Guanidine Function Research Articles

π‐π stacking interactions mediate molecular recognition between arginine and tryptophan containing peptides derived from human islet polypeptide

AbstractCation‐π interactions, often found in protein assemblies, are characterized by favorable electrostatic interactions between an aromatic π‐electron surface and a positively charged species. There are evidences that reveal the importance of cation‐π interactions between arginine and aromatic residues in protein structure and function. In this paper, the effect of cation‐π interactions on the aggregation propensity of peptides derived from human islet polypeptide (hIAPP) was explored using UV resonance Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. By employing an analog of hIAPP22–29 in which Phe‐23 is replaced with tryptophan (NWGAILSS), we were able to demonstrate an increase in the amyloidogenic propensity of this mutant in the presence of Zn2+ that is attributable to cation‐π interactions. In contrast, no cation‐π interactions were observed when the cationic F23R analog of hIAPP22–29 (NRGAILSS) was allowed to interact with NWGAILSS. From these observations, it was surmised that in these peptides, the dominant interaction between arginine and tryptophan involves the π‐cloud of the guanidino group and the indole ring, not cation‐π interactions. The spectroscopic data, supported by density functional theory‐based simulation results, suggest that arginine‐tryptophan interaction involves π‐π stacking where the guanidino group is oriented parallel to the indole ring. These hydrophobic interactions, coupled with the hydrotropic effect of the guanidine functionality of arginine, led to a delay in the aggregation kinetics of NWGAILSS. These unique interactions were further exploited to design a peptide inhibitor of full‐length amylin self‐assembly.

Guanidine-to-piperidine switch affords high affinity small molecule NPFF ligands with preference for NPFF1-R and NPFF2-R subtypes

The Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptor system is known to modulate opioid actions and has been shown to mediate opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. The lack of subtype selective small molecule compounds has hampered further exploration of the pharmacology of this receptor system. The vast majority of available NPFF ligands possess a highly basic guanidine group, including our lead small molecule, MES304. Despite providing strong receptor binding, the guanidine group presents a potential pharmacokinetic liability for in vivo pharmacological tool development. Through structure-activity relationship exploration, we were able to modify our lead molecule MES304 to arrive at guanidine-free NPFF ligands. The novel piperidine analogues 8b and 16a are among the few non-guanidine based NPFF ligands known in literature. Both compounds displayed nanomolar NPFF-R binding affinity approaching that of the parent molecule. Moreover, while MES304 was non-subtype selective, these two analogues presented new starting points for subtype selective scaffolds, whereby 8b displayed a 15-fold preference for NPFF1-R, and 16a demonstrated an 8-fold preference for NPFF2-R. Both analogues showed no agonist activity on either receptor subtype in the in vitro functional activity assay, while 8b displayed antagonistic properties at NPFF1-R. The calculated physicochemical properties of 8b and 16a were also shown to be more favorable for in vivo tool design. These results indicate the possibility of developing potent, subtype selective NPFF ligands devoid of a guanidine functionality.

Synthesis of alkynyl spacer-containing chiral polyguanidines and their noncovalent modification for organocatalyst design

A novel biscarbodiimide compound containing alkynyl spacer has been prepared and successfully used as an electrophilic comonomer in the polyaddition reaction with chiral secondary and primary 1,2-diamines. The resulting chiral polyguanidines have exhibited Brønsted base catalytic activities with asymmetric induction ability, which can be greatly enhanced through noncovalent modification with achiral Brønsted acids, such as phosphoric acid diesters and carboxylic acids. This study reveals for the first time the validity of a strategy incorporating guanidine functionality into polymer main chains followed by their noncovalent modification for organocatalyst design.

Antimony centre in three different roles: does donor strength or acceptor ability determine the bonding pattern?

A set of antimony(III) compounds containing a ligand (Ar) with a pendant guanidine function (where Ar = 2-[(Me2N)2CN]C6H4) was prepared and characterized. This includes triorgano-Ar3Sb, diorgano-Ar2SbCl and monoorgano-ArSbCl2 compounds and they were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (sc-XRD). The coordination capability of Ar3Sb and Ar2SbCl was examined in the reactions with either cis-[PdCl2(CH3CN)2] or PtCl2 and complexes cis-[(κ2-Sb,N-Ar3Sb)MCl2] (M = Pd 1, Pt 2) and [(κ3-N,Sb,N-Ar2SbCl)MCl2] (M = Pd 3, Pt 4) were isolated, while their structures were determined by sc-XRD. Notably, the ligands Ar3Sb and Ar2SbCl exhibit different coordination modes - bidentate and tridentate, respectively - and the antimony exhibits three distinct bonding modes in complexes 1-4, which were also subjected to theoretical studies.

