1
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Das BK, Chowdhury A, Chatterjee S, Tripathi NM, Pati B, Dutta S, Bandyopadhyay A. Harnessing a bis-electrophilic boronic acid lynchpin for azaborolo thiazolidine (ABT) grafting in cyclic peptides. Chem Sci 2024:d4sc04348k. [PMID: 39144456 PMCID: PMC11320178 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc04348k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications of native peptides have significantly advanced modern drug discovery in recent decades. On this front, the installation of multitasking molecular grafts onto macrocyclic peptides offers numerous opportunities in biomedical applications. Here, we showcase a new class of borono-cyclic peptides featuring an azaborolo thiazolidine (ABT) graft, which can be readily assembled utilizing a bis-electrophilic boronic acid lynchpin while harnessing the inherent reactivity difference (>103 M-1 s-1) between the N-terminal cysteine and backbone cysteine for rapid and highly regioselective macrocyclization (∼1 h) under physiological conditions. The ABT-crosslinked peptides are fairly stable in endogenous environments, but can provide the linear diazaborine peptides via treatment with α-nucleophiles. This efficient peptide crosslinking protocol was further extended for regioselective bicyclizations and engineering of α-helical structures. Finally, ABT-grafted peptides were exploited in biorthogonal conjugation, leading to highly effective intracellular delivery of an apoptotic peptide (KLA) in cancer cells. The mechanism of action by which ABT-grafted KLA peptide induces apoptosis was also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basab Kanti Das
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Arnab Chowdhury
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Saurav Chatterjee
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Nitesh Mani Tripathi
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Bibekananda Pati
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Soumit Dutta
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
| | - Anupam Bandyopadhyay
- Biomimetic Peptide Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar Rupnagar Punjab 140001 India
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2
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Sigal M, Matsumoto S, Beattie A, Katoh T, Suga H. Engineering tRNAs for the Ribosomal Translation of Non-proteinogenic Monomers. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6444-6500. [PMID: 38688034 PMCID: PMC11122139 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Ribosome-dependent protein biosynthesis is an essential cellular process mediated by transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Generally, ribosomally synthesized proteins are limited to the 22 proteinogenic amino acids (pAAs: 20 l-α-amino acids present in the standard genetic code, selenocysteine, and pyrrolysine). However, engineering tRNAs for the ribosomal incorporation of non-proteinogenic monomers (npMs) as building blocks has led to the creation of unique polypeptides with broad applications in cellular biology, material science, spectroscopy, and pharmaceuticals. Ribosomal polymerization of these engineered polypeptides presents a variety of challenges for biochemists, as translation efficiency and fidelity is often insufficient when employing npMs. In this Review, we will focus on the methodologies for engineering tRNAs to overcome these issues and explore recent advances both in vitro and in vivo. These efforts include increasing orthogonality, recruiting essential translation factors, and creation of expanded genetic codes. After our review on the biochemical optimizations of tRNAs, we provide examples of their use in genetic code manipulation, with a focus on the in vitro discovery of bioactive macrocyclic peptides containing npMs. Finally, an analysis of the current state of tRNA engineering is presented, along with existing challenges and future perspectives for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Sigal
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satomi Matsumoto
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Adam Beattie
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katoh
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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3
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Hampton JT, Liu WR. Diversification of Phage-Displayed Peptide Libraries with Noncanonical Amino Acid Mutagenesis and Chemical Modification. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6051-6077. [PMID: 38686960 PMCID: PMC11082904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Sitting on the interface between biologics and small molecules, peptides represent an emerging class of therapeutics. Numerous techniques have been developed in the past 30 years to take advantage of biological methods to generate and screen peptide libraries for the identification of therapeutic compounds, with phage display being one of the most accessible techniques. Although traditional phage display can generate billions of peptides simultaneously, it is limited to expression of canonical amino acids. Recently, several groups have successfully undergone efforts to apply genetic code expansion to introduce noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) with novel reactivities and chemistries into phage-displayed peptide libraries. In addition to biological methods, several different chemical approaches have also been used to install noncanonical motifs into phage libraries. This review focuses on these recent advances that have taken advantage of both biological and chemical means for diversification of phage libraries with ncAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Trae Hampton
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Wenshe Ray Liu
- Texas
A&M Drug Discovery Center and Department of Chemistry, College
of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Institute
of Biosciences and Technology and Department of Translational Medical
Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M
University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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4
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Yi Y, An HW, Wang H. Intelligent Biomaterialomics: Molecular Design, Manufacturing, and Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305099. [PMID: 37490938 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Materialomics integrates experiment, theory, and computation in a high-throughput manner, and has changed the paradigm for the research and development of new functional materials. Recently, with the rapid development of high-throughput characterization and machine-learning technologies, the establishment of biomaterialomics that tackles complex physiological behaviors has become accessible. Breakthroughs in the clinical translation of nanoparticle-based therapeutics and vaccines have been observed. Herein, recent advances in biomaterials, including polymers, lipid-like materials, and peptides/proteins, discovered through high-throughput screening or machine learning-assisted methods, are summarized. The molecular design of structure-diversified libraries; high-throughput characterization, screening, and preparation; and, their applications in drug delivery and clinical translation are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the prospects and main challenges in future biomaterialomics and high-throughput screening development are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hong-Wei An
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hao Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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5
