interaction of both side chain functional groups [Formula: see text] and of the main and side chains [Formula: see text] was achieved by the method of molecular mechanics. The energetically optimal conformational states of the molecules under study were determined. It was shown that the conformational motility of cyclic system of the compounds under study depends on the relative arrangement of the amide groups and the number of atoms in the cycle.

Synthesis of a new dipeptide template, its X-ray structure, and modeling studies on its conformational features

The diastereoselective synthesis is reported of a dipeptide template which is closely related to H-Gly-Trp-OH. Intramolecular bond formation between alpha-C of Gly and ring position 2 of the Trp unit has been achieved by a Pictet-Spengler-type electrophilic aromatic substitution. The absolute configuration of the N-Moc protected dipeptide template 9.2H2O was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and found to be (2S,5S). The cis orientation of the amino and carboxy termini prompted us to investigate the potential of 9 as a beta-turn mimic. MD calculations on the model pseudopeptide Ac-Ala-Gly-Trp-Ala-NHMe 11 suggest that an unusually tight turn should be favoured rather than a beta-turn. The proper protective situation as a pre-requisite for the incorporation of the template into a peptide has been established, and comments about its chemical properties are given.

Synthesis, conformational studies, and molecular dynamics calculations of two cyclic tetrapeptides with 17- and 18-membered rings

Two cyclic tetrapeptides [Boc-cyclo(-Xxx-Pro-Asn-Lys-)OMe (Xxx = Asp or Glu)] were synthesized and investigated by NMR spectroscopy. They were designed in order to mimic the salt bridge found in physalaemin. Isomers of the urethane bond were observed in DMSO solution. The ROESY spectrum allowed the assignment of many signals of the minor isomer of both compounds. Conformational studies based on the temperature gradients of the NH chemical shifts, coupling constants, and ROEs revealed a similar conformation for the Asp analogue as proposed for physalaemin. A beta I turn with Pro and Asn in the corner positions was found for the major isomer. No hydrogen bonds were detected for the major isomer of the cyclic Glu analogue. Molecular dynamics calculations, using the NMR based initial structures, yielded sets of conformations in agreement with the experimental data. It is concluded that the salt bridge in physalaemin is best approximated by a lactam formed from the original amino acids.

Conformationally restricted peptides through short-range cyclizations

The various types of conformationally restricted peptides obtained by short-range cyclizations, from residue i to residue i + 1, are presented. Relevant examples of N in equilibrium C alpha, C' in equilibrium C alpha, N in equilibrium C', C alpha in equilibrium C alpha, C' in equilibrium C', and N in equilibrium N cyclizations are reported and the pertinent literature listed. In the discussion emphasis is place on the conformational consequences for peptides from the incorporation of such ring structures.