Electron densities of two cyclononapeptides from invariom application

Abstract

Abstract The nonapeptides cyclo(Val-Leu-Pro-Ile-Leu-Leu-Leu-Val-Leu) (I) and cyclo(Val-Leu-Pro-Ala-Leu-Leu-Leu-Val-Leu) (II) were identified as promising candidates for the development as potential anti-cancer drugs. We report a re-refinement of deposited single-crystal X-ray diffraction data with aspherical scattering factors from the invariom database. A subsequent evaluation of the molecular electron density distribution and of the differences in their molecular electrostatic potentials provides insight in their activities. The sequences differ only in residue 4, Ile in (I) and Ala in (II). Since the anti-tumor potency is reduced for the Ala peptide (II), the causes for the differences seen in activity between (I) and (II) were examined from a structural and from an electron density (ED) point of view. The exchange at residue 4 does not lead to significant changes in molecular geometry. Molecular Hirshfeld surfaces and electrostatic potential (ESP) isosurfaces show accumulations of intermolecular interactions in regions adjacent to the Ile/Ala residues indicating preferred interactions with a potential receptor in these regions. The concentrations of intermolecular interactions were localized on the Hirshfeld surfaces through an extended basin of ED concentration close to the Ile/Ala residues. Differences in the electrostatic potentials (ESPs) between (I) and (II) were only found at the Ile/Ala site and were very close to zero otherwise.