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Keyes ED, Mifflin MC, Austin MJ, Sandres J, Roberts AG. Chemical cyclization of tyrosine-containing peptides via in situ generated triazolinedione peptides. Methods Enzymol 2024; 698:89-109. [PMID: 38886041 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Tyr-derived cyclic peptide natural products are formed by enzymatic manifolds that oxidatively cross-link embedded phenolic side chains of tyrosine (Tyr) and 4-hydroxyphenylglycine residues during their controlled production. Bioactive Tyr-derived cyclic peptides, such as the arylomycins and vancomycins, continue to motivate the development of enzymatic and chemical strategies for their de novo assembly and modification. However, chemical access to these structurally diverse natural cycles can be challenging and step intensive. Therefore, we developed an oxidative procedure to selectively convert Tyr-containing N4-substituted 1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione peptides (urazole peptides) into stable Tyr-linked cyclic peptides. We show that Tyr-containing urazole peptides are simple to prepare and convert into reactive N4-substituted 1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione peptides by oxidation, which then undergo spontaneous cyclization under mildly basic aqueous conditions to form a cross-linkage with the phenol side chain of embedded Tyr residues. Using this approach, we have demonstrated access to over 25 Tyr-linked cyclic peptides (3- to 11-residue cycles) with good tolerance of native residue side chain functionalities. Importantly, this method is simple to perform, and product formation can be quickly confirmed by mass spectrometric and 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dalles Keyes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Marcus C Mifflin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Maxwell J Austin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jesus Sandres
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Andrew G Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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6
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Mazo N, Rahman IR, Navo CD, Peregrina JM, Busto JH, van der Donk WA, Jiménez-Osés G. Synthesis of Fluorescent Lanthipeptide Cytolysin S Analogues by Late-Stage Sulfamidate Ring Opening. Org Lett 2023; 25:1431-1435. [PMID: 36849130 PMCID: PMC10012263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleophilic ring opening of cyclic sulfamidates derived from amino acids is a common strategy for the synthesis of lanthionine derivatives. In this work, we report the regio-, chemo-, and stereoselective intramolecular S-alkylation of a cysteine residue with N-sulfonyl sulfamidates for the synthesis of cyclic lanthionine-containing peptides. The strategy involves the solid-phase synthesis of sulfamidate-containing peptides followed by late-stage intramolecular cyclization. This protocol allowed for the synthesis of four full-length cytolysin S (CylLS″) analogues, two α-peptides and two hybrid α/β-peptides. Their conformational preferences and biological activities were assessed and compared with those of wild-type CylLS″.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Mazo
- Departamento
de Química, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis
Química, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Imran R. Rahman
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Claudio D. Navo
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building
800, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Jesús M. Peregrina
- Departamento
de Química, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis
Química, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Jesús H. Busto
- Departamento
de Química, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis
Química, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department
of Chemistry and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building
800, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Ikerbaske, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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7
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Iannuzzelli J, Bacik JP, Moore EJ, Shen Z, Irving EM, Vargas DA, Khare SD, Ando N, Fasan R. Tuning Enzyme Thermostability via Computationally Guided Covalent Stapling and Structural Basis of Enhanced Stabilization. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1041-1054. [PMID: 35612958 PMCID: PMC9178789 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing the thermostability of enzymes without impacting their catalytic function represents an important yet challenging goal in protein engineering and biocatalysis. We recently introduced a novel method for enzyme thermostabilization that relies on the computationally guided installation of genetically encoded thioether "staples" into a protein via cysteine alkylation with the noncanonical amino acid O-2-bromoethyl tyrosine (O2beY). Here, we demonstrate the functionality of an expanded set of electrophilic amino acids featuring chloroacetamido, acrylamido, and vinylsulfonamido side-chain groups for protein stapling using this strategy. Using a myoglobin-based cyclopropanase as a model enzyme, our studies show that covalent stapling with p-chloroacetamido-phenylalanine (pCaaF) provides higher stapling efficiency and enhanced stability (thermodynamic and kinetic) compared to the other stapled variants and the parent protein. Interestingly, molecular simulations of conformational flexibility of the cross-links show that the pCaaF staple allows fewer energetically feasible conformers than the other staples, and this property may be a broader indicator of stability enhancement. Using this strategy, pCaaF-stapled variants with significantly enhanced stability against thermal denaturation (ΔTm' = +27 °C) and temperature-induced heme loss (ΔT50 = +30 °C) were obtained while maintaining high levels of catalytic activity and stereoselectivity. Crystallographic analyses of singly and doubly stapled variants provide key insights into the structural basis for stabilization, which includes both direct interactions of the staples with protein residues and indirect interactions through adjacent residues involved in heme binding. This work expands the toolbox of protein stapling strategies available for protein stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob
A. Iannuzzelli
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - John-Paul Bacik
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
| | - Eric J. Moore
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Zhuofan Shen
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers
University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Ellen M. Irving
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - David A. Vargas
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers
University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Nozomi Ando
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United
States
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
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8
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Xiao Q, Jones ZB, Hatfield SC, Ashton DS, Dalley NA, Dyer CD, Evangelista JL, Price JL. Structural guidelines for stabilization of α-helical coiled coils via PEG stapling. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1096-1104. [PMID: 36128502 PMCID: PMC9428657 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00237f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclization or stapling is one of the most well-known and generally applicable strategies for enhancing peptide/protein conformational stability and target binding affinity. However, there are limited structure- or sequence-based guidelines for the incorporation of optimal interhelical staples within coiled coils: the location and length of an interhelical staple is either arbitrarily chosen or requires significant optimization. Here we explore the impact of interhelical PEG stapling on the conformational stability and proteolytic resistance of a model disulfide-bound heterodimeric coiled coil. We demonstrate that (1) interhelical PEG staples are more stabilizing when placed farther from an existing disulfide crosslink; (2) e/g′ staples are more stabilizing than f/b′ or b/c′ staples; (3) PEG staples between different positions have different optimal staple lengths; (4) PEG stapling tolerates variation in the structure of the PEG linker and in the mode of conjugation; and (5) the guidelines developed here enable the rational design of a stabilized PEG-stapled HER-2 affibody with enhanced conformational stability and proteolytic resistance. Here we identify key criteria for designing PEG-stapled coiled coils with increased conformational and proteolytic stability.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Zachary B. Jones