Conformation Based in silico Studies of Cyclic Tetrapeptides with βγ Fused Turns as Thrombin Inhibitors

AbstractThe enormous social and economic consequences of thrombotic diseases, as well as the significant dangers associated with present medications, need the development of more effective and safer anticoagulants. In silico structure‐based design was used to find new peptide‐based thrombin inhibitors and cyclic peptide‐based molecules are attracting wide attention in that regard. Here we have shown the synthesis, conformational and in silico analysis of tetrahydrofuran amino acid (TAA) based 15‐membered cyclic tetrapeptides (CTPs) containing guanidine side chain as thrombin inhibitors. Solution NMR conformational analysis suggests that the βγ fused structures of CTPs are retained in the core and there is no effect of guanidine functionality on the scaffold. Molecular docking results showed that these CTPs can inhibit thrombin protein by interacting with Asp189 residue and the core structure helps to retain the guanidine group inside the active site of protein without any alteration in the backbone H‐bonding. Overall, we have presented here the synthesis, conformational analysis of TAA containing cyclic tetrapeptides along with their docking study against thrombin protein. Further these results will help to design peptide based novel thrombin inhibitors.

Anion-Controlled Synthesis of Novel Guanidine-Substituted Oxanorbornanes.

The cycloaddition of simple alkyl-substituted guanidine derivatives is an interesting approach toward polycyclic superbases and guanidine-based organocatalysts. Due to the high nucleophilicity of guanidines, an aza-Michael reaction with dienophiles is more common and presents a huge obstacle in achieving the desired synthetic goal. Our preliminary investigations indicated that the proton could act as a suitable protecting group to regulate the directionality of the reaction. To investigate the role of the protonation state and type of anion, the reactivity of furfuryl guanidines with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate was explored. Furfuryl guanidines showed a strong reaction dependence on the nucleophilicity of the counterion and the structure of guanidine. While the reaction of DMAD with the guanidinium halides provided products of an aza-Michael addition, Diels-Alder cycloaddition occurred if non-nucleophilic hexafluorophosphate salts were used. Depending on the structure and the reaction conditions, oxanorbornadiene products underwent subsequent intramolecular cyclization. A tendency toward intramolecular cyclization was interpreted in terms of the pKa of different positions of the guanidine functionality in oxanorbornadienes. New polycyclic guanidines had a slightly decreased pKa in acetonitrile and well-defined geometry suitable for the buildup of selective sensors.

N,N′-Di-Boc-2H-Isoindole-2-carboxamidine—First Guanidine-Substituted Isoindole

Synthesis of N,N'-Di-Boc-2H-isoindole-2-carboxamidine, the first representative of isoindoles containing guanidine functionality, was carried out. The cycloaddition reactivity of this new Diels-Alder heterodiene was studied and the title compound was employed as a cycloaddition delivery reagent for guanidine functionality. Higher reactivity was found in comparison with the corresponding pyrrole derivative. Substitution with fluorine or guanidine functionality does not change the reactivities of isoindoles, and these findings are in good accord with computational results.

In silico investigation of the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of medicinal substances bearing guanidine moieties against COVID-19.

