1
|
Thombare VJ, Wu Y, Pamulapati K, Han M, Tailhades J, Cryle MJ, Roberts KD, Velkov T, Li J, Patil NA. Advancing Nitrile-Aminothiol Strategy for Dual and Sequential Bioconjugation. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401674. [PMID: 38839567 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Nitrile-aminothiol conjugation (NATC) stands out as a promising biocompatible ligation technique due to its high chemo-selectivity. Herein we investigated the reactivity and substrate scope of NAT conjugation chemistry, thus developing a novel pH dependent orthogonal NATC as a valuable tool for chemical biology. The study of reaction kinetics elucidated that the combination of heteroaromatic nitrile and aminothiol groups led to the formation of an optimal bioorthogonal pairing, which is pH dependent. This pairing system was effectively utilized for sequential and dual conjugation. Subsequently, these rapid (≈1 h) and high yield (>90 %) conjugation strategies were successfully applied to a broad range of complex biomolecules, including oligonucleotides, chelates, small molecules and peptides. The effectiveness of this conjugation chemistry was demonstrated by synthesizing a fluorescently labelled antimicrobial peptide-oligonucleotide complex as a dual conjugate to imaging in live cells. This first-of-its-kind sequential NATC approach unveils unprecedented opportunities in modern chemical biology, showcasing exceptional adaptability in rapidly creating structurally complex bioconjugates. Furthermore, the results highlight its potential for versatile applications across fundamental and translational biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varsha J Thombare
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Yimin Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Kavya Pamulapati
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Meiling Han
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Julien Tailhades
- Department of Biochemistry Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia
| | - Max J Cryle
- Department of Biochemistry Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia
| | - Kade D Roberts
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Nitin A Patil
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ding Y, Pedersen SS, Wang Y, Xiao H, Ball ZT. Ex Situ Gaseous Reagent for Multicomponent Amine Bioconjugation. Org Lett 2024; 26:6608-6613. [PMID: 39072587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c02246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
We report a minimalist gaseous sulfonyl-chloride-derived reagent for multicomponent bioconjugation with amine, phenol, or aniline reagents to afford urea or carbamate products. With the utilization of a gas-phase reagent for a reaction mediated by metal ions, a variety of biologically relevant molecules, such as saccharide, poly(ethylene glycol), fluorophore, and affinity tag, can be efficiently cross-linked to the N terminus or lysine side-chain amines on natural polypeptides or proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Simon S Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Carbon Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Zachary T Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ding Y, Pedersen SS, Wang H, Xiang B, Wang Y, Yang Z, Gao Y, Morosan E, Jones MR, Xiao H, Ball ZT. Selective Macrocyclization of Unprotected Peptides with an Ex Situ Gaseous Linchpin Reagent. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405344. [PMID: 38753429 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Peptide cyclization has dramatic effects on a variety of important properties, enhancing metabolic stability, limiting conformational flexibility, and altering cellular entry and intracellular localization. The hydrophilic, polyfunctional nature of peptides creates chemoselectivity challenges in macrocyclization, especially for natural sequences without biorthogonal handles. Herein, we describe a gaseous sulfonyl chloride derived reagent that achieves amine-amine, amine-phenol, and amine-aniline crosslinking through a minimalist linchpin strategy that affords macrocyclic urea or carbamate products. The cyclization reaction is metal-mediated and involves a novel application of sulfine species that remains unexplored in aqueous or biological contexts. The aqueous method delivers unique cyclic or bicyclic topologies directly from a variety of natural bioactive peptides without the need for protecting-group strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Simon S Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
- Carbon Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Haofan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Baorui Xiang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Yuxiang Gao
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Emilia Morosan
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Matthew R Jones