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Samantha C. Hatfield
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Dallin S. Ashton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Dalley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Cody D. Dyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
| | - Judah L. Evangelista
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Joshua L. Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA
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9
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Gu Y, Iannuzzelli JA, Fasan R. MOrPH-PhD: A Phage Display System for the Functional Selection of Genetically Encoded Macrocyclic Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2371:261-286. [PMID: 34596853 PMCID: PMC8493807 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides represent promising scaffolds for targeting biomolecules with high affinity and selectivity, making methods for the diversification and functional selection of these macrocycles highly valuable for drug discovery purposes. We recently reported a novel phage display platform (called MOrPH-PhD) for the creation and functional exploration of combinatorial libraries of genetically encoded cyclic peptides. In this system, spontaneous, posttranslational peptide cyclization by means of a cysteine-reactive non-canonical amino acid is integrated with M13 bacteriophage display, enabling the creation of genetically encoded macrocyclic peptide libraries displayed on phage particles. Using this system, it is possible to rapidly generate and screen large libraries of phage-displayed macrocyclic peptides (up to 108 to 1010 members) in order to identify high-affinity binders of a target protein of interest. Herein, we describe step-by-step protocols for the production of MOrPH-PhD libraries, the screening of these libraries against an immobilized protein target, and the isolation and characterization of functional macrocyclic peptides from these genetically encoded libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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10
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Bechtler C, Lamers C. Macrocyclization strategies for cyclic peptides and peptidomimetics. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1325-1351. [PMID: 34447937 PMCID: PMC8372203 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00083g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are a growing therapeutic class due to their unique spatial characteristics that can target traditionally "undruggable" protein-protein interactions and surfaces. Despite their advantages, peptides must overcome several key shortcomings to be considered as drug leads, including their high conformational flexibility and susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage. As a general approach for overcoming these challenges, macrocyclization of a linear peptide can usually improve these characteristics. Their synthetic accessibility makes peptide macrocycles very attractive, though traditional synthetic methods for macrocyclization can be challenging for peptides, especially for head-to-tail cyclization. This review provides an updated summary of the available macrocyclization chemistries, such as traditional lactam formation, azide-alkyne cycloadditions, ring-closing metathesis as well as unconventional cyclization reactions, and it is structured according to the obtained functional groups. Keeping peptide chemistry and screening in mind, the focus is given to reactions applicable in solution, on solid supports, and compatible with contemporary screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Bechtler
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel Klingelbergstr. 50 4056 Basel Switzerland
| | - Christina Lamers
- Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel Klingelbergstr. 50 4056 Basel Switzerland
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11
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Genetically encoded selective cross-linkers and emerging applications. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1807-1817. [PMID: 32657352 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There has been a large amount of interest in the development of genetically encoded cross-linkers that target functional groups naturally present in cells. Recently, a new class of unnatural amino acids that specifically react with target residues were developed and genetically incorporated. The selective reaction shows higher cross-linking efficiency, lower background and predictable cross-linking sites. It has been applied to enhance protein/peptide stability, pinpoint protein-protein interactions, stabilize protein complexes, engineer covalent protein inhibitors, identify phosphatases in living cells, etc. These new covalent linkages provide excellent new tools for protein engineering and biological studies. Their applications in biotherapy will provide considerable opportunities for innovating and improving biomolecular medicines.
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12
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Wang W, Khojasteh SC, Su D. Biosynthetic Strategies for Macrocyclic Peptides. Molecules 2021; 26:3338. [PMID: 34206124 PMCID: PMC8199541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides are predominantly peptide structures bearing one or more rings and spanning multiple amino acid residues. Macrocyclization has become a common approach for improving the pharmacological properties and bioactivity of peptides. A variety of ribosomal-derived and non-ribosomal synthesized cyclization approaches have been established. The biosynthesis of backbone macrocyclic peptides using seven new emerging methodologies will be discussed with regard to the features and strengths of each platform rather than medicinal chemistry tools. The mRNA display variant, known as the random nonstandard peptide integrated discovery (RaPID) platform, utilizes flexible in vitro translation (FIT) to access macrocyclic peptides containing nonproteinogenic amino acids (NAAs). As a new discovery approach, the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) method involves the combination of ribosomal synthesis and the phage screening platform together with macrocyclization chemistries to generate libraries of macrocyclic peptides. Meanwhile, the split-intein circular ligation of peptides and proteins (SICLOPPS) approach relies on the in vivo production of macrocyclic peptides. In vitro and in vivo peptide library screening is discussed as an advanced strategy for cyclic peptide selection. Specifically, biosynthetic bicyclic peptides are highlighted as versatile and attractive modalities. Bicyclic peptides represent another type of promising therapeutics that allow for building blocks with a heterotrimeric conjugate to address intractable challenges and enable multimer complexes via linkers. Additionally, we discuss the cell-free chemoenzymatic synthesis of macrocyclic peptides with a non-ribosomal catalase known as the non-ribosomal synthetase (NRPS) and chemo-enzymatic approach, with recombinant thioesterase (TE) domains. Novel insights into the use of peptide library tools, activity-based two-hybrid screening, structure diversification, inclusion of NAAs, combinatorial libraries, expanding the toolbox for macrocyclic peptides, bicyclic peptides, chemoenzymatic strategies, and future perspectives are presented. This review highlights the broad spectrum of strategy classes, novel platforms, structure diversity, chemical space, and functionalities of macrocyclic peptides enabled by emerging biosynthetic platforms to achieve bioactivity and for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dian Su
- Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (W.W.); (S.C.K.)
