Protected Amino Acids Research Articles

Controlled aggregation properties of threonine modified by protecting groups to unusual self‐assembled structures

AbstractWe report for the very first time the controlled structural changes in the self‐assemblies of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐O‐tert‐butyl‐l‐threonine (Fmoc‐Thr(tBu)‐OH) (FTU) to well defined unique morphologies. The self‐assembling properties of FTU were very interesting and intriguing as it resulted in the formation of unusual structures which resembles fibrous dumbbells and double‐sided broomstick‐like morphologies along with conventional spheres and rods under controlled conditions of concentration and temperature. The self‐assembly of other derivatives of threonine as well as another hydroxyl containing amino acid with same modification that is, ((N‐(9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methoxy)carbonyl)‐O‐(tert‐butyl)‐l‐serine (Fmoc‐Ser(tBu)‐OH) (FSU) was also studied to understand the crucial role of –Fmoc, ‐tBu and an additional –CH3 group present in the structure of FTU in the process of self‐assembly. Solvent dependent morphological studies of FTU and FSU suggest important role of solubility parameters and crystallization in formation of these unusual structures. The control experiments of co‐incubation with tannic acid and urea and solution state 1H‐NMR studies elucidate π–π stacking interactions as the key driving force for the structure formation. Further, the interactions which can occur between pairs of FTU and FSU which cause initial self‐assembly was studied theoretically via computational modeling. These studies suggest pair of FTU can either interact via head‐to‐head (HH) or head‐to‐tail (HT) configurations and the most favorable probabilities of either of these interactions lead to morphological transitions in FTU self‐assembly under varying conditions. The studies reported herein hence demonstrate that bioorganic molecules like protected single amino acids can be efficiently used as scaffold for self‐assembly and provide a very simple and facile bottom‐up‐approach for the design of uncommon novel micro/nanoarchitects for multifarious applications.

Amino Acid-Based Polymer-Coated Silver Nanoparticles as Insulin Fibril Inhibitors

To explore the impact of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles (PC-AgNPs) on the extent of the insulin aggregation process, herein, we have synthesized three copolymers comprising poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected amino acid (alanine, leucine, and phenylalanine) containing methacrylate monomers, via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. After deprotection of the Boc groups, the as-prepared water-soluble copolymers were coated on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and the role of these NPs on insulin aggregation pathways was examined by multifarious spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The extent of the inhibitory effect against the insulin fibrillation process was found to be related to the surface properties of the NPs, with the highest inhibitory effect detected for phenylalanine-based polymer-coated Ag NPs (PPhe-AgNPs). Using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Nile red (NR) fluorescence spectroscopy, we investigated the conformational changes and examined the role of hydrophobic interaction in inhibiting the aggregation properties of insulin upon treatment with PC-AgNPs. Furthermore, PC-AgNPs were also able to disintegrate the matured insulin fibrils and efficiently decreased the fibril-induced cytotoxicity, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the hemolysis study, respectively. Together, our findings established the novel amino acid-based PC-AgNPs as potent nanomaterials with 77–96% insulin fibril inhibition and marked disaggregation of matured insulin fibrils.

Decatungstate-Catalyzed C(sp3)–H Alkylation of a Val Residue Proximal to the N-Terminus Controlled by an Electrostatic Interaction

The decatungstate photocatalyst [W10O32]4- efficiently promoted the C(sp3)-H alkylation of the trifluoroacetic acid salt of valine methyl ester (H-Val-OMe·TFA) with electron-deficient alkenes under UV irradiation. The electrostatic interaction between the cationic ammonium group (+NH3) of the main chain and anionic [W10O32]4- played an important role in this reaction. The influence of various protected amino acids in the C(sp3)-H alkylation was investigated as the model reaction for the alkylation of Val-containing peptides. The introduction of an alkyne moiety into Val through this alkylation was successful, and successive copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) was demonstrated. The C(sp3)-H bond of a Val residue located at the second from the N-terminus was also successfully converted. C(sp3)-H alkylation of oligopeptides containing two Val residues selectively proceeded proximally to the N-terminus.

Evaluation of Substituted N-Aryl Maleimide and Acrylamides for Bioconjugation

Novel SF5-bearing maleimide and acrylamide derivatives were synthesised as potential [18F]radio-prosthetic groups for radiolabelling peptides and proteins. The efficacy of selected prosthetic groups was first assessed through bioconjugation with protected model amino acid derivatives. These reactions were investigated on an analytical scale via LC-MS across a pH range to quantitatively evaluate this prosthetic group’s reactivity and stability. Model bioconjugate reactions were then replicated using analogous para-substituted derivatives to determine the influence of the electronic effects of -SF5. Finally, the SF5-bearing prosthetic groups were utilised for bioconjugation with cancer-targeting c-RGD peptides. N-aryl maleimides reacted extremely efficiently with the model amino acid N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The subsequent conjugates were obtained as regio-isomeric mixtures of the corresponding thio-succinamic acids in yields of 80–96%. Monitoring the bioconjugate reaction by LC-MS revealed that ring hydrolysis of the intermediate SF5–thio-succinimide conjugate occurred instantaneously, an advantageous quality in minimising undesirable thiol exchange reactions with non-targeted cysteine residues. In contrast, N-aryl acrylamides demonstrated poor solubility in semi-aqueous media (<1 mM). In turn, synthetic-scale model bioconjugations with Nα-acetyl-L-lysine were performed in methanol, affording the corresponding acrylamide conjugates in modest to high yield (58–89%). Including electron-deficient, fluorinated prosthetic groups for bioconjugation will broaden their applicability within the fields of 19F-MRI and PET imaging.