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| | - Zachary T Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He J, Nitsche C. Biocompatible Synthesis of Macrocyclic Thiazol(in)e Peptides. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401716. [PMID: 38708622 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides containing a thiazole or thiazoline in the backbone are considered privileged structures in both natural compounds and drug discovery, owing to their enhanced bioactivity, stability, and permeability. Here, we present the biocompatible synthesis of macrocyclic peptides from N-terminal cysteine and C-terminal nitrile. While the N-terminal cysteine is incorporated during solid-phase peptide synthesis, the C-terminal nitrile is introduced during cleavage with aminoacetonitrile, utilizing a cleavable benzotriazole linker. This method directly yields the fully functionalized linear peptide precursor. The biocompatible cyclization reaction occurs in buffer at physiological pH and room temperature. The resulting thiazoline heterocycle remains stable in buffer but hydrolyzes under acidic conditions. While such hydrolysis enables access to macrocyclic peptides with a complete amide backbone, mild oxidation of the thiazoline leads to the stable thiazole macrocyclic peptide. While conventional oxidation strategies involve metals, we developed a protocol simply relying on alkaline salt and air. Therefore, we offer a rapid and metal-free pathway to macrocyclic thiazole peptides, featuring a biocompatible key cyclization step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junming He
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coram AE, Morewood R, Voss S, Price JL, Nitsche C. Exploring biocompatible chemistry to create stapled and photoswitchable variants of the antimicrobial peptide aurein 1.2. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3551. [PMID: 37926859 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global health threat. Due to their diverse mechanisms of action and evasion of traditional resistance mechanisms, peptides hold promise as future antibiotics. Their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes presents a potential strategy to combat drug-resistant infections and address the increasing need for effective antimicrobial treatments. Amphipathic α-helical peptides possess a distinctive molecular structure with both charged/hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions that interact with the bacterial cell membrane, disrupting its structural integrity. The α-helical amphipathic peptide aurein 1.2, secreted by the Australian frog Litoria aurea, is one of the shortest known antimicrobial peptides, spanning only 13 amino acids. The primary objective of this study was to investigate stapled and photoswitchable modifications of short helical peptides employing biocompatible chemistry, utilising aurein 1.2 as a model system. We developed various stapled versions of aurein 1.2 using biocompatible conjugation chemistry between dicyanopyridine and 1,2-aminothiols. While the commonly employed stapling pattern for longer staples is i, i + 7, we observed superior helicity in peptides stapled at positions i, i + 8. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed both stapling patterns to support an α-helical peptide conformation. Additionally, we utilised a cysteine-selective photosensitive staple, perfluoro azobenzene, to explore photoswitchable variants of aurein 1.2. A double-cysteine variant stapled at i, i + 7 indeed exhibited a change in overall helicity induced by light. We further demonstrated the applicability of this staple to attach to cysteine residues in i, i + 7 positions of a helix in a model protein. While some of the stapled variants displayed substantial increase in helicity, minimal inhibitory concentration assays revealed that none of the stapled aurein 1.2 variants exhibited increased antimicrobial activity compared to the wildtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Coram
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Saan Voss
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Joshua L Price
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yano T, Yamada T, Isida H, Ohashi N, Itoh T. 2-cyanopyridine derivatives enable N-terminal cysteine bioconjugation and peptide bond cleavage of glutathione under aqueous and mild conditions. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6542-6547. [PMID: 38390509 PMCID: PMC10882492 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00437j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inspired by the chemical reactivity of apalutamide, we have developed an efficient method for N-terminal cysteine bioconjugation with 2-cyanopyridine derivatives. Systematic investigations of various 2-cyanopyridines revealed that 2-cyanopyridines with electron-withdrawing groups react efficiently with cysteine under aqueous and mild conditions. Moreover, the highly reactive 2-cyanopyridines enable the peptide bond cleavage of glutathione. The utility of our method is demonstrated by its application to the cysteine-selective chemical modification of bioactive peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Yano
- Showa Pharmaceutical University Machida Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamada
- Showa Pharmaceutical University Machida Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Isida
- Showa Pharmaceutical University Machida Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
| | - Nami Ohashi
- Showa Pharmaceutical University Machida Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
| | - Toshimasa Itoh
- Showa Pharmaceutical University Machida Tokyo 194-8543 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