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13
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Taguchi S, Suga H. Targeting of extracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 62:82-89. [PMID: 33774472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of extracellular protein-protein interactions (PPI) is emerging as a major application for de novo discovered macrocyclic peptides. Modern discovery platforms can routinely identify macrocyclic peptide ligands capable of highly selective modulation of extracellular signaling pathways; amenability to chemical synthesis and natural modularity of peptides additionally provides an avenue for their further structural elaboration, while the challenge of cell internalization can be minimized. Here, we discuss the recent progress in targeting extracellular PPIs with macrocyclic peptides by focusing on a number of recent case studies. We analyze the scope and potential limitations of the discovery systems in identifying functional macrocyclic ligands. We also highlight the recent technical advancements allowing for a more streamlined discovery pipeline and our brief perspective in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Taguchi
- Department of Advanced Interdisciplinary, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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14
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Small and Simple, yet Sturdy: Conformationally Constrained Peptides with Remarkable Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041611. [PMID: 33562633 PMCID: PMC7915549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sheer size and vast chemical space (i.e., diverse repertoire and spatial distribution of functional groups) underlie peptides’ ability to engage in specific interactions with targets of various structures. However, the inherent flexibility of the peptide chain negatively affects binding affinity and metabolic stability, thereby severely limiting the use of peptides as medicines. Imposing conformational constraints to the peptide chain offers to solve these problems but typically requires laborious structure optimization. Alternatively, libraries of constrained peptides with randomized modules can be screened for specific functions. Here, we present the properties of conformationally constrained peptides and review rigidification chemistries/strategies, as well as synthetic and enzymatic methods of producing macrocyclic peptides. Furthermore, we discuss the in vitro molecular evolution methods for the development of constrained peptides with pre-defined functions. Finally, we briefly present applications of selected constrained peptides to illustrate their exceptional properties as drug candidates, molecular recognition probes, and minimalist catalysts.
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15
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González-Muñiz R, Bonache MÁ, Pérez de Vega MJ. Modulating Protein-Protein Interactions by Cyclic and Macrocyclic Peptides. Prominent Strategies and Examples. Molecules 2021; 26:445. [PMID: 33467010 PMCID: PMC7830901 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic and macrocyclic peptides constitute advanced molecules for modulating protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Although still peptide derivatives, they are metabolically more stable than linear counterparts, and should have a lower degree of flexibility, with more defined secondary structure conformations that can be adapted to imitate protein interfaces. In this review, we analyze recent progress on the main methods to access cyclic/macrocyclic peptide derivatives, with emphasis in a few selected examples designed to interfere within PPIs. These types of peptides can be from natural origin, or prepared by biochemical or synthetic methodologies, and their design could be aided by computational approaches. Some advances to facilitate the permeability of these quite big molecules by conjugation with cell penetrating peptides, and the incorporation of β-amino acid and peptoid structures to improve metabolic stability, are also commented. It is predicted that this field of research could have an important future mission, running in parallel to the discovery of new, relevant PPIs involved in pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario González-Muñiz
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (M.Á.B.); (M.J.P.d.V.)