The current viral pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), creates health, mental, economic, and other serious challenges that are better to say global crisis. Despite the existence of successful vaccines, the possible mutations which can lead to the born of novel and possibly more dangerous variants of the virus as well as the absence of definitive treatment for this potentially fatal multiple-organ infection in critically ill patients make us keep searching. Theoretically targeting human and viral receptors and enzymes via molecular docking and dynamics simulations can be considered a wise, rational, and efficient way to develop therapeutic agents against COVID-19. In this way, The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), main protease, and spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane serine protease 2 are the most discussed and studied targets that play essential roles in the viral life and infection cycle. In the current in silico investigation, the guanidine functionality containing drugs and medicinal substances such as metformin, famotidine, neuraminidase inhibitors, antimalarial medications, anticancer drug imatinib, CGP compounds, and human serine protease inhibitor camostat were studied against the above-mentioned therapeutic targets and most of them (especially imatinib) have revealed an incredible spectrum of free docking scores and MD results. The current in silico investigation that its novel perspective of view is corroborated by the different experimental and clinical evaluations, confirms that the guanidine moiety can be considered as a missing promising pharmacophore in drug design and development approaches against SARS-CoV-2. Considering the chemical potency of this polyamine group in chemical interaction creation, the observed outcomes in this virtual screening were not surprising. On the other hand, the guanidine functional group has unique physico-chemical properties such as basicity that can make the target cells intracellular pH undesirable for the virus entry, uncoating, and cytosolic lifecycle. According to the obtained results in the current study that are interestingly confirmed by the previously reported efficacy of some the guanidine carrying drugs in COVID-19, guanidine as a potential multi-target anti-SARS-CoV-2 functional scaffold deserves further comprehensive investigations.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11696-022-02528-y.

MeArg1, NLe10]-apelin-12: Optimization of solid-phase synthesis and evaluation of biological properties in vitro and in vivo

Chemically modified peptide apelin-12 ([MeArg1, NLe10]-apelin12, peptide M) is able to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, cell death, and metabolic and ionic homeostasis disorders in experimental myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. These beneficial effects indicate the therapeutic potential of this compound in cardiovascular diseases. The goals of this work were to optimize the synthesis of peptide M, and to study its proteolytic stability and effect on the heart function of rabbits with doxorubicin (Dox) cardiomyopathy. We have developed a rational method of solid-phase synthesis of peptide M using the Fmoc methodology in combination with the temporary protection of the guanidine function of arginine residues by protonation (salt formation) during the formation of the amide bond. It avoids the formation of by-products, and simplifies the post-synthetic procedures, providing an increase in the yield of the final product of higher purity. Comparative evaluation of the proteolytic stability of peptide M and apelin-12 in human blood plasma was carried out using 1H NMR spectroscopy. It was shown that the half-life of peptide M in plasma is approximately three times longer than that of apelin-12. Intravenous infusion of increasing doses of peptide M caused a gradual increase in left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening and ejection fraction in rabbits after 8 weeks of Dox administration (2 mg/kg weekly). The effect of the modified peptide on LV systolic dysfunction was significantly more pronounced than the effect of apelin-12, which suggests the promise of using this pharmacological agonist of the APJ receptor in patients with heart failure.

Computational Study of Electronic Influence of Guanidine Substitution on Diels-Alder Reactions of Heterocyclic Dienes

Quantum-chemical calculations of cycloaddition properties of cyclic heterodienes substituted with guanidine functionality were carried out. Molecular and electronic structures of series of dienes (pyrrole, furan, thiophene, isoindole and 1,3-butadiene) were calculated and reactivity order established on the basis of FMO theory. Transition state calculations of model [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with acetylene indicate that guanidine substitution influences reaction barriers in moderate extent (up to ~4 kcal mol–1). The substitution position plays an important role on the sign and magnitude of the effect and protonation of nitrogen possessing substituents increases reactivity of dienes.

Optimization of the Synthesis of an Apelin-12 Structural Analog and the NMR Study of Its Stability in Human Plasma

A method for the solid-phase synthesis of the apelin-12 analog has been developed using the Fmoc methodology in combination with the temporary protection of the guanidine function of the arginine residues by protonation (salt formation) during the formation of the amide bond. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to compare the proteolytic stability of apelin-12 and its structural analog in human blood plasma. The half-life of the analog in plasma has been shown to be about three times longer than that of the natural peptide.

Tandem Regioselective Hydroformylation‐Hydrogenation of Internal Alkynes Using a Supramolecular Catalyst

AbstractNew supramolecular ligands containing an acyl guanidine function were designed based on the strategy of increasing the π‐acceptor ability of phosphine ligands by introducing electron‐withdrawing groups. By applying this novel catalytic system, a general protocol for the Rh‐catalysed hydroformylation‐hydrogenation of unsymmetrical internal alkynes, functionalized with a carboxylic acid, was found to furnish aliphatic aldehydes in high regio‐ and chemoselectivities. Control experiments confirm the enzyme‐like supramolecular catalyst mode of action.

Tandem Regioselective Hydroformylation-Hydrogenation of Internal Alkynes Using a Supramolecular Catalyst.