He J, Ghosh P, Nitsche C. Biocompatible strategies for peptide macrocyclisation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2300-2322. [PMID: 38362412 PMCID: PMC10866349 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05738k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides are increasingly important drug candidates, offering numerous advantages over conventional small molecules. However, they face significant challenges related to stability, cellular uptake and overall bioavailability. While individual modifications may not address all these challenges, macrocyclisation stands out as a single modification capable of enhancing affinity, selectivity, proteolytic stability and membrane permeability. The recent successes of in situ peptide modifications during screening in combination with genetically encoded peptide libraries have increased the demand for peptide macrocyclisation reactions that can occur under biocompatible conditions. In this perspective, we aim to distinguish biocompatible conditions from those well-known examples that are fully bioorthogonal. We introduce key strategies for biocompatible peptide macrocyclisation and contextualise them within contemporary screening methods, providing an overview of available transformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junming He
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Pritha Ghosh
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Caceres-Cortes J, Falk B, Mueller L, Dhar TGM. Perspectives on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery Research. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1701-1733. [PMID: 38290426 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The drug discovery landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, owing to research endeavors in a wide range of areas leading to strategies for pursuing new drug targets and the emergence of novel drug modalities. NMR spectroscopy has been a technology of fundamental importance to these research pursuits and has seen its use expanded both within and outside of traditional medicinal chemistry applications. In this perspective, we will present advancement of NMR-derived methods that have facilitated the characterization of small molecules and novel drug modalities including macrocyclic peptides, cyclic dinucleotides, and ligands for protein degradation. We will discuss innovations in NMR spectroscopy at the chemistry and biology interface that have broadened NMR's utility from hit identification through lead optimization activities. We will also discuss the promise of emerging NMR approaches in bridging our understanding and addressing challenges in the pursuit of the therapeutic agents of the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Caceres-Cortes
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Bradley Falk
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Luciano Mueller
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - T G Murali Dhar
- Discovery Chemistry, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 085401, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ullrich S, George J, Coram AE, Morewood R, Nitsche C. Biocompatible and Selective Generation of Bicyclic Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202208400. [PMID: 35852030 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Bicyclic peptides possess superior properties for drug discovery; however, their chemical synthesis is not straightforward and often neither biocompatible nor fully orthogonal to all canonical amino acids. The selective reaction between 1,2-aminothiols and 2,6-dicyanopyridine allows direct access to complex bicyclic peptides in high yield. The process can be fully automated using standard solid-phase peptide synthesis. Bicyclization occurs in water at physiological pH within minutes and without the need for a catalyst. The use of various linkers allows tailored bicyclic peptides with qualities such as plasma stability, conformational preorganization, and high target affinity. We demonstrate this for a bicyclic inhibitor of the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3 as well as for bicyclic versions of the α-helical antimicrobial peptide aurein 1.2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Josemon George
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alexandra E Coram
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morewood R, Nitsche C. Bioinspired peptide stapling generates stable enzyme inhibitors. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:10817-10820. [PMID: 36069401 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03510c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Stapling of peptides renders them better drug candidates. We report a new peptide staple resembling the natural metabolite lanthionine ketenamine. The strategy is orthogonal to canonical amino acids, proceeds in water and allows for tailored linkers. We applied the approach to the identification of cyclic peptide inhibitiors of the Zika virus protease. The right linker length of the peptide staple proved crucial for maximising activity. The best stapled peptide showed one order of magnitude stronger enzyme inhibition than its linear analogue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mekkattu Tharayil S, Mahawaththa MC, Feintuch A, Maleckis A, Ullrich S, Morewood R, Maxwell MJ, Huber T, Nitsche C, Goldfarb D, Otting G. Site-selective generation of lanthanoid binding sites on proteins using 4-fluoro-2,6-dicyanopyridine. MAGNETIC RESONANCE (GOTTINGEN, GERMANY) 2022; 3:169-182. [PMID: 37904871 PMCID: PMC10539774 DOI: 10.5194/mr-3-169-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The paramagnetism of a lanthanoid tag site-specifically installed on a protein provides a rich source of structural information accessible by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Here we report a lanthanoid tag for selective reaction with cysteine or selenocysteine with formation of a (seleno)thioether bond and a short tether between the lanthanoid ion and the protein