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16
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Iskandar SE, Haberman VA, Bowers AA. Expanding the Chemical Diversity of Genetically Encoded Libraries. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2020; 22:712-733. [PMID: 33167616 PMCID: PMC8284915 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.0c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The power of ribosomes has increasingly been harnessed for the synthesis and selection of molecular libraries. Technologies, such as phage display, yeast display, and mRNA display, effectively couple genotype to phenotype for the molecular evolution of high affinity epitopes for many therapeutic targets. Genetic code expansion is central to the success of these technologies, allowing researchers to surpass the intrinsic capabilities of the ribosome and access new, genetically encoded materials for these selections. Here, we review techniques for the chemical expansion of genetically encoded libraries, their abilities and limits, and opportunities for further development. Importantly, we also discuss methods and metrics used to assess the efficiency of modification and library diversity with these new techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina E Iskandar
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Victoria A Haberman
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Albert A Bowers
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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17
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Xiao Q, Ashton DS, Jones ZB, Thompson KP, Price JL. Long-range PEG Stapling: Macrocyclization for Increased Protein Conformational Stability and Resistance to Proteolysis. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:273-280. [PMID: 33796855 PMCID: PMC8009319 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00075b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that long-range stapling of two Asn-linked O-allyl PEG oligomers via olefin metathesis substantially increases the conformational stability of the WW domain through an entropic effect. The impact of stapling was more favorable when the staple connected positions that were far apart in primary sequence but close in the folded tertiary structure. Here we validate these criteria by identifying new stabilizing PEG-stapling sites within the WW domain and the SH3 domain, both β-sheet proteins. We find that stapling via olefin metathesis vs. the copper(i)-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) results in similar energetic benefits, suggesting that olefin and triazole staples can be used interchangeably. Proteolysis assays of selected WW variants reveal that the observed staple-based increases in conformational stability lead to enhanced proteolytic resistance. Finally, we find that an intermolecular staple dramatically increases the quaternary structural stability of an α-helical GCN4 coiled-coil heterodimer. Long-range stapling of two Asn-linked PEG oligomers via olefin metathesis substantially increases the conformational stability of the WW and SH3 domain tertiary structures and the GCN4 coiled-coil quaternary structure.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Dallin S Ashton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Zachary B Jones
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Katherine P Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Joshua L Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
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18
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Iannuzzelli JA, Fasan R. Expanded toolbox for directing the biosynthesis of macrocyclic peptides in bacterial cells. Chem Sci 2020; 11:6202-6208. [PMID: 32953014 PMCID: PMC7480269 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc01699c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A new suite of unnatural amino acids is reported for directing the biosynthesis of genetically encoded macrocyclic peptides in live bacteria.
The macrocyclization of recombinant polypeptides by means of genetically encodable non-canonical amino acids has recently provided an attractive strategy for the screening and discovery of macrocyclic peptide inhibitors of protein–protein interactions. Here, we report the development of an expanded suite of electrophilic unnatural amino acids (eUAAs) useful for directing the biosynthesis of genetically encoded thioether-bridged macrocyclic peptides in bacterial cells (E. coli). These reagents are shown to provide efficient access to a broad range of macrocyclic peptide scaffolds spanning from 2 to 20 amino acid residues, with the different eUAAs offering complementary reactivity profiles toward mediating short- vs. long-range macrocyclizations. Swapping of the eUAA cyclization module in a cyclopeptide inhibitor of streptavidin and Keap1 led to compounds with markedly distinct binding affinity toward the respective target proteins, highlighting the effectiveness of this strategy toward tuning the structural and functional properties of bioactive macrocyclic peptides. The peptide cyclization strategies reported here expand opportunities for the combinatorial biosynthesis of natural product-like peptide macrocycles in bacterial cells or in combination with display platforms toward the discovery of selective agents capable of targeting proteins and protein-mediated interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Iannuzzelli
- Department of Chemistry , University of Rochester , Rochester , New York 14627 , USA .
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry , University of Rochester , Rochester , New York 14627 , USA .
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19
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Frost JR, Essman JZ, Huang C, Pierson NA, Pissarnitski N, Meng T. Proline‐to‐cysteine
cyclization for generating conformationally constrained cyclic peptides. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John R. Frost
- Discovery Chemistry, Chemistry Capabilities for Accelerating TherapeuticsMerck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey USA
| | - Jake Z. Essman
- Discovery Chemistry, Chemistry Capabilities for Accelerating TherapeuticsMerck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey USA
| | - Chunhui Huang
- Discovery ChemistryMerck & Co., Inc Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Natalya Pissarnitski
- Discovery Chemistry, Chemistry Capabilities for Accelerating TherapeuticsMerck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey USA
| | - Tao Meng
- Discovery Chemistry, Chemistry Capabilities for Accelerating TherapeuticsMerck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey USA
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20
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Owens A, Iannuzzelli JA, Gu Y, Fasan R. MOrPH-PhD: An Integrated Phage Display Platform for the Discovery of Functional Genetically Encoded Peptide Macrocycles. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:368-381. [PMID: 32232137 PMCID: PMC7099587 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides represent attractive scaffolds for targeting protein-protein interactions, making methods for the diversification and functional selection of these molecules highly valuable for molecular discovery purposes. Here, we report the development of a novel strategy for the generation and high-throughput screening of combinatorial libraries of macrocyclic peptides constrained by a nonreducible thioether bridge. In this system, spontaneous, posttranslational peptide cyclization by means of a cysteine-reactive noncanonical amino acid was integrated with M13 bacteriophage display, enabling the creation of genetically encoded macrocyclic peptide libraries displayed on phage particles. This platform, named MOrPH-PhD, was successfully applied to produce and screen 105- to 108-member libraries of peptide macrocycles against three different protein targets, resulting in the discovery of a high-affinity binder for streptavidin (K D: 20 nM) and potent inhibitors of the therapeutically relevant proteins Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (K D: 40 nM) and Sonic Hedgehog (K D: 550 nM). This work introduces and validates an efficient and general platform for the discovery and evolution of functional, conformationally constrained macrocyclic peptides useful for targeting proteins and protein-mediated interactions.