New supramolecular ligands containing an acyl guanidine function were designed based on the strategy of increasing the π-acceptor ability of phosphine ligands by introducing electron-withdrawing groups. By applying this novel catalytic system, a general protocol for the Rh-catalysed hydroformylation-hydrogenation of unsymmetrical internal alkynes, functionalized with a carboxylic acid, was found to furnish aliphatic aldehydes in high regio- and chemoselectivities. Control experiments confirm the enzyme-like supramolecular catalyst mode of action.

Fluorine-18 labeling of an anti-HER2 VHH using a residualizing prosthetic group via a strain-promoted click reaction: Chemistry and preliminary evaluation

In a previous study, we evaluated a HER2-specific single domain antibody fragment (sdAb) 2Rs15d labeled with 18F via conjugation of a residualizing prosthetic agent that was synthesized by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). In order to potentially increase overall efficiency and decrease the time required for labeling, we now investigate the use of a strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) between the 2Rs15d sdAb, which had been pre-derivatized with an azide-containing residualizing moiety, and an 18F-labeled aza-dibenzocyclooctyne derivative. The HER2-targeted sdAb 2Rs15d and a nonspecific sdAb R3B23 were pre-conjugated with a moiety containing both azide- and guanidine functionalities. The thus derivatized sdAbs were radiolabeled with 18F using an 18F-labeled aza-dibenzocyclooctyne derivative ([18F]F-ADIBO) via SPAAC, generating the desired conjugate ([18F]RL-II-sdAb). For comparison, unmodified 2Rs15d was labeled with N-succinimidyl 4-guanidinomethyl-3-[125I]iodobenzoate ([125I]SGMIB), the prototypical residualizing agent for radioiodination. Radiochemical purity (RCP), immunoreactive fraction (IRF), HER2-binding affinity and cellular uptake of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d were assessed in vitro. Paired label biodistribution of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d and [125I]SGMIB-2Rs15d, and microPET/CT imaging of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d and the [18F]RL-II-R3B23 control sdAb were performed in nude mice bearing HER2-expressing SKOV-3 xenografts. A radiochemical yield of 23.9 ± 6.9% (n = 8) was achieved for the SPAAC reaction between [18F]F-ADIBO and azide-modified 2Rs15d and the RCP of the labeled sdAb was >95%. The affinity (Kd) and IRF for the binding of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d to HER2 were 5.6 ± 1.3 nM and 73.1 ± 22.5% (n = 3), respectively. The specific uptake of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d by HER2-expressing BT474M1 breast carcinoma cells in vitro was 14–17% of the input dose at 1, 2, and 4 h, slightly higher than seen for co-incubated [125I]SGMIB-2Rs15d. The uptake of [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d in SKOV-3 xenografts at 1 h and 2 h p.i. were 5.54 ± 0.77% ID/g and 6.42 ± 1.70% ID/g, respectively, slightly higher than those for co-administered [125I]SGMIB-2Rs15d (4.80 ± 0.78% ID/g and 4.78 ± 1.39% ID/g). MicroPET/CT imaging with [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d at 1–3 h p.i. clearly delineated SKOV-3 tumors while no significant accumulation of activity in tumor was seen for [18F]RL-II-R3B23. With the exception of kidneys, normal tissue levels for [18F]RL-II-2Rs15d were low and cleared rapidly. To our knowledge, this is the first time SPAAC method has been used to label an sdAb with 18F, especially with residualizing functionality.

Ammonium and guanidine carbosilane dendrimers and dendrons as microbicides

Carbosilane dendrimers (generations 1–3) and dendrons (generations 2–3) functionalized with guanidine functions (GU) have been synthesized from corresponding ammonium (–NH3+) derivatives with good yield. These dendritic molecules were tested as microbicides against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteria; and against Acanthomoeba polyphaga in both stages, trophozoites and cysts. The best results were obtained for lower generation dendrimers and dendrons, with no remarkable influence of the peripheral moieties against bacteria but with better amoebicide activity for –NH3+ systems. Moreover, the activity values of first generation dendrimers and second generation dendrons were below their cytotoxicity against eukaryote cells. Molecular dynamics study of interactions between selected dendrimers and anionic phospholipid bilayers indicates possible connections between the antibacterial activity and interaction modes.