backbone. The tag is assembled on the protein in three steps, comprising (i) reaction with 4-fluoro-2,6-dicyanopyridine (FDCP); (ii) reaction of the cyano groups with α -cysteine, penicillamine or β -cysteine to complete the lanthanoid chelating moiety; and (iii) titration with a lanthanoid ion. FDCP reacts much faster with selenocysteine than cysteine, opening a route for selective tagging in the presence of solvent-exposed cysteine residues. Loaded with Tb 3 + and Tm 3 + ions, pseudocontact shifts were observed in protein NMR spectra, confirming that the tag delivers good immobilisation of the lanthanoid ion relative to the protein, which was also manifested in residual dipolar couplings. Completion of the tag with different 1,2-aminothiol compounds resulted in different magnetic susceptibility tensors. In addition, the tag proved suitable for measuring distance distributions in double electron-electron resonance experiments after titration with Gd 3 + ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mithun C. Mahawaththa
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Akiva Feintuch
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Ansis Maleckis
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, 1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Michael J. Maxwell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Daniella Goldfarb
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Gottfried Otting
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science, Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ullrich S, George J, Coram A, Morewood R, Nitsche C. Biocompatible and Selective Generation of Bicyclic Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202208400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Australian National University Research School of Chemistry AUSTRALIA
| | - Josemon George
- Australian National University Research School of Chemistry AUSTRALIA
| | - Alexandra Coram
- Australian National University Research School of Chemistry AUSTRALIA
| | - Richard Morewood
- Australian National University Research School of Chemistry AUSTRALIA
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Australian National University Research School of Chemistry Sullivans Creek Road ACT 2601 Canberra AUSTRALIA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bell HJ, Malins LR. Peptide macrocyclisation via late-stage reductive amination. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:6250-6256. [PMID: 35621075 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob00782g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A two-component reductive amination approach to the synthesis of peptide macrocycles is reported which leverages the inherent reactivity of proteinogenic amine nucleophiles. Unprotected peptides bearing α-amine and side chain amine motifs undergo two-fold reductive amination reactions with 2,6-pyridinedialdehyde linkers in aqueous media to afford macrocyclic peptide products with backbone embedded pyridine motifs. Dialdehyde staples bearing valuable azide and alkyne handles also enable the post-cyclisation modification of peptides using copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayden J Bell
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Lara R Malins
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huber S, Braun NJ, Schmacke LC, Quek JP, Murra R, Bender D, Hildt E, Luo D, Heine A, Steinmetzer T. Structure-Based Optimization and Characterization of Macrocyclic Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6555-6572. [PMID: 35475620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a human pathogenic arbovirus. So far, neither a specific treatment nor a vaccination against ZIKV infections has been approved. Starting from our previously described lead structure, a series of 29 new macrocyclic inhibitors of the Zika virus protease containing different linker motifs have been synthesized. By selecting hydrophobic d-amino acids as part of the linker, numerous inhibitors with Ki values < 5 nM were obtained. For 12 inhibitors, crystal structures in complex with the ZIKV protease up to 1.30 Å resolution were determined, which contribute to the understanding of the observed structure-activity relationship (SAR). In immunofluorescence assays, an antiviral effect was observed for compound 26 containing a d-homocyclohexylalanine residue in its linker segment. Due to its excellent selectivity profile and low cytotoxicity, this inhibitor scaffold could be a suitable starting point for the development of peptidic drugs against the Zika virus and related flaviviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Huber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Niklas J Braun
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Luna C Schmacke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jun Ping Quek
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921
| | - Robin Murra
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Daniela Bender