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21
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Mayer C. Selection, Addiction and Catalysis: Emerging Trends for the Incorporation of Noncanonical Amino Acids into Peptides and Proteins in Vivo. Chembiochem 2019; 20:1357-1364. [PMID: 30618145 PMCID: PMC6563710 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Expanding the genetic code of organisms by incorporating noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into target proteins through the suppression of stop codons in vivo has profoundly impacted how we perform protein modification or detect proteins and their interaction partners in their native environment. Yet, with genetic code expansion strategies maturing over the past 15 years, new applications that make use—or indeed repurpose—these techniques are beginning to emerge. This Concept article highlights three of these developments: 1) The incorporation of ncAAs for the biosynthesis and selection of bioactive macrocyclic peptides with novel ring architectures, 2) synthetic biocontainment strategies based on the addiction of microorganisms to ncAAs, and 3) enzyme design strategies, in which ncAAs with unique functionalities enable the catalysis of new‐to‐nature reactions. Key advances in all three areas are presented and potential future applications discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Mayer
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Vinogradov AA, Yin Y, Suga H. Macrocyclic Peptides as Drug Candidates: Recent Progress and Remaining Challenges. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:4167-4181. [PMID: 30768253 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Peptides as a therapeutic modality attract much attention due to their synthetic accessibility, high degree of specific binding, and the ability to target protein surfaces traditionally considered "undruggable". Unfortunately, at the same time, other pharmacological properties of a generic peptide, such as metabolic stability and cell permeability, are quite poor, which limits the success of de novo discovered biologically active peptides as drug candidates. Here, we review how macrocyclization as well as the incorporation of nonproteogenic amino acids and various conjugation strategies may be utilized to improve on these characteristics to create better drug candidates. We analyze recent progress and remaining challenges in improving individual pharmacological properties of bioactive peptides, and offer our opinion on interfacing these, often conflicting, considerations, to create balanced drug candidates as a potential way to make further progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Vinogradov
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 , Japan
| | - Yizhen Yin
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 , Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science , The University of Tokyo , 7-3-1 Hongo , Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 , Japan
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23
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Abstract
Our understanding of the complex molecular processes of living organisms at the molecular level is growing exponentially. This knowledge, together with a powerful arsenal of tools for manipulating the structures of macromolecules, is allowing chemists to to harness and reprogram the cellular machinery in ways previously unimaged. Here we review one example in which the genetic code itself has been expanded with new building blocks that allow us to probe and manipulate the structures and functions of proteins with unprecedented precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas D. Young
- Department of Chemistry, College of William & Mary,
P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187 (USA)
| | - Peter G. Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute,
La Jolla, CA 92037 (USA),
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24
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Abstract
Many biologically active peptides found in nature exhibit a bicyclic structure wherein a head-to-tail cyclic backbone is further constrained by an intramolecular linkage connecting two side chains of the peptide. Accordingly, methods to access macrocyclic peptides sharing this overall topology could be of significant value toward the discovery of new functional entities and bioactive compounds. With this goal in mind, we recently developed a strategy for enabling the biosynthesis of thioether-bridged bicyclic peptides in living bacterial cells. This method involves a split intein-catalyzed head-to-tail cyclization of a ribosomally produced precursor peptide, combined with inter-sidechain cross-linking through a genetically encoded cysteine-reactive amino acid. This approach can be applied to direct the formation of structurally diverse bicyclic peptides with high efficiency and selectivity in living Escherichia coli cells and provides a platform for the generation of combinatorial libraries of genetically encoded bicyclic peptides for screening purposes.
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25
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Abstract
Thermostabilization represents a critical and often obligatory step toward enhancing the robustness of enzymes for organic synthesis and other applications. While directed evolution methods have provided valuable tools for this purpose, these protocols are laborious and time-consuming and typically require the accumulation of several mutations, potentially at the expense of catalytic function. Here, we report a minimally invasive strategy for enzyme stabilization that relies on the installation of genetically encoded, nonreducible covalent staples in a target protein scaffold using computational design. This methodology enables the rapid development of myoglobin-based cyclopropanation biocatalysts featuring dramatically enhanced thermostability (ΔTm = +18.0 °C and ΔT50 = +16.0 °C) as well as increased stability against chemical denaturation [ΔCm (GndHCl) = 0.53 M], without altering their catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity properties. In addition, the stabilized variants offer superior performance and selectivity compared with the parent enzyme in the presence of a high concentration of organic cosolvents, enabling the more efficient cyclopropanation of a water-insoluble substrate. This work introduces and validates an approach for protein stabilization which should be applicable to a variety of other proteins and enzymes.