First Description of a Guanidine-embedded Pillar[5]arene: Opening New Avenues for Biological Applications

Guanidine functionality embedded in macrocyclic framework provides intriguing and tunable chemical and physical characteristics to molecular structures. We describe in this paper the first example of guanidine-containing pillar[5]arene and their potential applications in biology and material science. The reaction of O-alkylated p-aminopillar[5]arene with guanylating reagent, amidinopyrazole hydrochloride, gives first ever synthesis of a new generation of guanidine-embedded pillararene 2 under mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis and characterization of azo-guanidine based alcoholic media naked eye DNA sensor.

DNA sensing always has an open meadow of curiosity for biotechnologists and other researchers. Recently, in this field, we have introduced an emerging class of molecules containing azo and guanidine functionalities. In this study, we have synthesized three new compounds (UA1, UA6 and UA7) for potential application in DNA sensing in alcoholic medium. The synthesized materials were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-visible, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies. Their DNA sensing potential were investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy. The insight of interaction with DNA was further investigated by electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry) and hydrodynamic (viscosity) studies. The results showed that compounds have moderate DNA binding properties, with the binding constants range being 7.2 × 103, 2.4 × 103 and 0.2 × 103 M−1, for UA1, UA6 and UA7, respectively. Upon binding with DNA, there was a change in colour (a blue shift in the λmax value) which was observable with a naked eye. These results indicated the potential of synthesized compounds as DNA sensors with detection limit 1.8, 5.8 and 4.0 ng µl−1 for UA1, UA6 and UA7, respectively.

Photodegradation of aqueous argatroban investigated by LC/MSn: Photoproducts, transformation processes and potential implications

Argatroban (ARGA), used as intravenous anticoagulant drug, has been reported to photodegrade under light exposure, requiring specific precautions at handling, storage and administration. Thus, for the first time, aqueous ARGA photodegradation under aerobic conditions has been described in terms of photoproducts, phototransformation processes and potential implications. ARGA significant photoproducts were successfully separated and characterized by gradient reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC/HR–MSn). Hitherto still not available in literature, ARGA in-depth fragmentation study was conducted so as to thoroughly sort out the main mechanisms specific to the molecule and therefore, to propose a fragmentation pattern relevant to the identification of ARGA related substances. Thereafter, in view of the structural characteristics of the photoproducts formed, ARGA photodegradation pathways could be worked out, showing that whether by direct photolysis or through photosensitization, the methyltetrahydroquinoline nitrogen and that of guanidine group would be mainly involved in photolysis initiation reactions, through one-electron oxidation along with proton loss. Desulfonation, cyclisation affording compounds of diazinane type, and/or rearrangements with transfer of the methyltetrahydroquinoline group toward the guanidine function were observed accordingly. Having a good insight into ARGA photodegradation pathways allows for consistent measures in view of mitigating or avoiding the drug decay and the related potential effects.

Using N-substituted-2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidines in the synthesis of aliphatic guanidines

The use of 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxypyrimdine as a tool for the syntheses of substituted guanidines is presented. This method, that we had previously shown to be very useful for aromatic amines, introduces an atom economical, cost effective and environmentally safe method for the installation of the guanidine functionality in aliphatic primary and secondary amines.

Preparation and characterization of CO2-responsive poly(amino acid) derivatives with guanidine group

Polyaspartamides, which are termed to a variety of amide derivatives of poly(aspartic acid), one of the poly(amino acid)s or polypeptides, have been intensively investigated as biodegradable and biocompatible polymers with a broad range of potential biomedical applications as well as eco-friendly industrial uses. By discovering that polymers containing amidine or guanidine functionality have been shown to be reversibly responsive to carbon dioxide (CO2), we have developed two polyaspartamide systems: novel CO2-responsive hydrogel and amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivative containing l-arginine. In this work, poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide) derivative was modified with l-arginine unit (PHEA-Larg), before cross-linked by hexamethylene diisocyanate in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate catalyst to provide a hydrogel having not only good gel strength, but reversible CO2 absorption characteristics. On the other hand, amphiphilic polyaspartamide derivative containing hydrophobic long alkyl moiety (octyl) and l-arginine unit was synthesized, and the CO2-responsive solubility and molecular self-assembly behaviors of the systems were investigated. These new polyaspartamide systems have potential in several applications including CO2 capture, CO2-responsive and switchable surface, sensor, smart hydrogel for controlled drug delivery system, etc.