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 03-07, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,NTU Institute of Structural Biology, Nanyang Technological University, EMB 06-01, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abdelkader EH, Qianzhu H, George J, Frkic RL, Jackson CJ, Nitsche C, Otting G, Huber T. Genetic Encoding of Cyanopyridylalanine for In‐Cell Protein Macrocyclization by the Nitrile–Aminothiol Click Reaction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202114154. [PMID: 35102680 PMCID: PMC9304162 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Cyanopyridylalanines are non‐canonical amino acids that react with aminothiol compounds under physiological conditions in a biocompatible manner without requiring added catalyst. Here we present newly developed aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases for genetic encoding of meta‐ and para‐cyanopyridylalanine to enable the site‐specific attachment of a wide range of different functionalities. The outstanding utility of the cyanopyridine moiety is demonstrated by examples of i) post‐translational functionalization of proteins, ii) in‐cell macrocyclization of peptides and proteins, and iii) protein stapling. The biocompatible nature of the protein ligation chemistry enabled by the cyanopyridylalanine amino acid opens a new path to specific in vivo protein modifications in complex biological environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elwy H. Abdelkader
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Haocheng Qianzhu
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Josemon George
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Frkic
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Colin J. Jackson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Patil NA, Thombare VJ, Li R, He X, Lu J, Yu HH, Wickremasinghe H, Pamulapati K, Azad MAK, Velkov T, Roberts KD, Li J. An Efficient Approach for the Design and Synthesis of Antimicrobial Peptide-Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates. Front Chem 2022; 10:843163. [PMID: 35372270 PMCID: PMC8964499 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.843163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) conjugates targeting essential bacterial genes have shown significant potential in developing novel antisense antimicrobials. The majority of efforts in this area are focused on identifying different PNA targets and the selection of peptides to deliver the peptide-PNA conjugates to Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, the selection of a linkage strategy to form peptide-PNA conjugate plays an important role in the effective delivery of PNAs. Recently, a unique Cysteine- 2-Cyanoisonicotinamide (Cys-CINA) click chemistry has been employed for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. Considering the high selectivity of this chemistry, we investigated the efficiency of Cys-CINA conjugation to synthesize novel antimicrobial peptide-PNA conjugates. The PNA targeting acyl carrier protein gene (acpP), when conjugated to the membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (polymyxin), showed improvement in antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. Thus, indicating that the Cys-CINA conjugation is an effective strategy to link the antisense oligonucleotides with antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, the Cys-CINA conjugation opens an exciting prospect for antimicrobial drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin A. Patil
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nitin A. Patil,
| | - Varsha J. Thombare
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rong Li
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Xiaoji He
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jing Lu
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Heidi H. Yu
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hasini Wickremasinghe
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kavya Pamulapati
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammad A. K. Azad
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tony Velkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kade D. Roberts
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jian Li
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abdelkader EH, Qianzhu H, George J, Frkic RL, Jackson CJ, Nitsche C, Otting G, Huber T. Genetic Encoding of Cyanopyridylalanine for In‐Cell Protein Macrocyclization by the Nitrile–Aminothiol Click Reaction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elwy H. Abdelkader
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Haocheng Qianzhu
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Josemon George
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Frkic
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Colin J. Jackson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide & Protein Science Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Thomas Huber
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Voss S, Rademann J, Nitsche C. Peptide–Bismuth Bicycles: In Situ Access to Stable Constrained Peptides with Superior Bioactivity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saan Voss
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Freie Universität Berlin Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Freie Universität Berlin Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nie S, Zhao J, Wu X, Yao Y, Wu F, Lin YL, Li X, Kneubehl AR, Vogt MB, Rico-Hesse R, Song Y. Synthesis, structure-activity relationship and antiviral activity of indole-containing inhibitors of Flavivirus NS2B-NS3 protease. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113767. [PMID: 34450494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus belongs to the Flavivirus family of RNA viruses, which include other important human pathogens such as dengue and West Nile virus. There are no approved antiviral drugs for these viruses. The highly conserved NS2B-NS3 protease of Flavivirus is essential for the replication of these viruses and it is therefore a drug target. Compound screen followed by medicinal chemistry optimization yielded a novel series of 2,6-disubstituted indole compounds that are potent inhibitors of Zika virus protease (ZVpro) with IC50 values as low as 320 nM. The structure-activity relationships of these and related compounds are discussed. Enzyme kinetics studies show the inhibitor 66 most likely exhibited a non-competitive mode of inhibition. In addition, this series of ZVpro inhibitors also inhibit the NS2B-NS3 protease of dengue and West Nile virus with reduced potencies. The most potent compounds 66 and 67 strongly inhibited Zika virus replication in cells with EC68 values of 1-3 μM. These compounds are novel pharmacological leads for further drug development targeting Zika virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenyou Nie