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26
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Owens AE, de Paola I, Hansen WA, Liu YW, Khare SD, Fasan R. Design and Evolution of a Macrocyclic Peptide Inhibitor of the Sonic Hedgehog/Patched Interaction. J Am Chem Soc 2017; 139:12559-12568. [PMID: 28759213 PMCID: PMC5753398 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b06087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a central role during embryonic development, and its aberrant activation has been implicated in the development and progression of several human cancers. Major efforts toward the identification of chemical modulators of the hedgehog pathway have yielded several antagonists of the GPCR-like smoothened receptor. In contrast, potent inhibitors of the sonic hedgehog/patched interaction, the most upstream event in ligand-induced activation of this signaling pathway, have been elusive. To address this gap, a genetically encoded cyclic peptide was designed based on the sonic hedgehog (Shh)-binding loop of hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) and subjected to multiple rounds of affinity maturation through the screening of macrocyclic peptide libraries produced in E. coli cells. Using this approach, an optimized macrocyclic peptide inhibitor (HL2-m5) was obtained that binds Shh with a KD of 170 nM, which corresponds to a 120-fold affinity improvement compared to the parent molecule. Importantly, HL2-m5 is able to effectively suppress Shh-mediated hedgehog signaling and Gli-controlled gene transcription in living cells (IC50 = 230 nM), providing the most potent inhibitor of the sonic hedgehog/patched interaction reported to date. This first-in-class macrocyclic peptide modulator of the hedgehog pathway is expected to provide a valuable probe for investigating and targeting ligand-dependent hedgehog pathway activation in cancer and other pathologies. This work also introduces a general strategy for the development of cyclopeptide inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Owens
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 12o Trustee Road, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Ivan de Paola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 12o Trustee Road, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - William A. Hansen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Integrative Proteomics Research, Rutgers University, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Yi-Wen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 12o Trustee Road, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Sagar D. Khare
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Integrative Proteomics Research, Rutgers University, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 12o Trustee Road, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
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27
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Gori A, Gagni P, Rinaldi S. Disulfide Bond Mimetics: Strategies and Challenges. Chemistry 2017; 23:14987-14995. [PMID: 28749012 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201703199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The activity profile of many biologically relevant proteins and peptides often relies on a precise 3D structural organization. In this context, disulfide bonds are natural covalent constraints that play a key role in driving and stabilizing the folding pattern of these molecules. Despite its prominent significance as structural motif, the disulfide bond itself is inherently unstable under physiological conditions, posing a major limit to the use and development of disulfide-rich peptides and proteins as molecular tools and drug lead compounds. To tackle this restriction, disulfide engineering with stable functional analogues has arisen a considerable interest. Here, the most popular approaches to disulfide replacement are reviewed and discussed with particular emphasis on advantages and limitations under both functional and synthetic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Gagni
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Rinaldi
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare (ICRM), National Research Council of, Italy) (CNR, via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
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28
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Owens AE, Grasso KT, Ziegler CA, Fasan R. Two-Tier Screening Platform for Directed Evolution of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases with Enhanced Stop Codon Suppression Efficiency. Chembiochem 2017; 18:1109-1116. [PMID: 28383180 PMCID: PMC5586079 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201700039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic code expansion through amber stop codon suppression provides a powerful tool for introducing non-proteinogenic functionalities into proteins for a broad range of applications. However, ribosomal incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) by means of engineered aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) often proceeds with significantly reduced efficiency compared to sense codon translation. Here, we report the implementation of a versatile platform for the development of engineered aaRSs with enhanced efficiency in mediating ncAA incorporation by amber stop codon suppression. This system integrates a white/blue colony screen with a plate-based colorimetric assay, thereby combining high-throughput capabilities with reliable and quantitative measurement of aaRS-dependent ncAA incorporation efficiency. This two-tier functional screening system was successfully applied to obtain a pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) variant (CrtK-RS(4.1)) with significantly improved efficiency (+250-370 %) for mediating the incorporation of Nϵ -crotonyl-lysine and other lysine analogues of relevance for the study of protein post-translational modifications into a target protein. Interestingly, the beneficial mutations accumulated by CrtK-RS(4.1) were found to localize within the noncatalytic N-terminal domain of the enzyme and could be transferred to another PylRS variant, improving the ability of the variant to incorporate its corresponding ncAA substrate. This work introduces an efficient platform for the improvement of aaRSs that could be readily extended to other members of this enzyme family and/or other target ncAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Owens
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Katherine T Grasso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Christine A Ziegler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
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29
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Frost JR, Wu Z, Lam YC, Owens AE, Fasan R. Side-chain-to-tail cyclization of ribosomally derived peptides promoted by aryl and alkyl amino-functionalized unnatural amino acids. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:5803-12. [PMID: 27064594 PMCID: PMC4909536 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00192k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A strategy for the production of side-chain-to-tail cyclic peptides from ribosomally derived polypeptide precursors is reported. Two genetically encodable unnatural amino acids, bearing either an aryl or alkyl amino group, were investigated for their efficiency toward promoting the formation of medium to large-sized peptide macrocycles via intein-mediated side-chain-to-C-terminus cyclization. While only partial cyclization was observed with precursor proteins containing para-amino-phenylalanine, efficient peptide macrocyclization could be achieved using O-2-aminoethyl-tyrosine as the reactive moiety. Conveniently, the latter was generated upon quantitative, post-translational reduction of the azido-containing counterpart, O-2-azidoethyl-tyrosine, directly in E. coli cells. This methodology could be successfully applied for the production of a 12 mer cyclic peptide with enhanced binding affinity for the model target protein streptavidin as compared to the acyclic counterpart (KD: 5.1 μM vs. 22.4 μM), thus demonstrating its utility toward the creation and investigation of novel, functional macrocyclic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Frost
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Split intein circular ligation of peptides and proteins (SICLOPPS) is a genetically encoded method for the intracellular production of cyclic peptide libraries of around 100 million (10(8)) members that utilizes the Synechocystis sp PCC6803 (Ssp) DnaE split inteins. However, Ssp inteins are relatively slow splicing and intolerant of amino acid variation around the splice junction, potentially limiting the utility and composition of SICLOPPS libraries. In contrast, Nostoc punctiforme (Npu) DnaE split inteins not only splice significantly faster, they are also much more tolerant of amino acid variation around their splice junctions. Here, we report the use of engineered Npu inteins in SICLOPPS for the generation of cyclic peptide libraries and cyclic proteins. Despite their superior splicing characteristics, however, we observed a high level of toxicity from the Npu SICLOPPS constructs in E. coli. The observed toxicity was overcome though incorporation of an SsrA tag to target the spliced Npu inteins to the ClpXP complex for degradation. The resulting traceless Npu SICLOPPS inteins showed no toxicity to E. coli, demonstrating their potential for the production of cyclic peptide libraries for use in a variety of high-throughput screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime E. Townend
- Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Tavassoli
- Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
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31
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Bandyopadhyay A, Gao J. Iminoboronate-Based Peptide Cyclization That Responds to pH, Oxidation, and Small Molecule Modulators. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:2098-101. [PMID: 26859098 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a rich source of therapeutic agents, peptide natural products usually adopt a cyclic or multicyclic scaffold that minimizes structural flexibility to favor target binding. Inspired by nature, chemists have been interested in developing synthetic cyclic and multicyclic peptides that serve as biological probes and potential therapeutics. Herein we describe a novel strategy for peptide cyclization in which intramolecular iminoboronate formation allows spontaneous cyclization under physiologic conditions to yield monocyclic and bicyclic peptides. Importantly the iminoboronate-based cyclization can be rapidly reversed in response to multiple stimuli, including pH, oxidation, and small molecules. This highly versatile strategy for peptide cyclization should find applications in many areas of chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College , 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Jianmin Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College , 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
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32
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Palei S, Mootz HD. Cyclic Peptides Made by Linking Synthetic and Genetically Encoded Fragments. Chembiochem 2016; 17:378-82. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shubhendu Palei
- International Graduate School of Chemistry (GSC-MS); Institute of Biochemistry; University of Muenster; Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 2 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- International Graduate School of Chemistry (GSC-MS); Institute of Biochemistry; University of Muenster; Wilhelm-Klemm-Strasse 2 48149 Münster Germany
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33
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Frost JR, Jacob NT, Papa LJ, Owens AE, Fasan R. Ribosomal Synthesis of Macrocyclic Peptides in Vitro and in Vivo Mediated by Genetically Encoded Aminothiol Unnatural Amino Acids. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:1805-16. [PMID: 25933125 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A versatile method for orchestrating the formation of side chain-to-tail cyclic peptides from ribosomally derived polypeptide precursors is reported. Upon ribosomal incorporation into intein-containing precursor proteins, designer unnatural amino acids bearing side chain 1,3- or 1,2-aminothiol functionalities are able to promote the cyclization of a downstream target peptide sequence via a C-terminal ligation/ring contraction mechanism. Using this approach, peptide macrocycles of variable size and composition could be generated in a pH-triggered manner in vitro or directly in living bacterial cells. This methodology furnishes a new platform for the creation and screening of genetically encoded libraries of conformationally constrained peptides. This strategy was applied to identify and isolate a low-micromolar streptavidin binder (KD = 1.1 μM) from a library of cyclic peptides produced in Escherichia coli, thereby illustrating its potential toward aiding the discovery of functional peptide macrocycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R. Frost
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Nicholas T. Jacob
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Louis J. Papa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Andrew E. Owens
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Hutchinson Hall, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
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34
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Postsynthetic Domain Assembly with NpuDnaE and SspDnaB Split Inteins. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2015; 177:1137-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-015-1802-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bionda N, Fasan R. Ribosomal Synthesis of Natural-Product-Like Bicyclic Peptides in Escherichia coli. Chembiochem 2015; 16:2011-6. [PMID: 26179106 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Methods to access natural-product-like macrocyclic peptides can disclose new opportunities for the exploration of this important structural class for chemical biology and drug discovery applications. Here, the scope and mechanism of a novel strategy for directing the biosynthesis of thioether-bridged bicyclic peptides in bacterial cells was investigated. This method entails split intein-catalyzed head-to-tail cyclization of a ribosomally produced precursor peptide, combined with inter-side-chain crosslinking through a genetically encoded cysteine-reactive amino acid. This strategy could be successfully applied to achieve formation of structurally diverse bicyclic peptides with high efficiency and selectivity in Escherichia coli. Insights into the sequence of reactions underlying the peptide bicyclization process were gained from time-course experiments. Finally, the potential utility of this methodology toward the discovery of macrocyclic peptides with enhanced functional properties was demonstrated through the isolation of a bicyclic peptide with sub-micromolar affinity for streptavidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bionda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, RC Box 270216, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, RC Box 270216, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA.
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Targeting bacteria via iminoboronate chemistry of amine-presenting lipids. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6561. [PMID: 25761996 PMCID: PMC4363082 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic molecules that target specific lipids serve as powerful tools for understanding membrane biology and may also enable new applications in biotechnology and medicine. For example, selective recognition of bacterial lipids may give rise to novel antibiotics, as well as diagnostic methods for bacterial infection. Currently known lipid-binding molecules primarily rely on noncovalent interactions to achieve lipid selectivity. Here we show that targeted recognition of lipids can be realized by selectively modifying the lipid of interest via covalent bond formation. Specifically, we report an unnatural amino acid that preferentially labels amine-presenting lipids via iminoboronate formation under physiological conditions. By targeting phosphatidylethanolamine and lysylphosphatidylglycerol, the two lipids enriched on bacterial cell surfaces, the iminoboronate chemistry allows potent labelling of Gram-positive bacteria even in the presence of 10% serum, while bypassing mammalian cells and Gram-negative bacteria. The covalent strategy for lipid recognition should be extendable to other important membrane lipids.
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