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Jidong Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Fangrui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Yi-Lun Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, USA
| | | | - Megan B Vogt
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, USA; Intragrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Voss S, Rademann J, Nitsche C. Peptide-Bismuth Bicycles: In Situ Access to Stable Constrained Peptides with Superior Bioactivity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202113857. [PMID: 34825756 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Constrained peptides are promising next-generation therapeutics. We report here a fundamentally new strategy for the facile generation of bicyclic peptides using linear precursor peptides with three cysteine residues and a non-toxic trivalent bismuth(III) salt. Peptide-bismuth bicycles form instantaneously at physiological pH, are stable in aqueous solution for many weeks, and much more resistant to proteolysis than their linear precursors. The strategy allows the in situ generation of bicyclic ligands for biochemical screening assays. We demonstrate this for two screening campaigns targeting the proteases from Zika and West Nile viruses, revealing a new lead compound that displayed inhibition constants of 23 and 150 nM, respectively. Bicyclic peptides are up to 130 times more active and 19 times more proteolytically stable than their linear analogs without bismuth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saan Voss
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.,Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 2+4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ullrich S, Sasi VM, Mahawaththa MC, Ekanayake KB, Morewood R, George J, Shuttleworth L, Zhang X, Whitefield C, Otting G, Jackson C, Nitsche C. Challenges of short substrate analogues as SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 50:128333. [PMID: 34418570 PMCID: PMC8378659 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Specific anti-coronaviral drugs complementing available vaccines are urgently needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Given its high conservation across the betacoronavirus genus and dissimilarity to human proteases, the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is an attractive drug target. SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors have been developed at unprecedented speed, most of them being substrate-derived peptidomimetics with cysteine-modifying warheads. In this study, Mpro has proven resistant towards the identification of high-affinity short substrate-derived peptides and peptidomimetics without warheads. 20 cyclic and linear substrate analogues bearing natural and unnatural residues, which were predicted by computational modelling to bind with high affinity and designed to establish structure-activity relationships, displayed no inhibitory activity at concentrations as high as 100 μM. Only a long linear peptide covering residues P6 to P5' displayed moderate inhibition (Ki = 57 µM). Our detailed findings will inform current and future drug discovery campaigns targeting Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Vishnu M Sasi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mithun C Mahawaththa
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Kasuni B Ekanayake
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Josemon George
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Laura Shuttleworth
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Xiaobai Zhang
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Cassidy Whitefield
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Colin Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu Y, Chau H, Thor W, Chan KHY, Ma X, Chan W, Long NJ, Wong K. Solid-Phase Peptide Macrocyclization and Multifunctionalization via Dipyrrin Construction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:20301-20307. [PMID: 34272794 PMCID: PMC8457249 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We introduce a new and highly efficient synthetic protocol towards multifunctional fluorescent cyclopeptides by solid-phase peptide macrocyclization via dipyrrin construction, with full scope of proteinogenic amino acids and different ring sizes. Various bicyclic peptides can be created by dipyrrin-based crosslinking and double dipyrrin-ring formation. The embedded dipyrrin can be either transformed to fluorescent BODIPY and then utilized as cancer-selective targeted protein imaging probe in vitro, or directly employed as a selective metal sensor in aqueous media. This work provides a valuable addition to the peptide macrocyclization toolbox, and a blueprint for the development of multifunctional dipyrrin linkers in cyclopeptides for a wide range of potential bioapplications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
| | - Ho‐Fai Chau
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
| | - Waygen Thor
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
| | - Kaitlin Hao Yi Chan
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyHong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomHong Kong SARChina
| | - Xia Ma
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
| | - Wai‐Lun Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyHong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomHong Kong SARChina
| | - Nicholas J. Long
- Department of ChemistryImperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research HubLondonUK
| | - Ka‐Leung Wong
- Department of ChemistryHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongKowloonHong Kong SARChina
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wu Y, Chau H, Thor W, Chan KHY, Ma X, Chan W, Long NJ, Wong K. Solid‐Phase Peptide Macrocyclization and Multifunctionalization via Dipyrrin Construction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Ho‐Fai Chau
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Waygen Thor
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Kaitlin Hao Yi Chan
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Xia Ma
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Wai‐Lun Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hung Hom Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Nicholas J. Long
- Department of Chemistry Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub London UK
| | - Ka‐Leung Wong
- Department of Chemistry Hong Kong Baptist University Kowloon Tong Kowloon Hong Kong SAR China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Guo M, Zhang L, Tian Y, Wang M, Wang W. Living-System-Driven Evolution of Self-Assembled-Peptide Probes: For Boosting Glioma Theranostics. Anal Chem 2021; 93:8035-8044. [PMID: 34043336 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The primary principle for new molecular evolution is from nature, mimicking nature, and beyond nature, since it is extremely important for the artificial molecules to keep their structure and function in the natural system. It is especially true for the self-assembled supramolecular construction in situ in complicated living bodies. Herein, we put forward a directed evolution strategy consisting of high-content screening from the living system and artificial modification in order to find "totipotential peptides" in a precise way. Progressive dimension reduction of the capability and precise anchoring of the target were realized. Through the living system evolution, we obtain a glioma-targeting and living system-induced self-assembled leading compound CCP. Through the artificial evolution, CCP was further stapled and was hydrophobically modified as NSCCP2, which demonstrated stability and NIR-II emission characteristics. NSCCP2 could realize high-resolution molecular imaging and therapy simultaneously. We envision that the strategy and its applications provide a new method for molecular discovery and improve the performance of peptide nano-self-assemblies for diagnostics and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingmei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Yuwei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Minxuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Engineering Medicine, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Patil NA, Quek JP, Schroeder B, Morewood R, Rademann J, Luo D, Nitsche C. 2-Cyanoisonicotinamide Conjugation: A Facile Approach to Generate Potent Peptide Inhibitors of the Zika Virus Protease. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:732-737. [PMID: 34055219 PMCID: PMC8155238 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid generation and modification of macrocyclic peptides in medicinal chemistry is an ever-growing area that can present various synthetic challenges. The reaction between N-terminal cysteine and 2-cyanoisonicotinamide is a new biocompatible click reaction that allows rapid access to macrocyclic peptides. Importantly, 2-cyanoisonicotinamide can be attached to different linkers directly during solid-phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis involves only commercially available precursors, allowing for a fully automated process. We demonstrate the approach for four cyclic peptide ligands of the Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3. Although all peptides display the substrate recognition motif, the activity strongly depends on the linker length, with the shortest cyclization linker corresponding to highest activity (K i = 0.64 μM). The most active cyclic peptide displays affinity 78 times higher than that of its linear analogue. We solved a crystal structure of the proteolytically cleaved ligand and synthesized it by applying the presented chemistry to peptide ligation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin A. Patil
- Biomedicine
Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jun-Ping Quek
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Barbara Schroeder
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Jörg Rademann
- Pharmaceutical
and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2 + 4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dahai Luo
- Lee
Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological
University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research
School of Chemistry, Australian National
University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|