Convenient Preparation of <i>tert</i>-Butyl Amino Acid Esters from <i>tert</i>-Butanol

A preparation of tert-butyl esters of amino acid is described that proceeds from protected amino acids and tert-butanol using anhydrous magnesium sulfate and an excess of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate as additional reagents. The method affords tert-butyl esters in good yields and a variety of amino acid side chains and substituents tolerate the reaction conditions.

Abstract 5051: Assessment of boron delivery peptides with angiopep-2 for boron neutron capture therapy

Abstract Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) induces intracellular nuclear reactions that release heavy charged particles to destroy cancer cells during thermal neutron radiation. In order to selectively eliminate cancer cells but avoid harmful effects to normal tissues, targeted delivery of boron-10 in cancer cells is required, whereas the conventional boron delivery agent phenylalanine (BPA) is unsatisfactory. Angiopep-2 is a cell-penetrating peptide that can trigger transcytosis and traverse the blood-brain barrier by recognizing low density lipoprotein-related protein 1. In this study, we developed angiopep-2 for boron delivery in BNCT. Angiopep-2 was labeled with boron-10 using solid-phase peptide synthesis with 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid and fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected amino acids, namely ANG-B. Molecular mass of the synthesized ANG-B were validated by mass spectrometry. In a cell proliferation assay, little toxicity of ANG-B was detected. Boron concentrations in 6 cell lines from different cancer types and an intracranial glioblastoma mouse model after treatment with ANG-B or BPA were analyzed by ICP-AES. The in vivo distribution of ANG-B showed that the ratio of boron content of tumor tissue to that of blood (T/B ratio) was 9.42±2.47 at 4h post treatment, while the ratio of boron content of tumor tissue to that of normal brain tissue (T/N ratio) was 5.61±1.0, demonstrated an optimal tumor targeting ability of ANG-B. We further measured the effects of ANG-B in BNCT by clonogenic cell survival assay in vitro or by PET/CT imaging on a glioblastoma mouse model in vivo. Radiation for BNCT was given with neutron flux at 3.0±0.4 × 1011 n/cm2. BNCT with 5 mM ANG-B resulted in 86.5%±5.3% clonogenic cell death, while the number was 72.9%±5.1% for BPA. The effect of ANG-B based BNCT in vivo was also better than BPA. The glioblastoma tumors in ANG-B treated group at 31 days after BNCT were shrank by 62.9% in average, while the BPA treated tumors shrank by only 23.0% (P<0.05). Therefore, we concluded that ANG-B is an efficient boron delivery agent, which may improve BNCT performance in clinical trials. Citation Format: Qi Liu, Jing Xiang, Lin Ma, Qiushi Ren. Assessment of boron delivery peptides with angiopep-2 for boron neutron capture therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5051.

Alkenyl Thioetherification Enabled by Nickel Catalysis.

This paper describes an efficient strategy to promote alkenyl thioetherifications via the Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling of inactivated or β-aryl-substituted (E)-alkenyl halides with thio-alcohols/phenols. The present strategy with easy-to-operate reaction conditions represents one of the most effective alkenyl C(sp2)-S bond-forming methods via readily accessible nickel catalysis. Notably, the mildly basic conditions employed facilitate access to a broad scope including protected amino acids, saccharides, and heterocycles. Moreover, this work presents its attractive usefulness by the application in late-stage modifications of several structurally complex natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Probing the Gelation Synergies and Anti-Escherichia coli Activity of Fmoc-Phenylalanine/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Hydrogel.

The N-fluorenyl-9-methyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-protected amino acids have shown high antimicrobial application potential, among which the phenylalanine derivative (Fmoc-F) is the most well-known representative. However, the activity spectrum of Fmoc-F is restricted to Gram-positive bacteria only. The demand for efficient antimicrobial materials expanded research into graphene and its derivatives, although the reported results are somewhat controversial. Herein, we combined graphene oxide (GO) flakes with Fmoc-F amino acid to form Fmoc-F/GO hybrid hydrogel for the first time. We studied the synergistic effect of each component on gelation and assessed the material's bactericidal activity on Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). GO flakes do not affect Fmoc-F self-assembly per se but modulate the elasticity of the gel and speed up its formation. The hybrid hydrogel affects E. coli survival, initially causing abrupt bacterial death followed by the recovery of the surviving ones due to the inoculum effect (IE). The combination of graphene with amino acids is a step forward in developing antimicrobial gels due to their easy preparation, chemical modification, graphene functionalization, cost-effectiveness, and physicochemical/biological synergy of each component.

Identification of Protective Amino Acid Metabolism Events in Nursery Pigs Fed Thermally Oxidized Corn Oil.

Feeding thermally oxidized lipids to pigs has been shown to compromise growth and health, reduce energy digestibility, and disrupt lipid metabolism. However, the effects of feeding oxidized lipids on amino acid metabolism in pigs have not been well defined even though amino acids are indispensable for the subsistence of energy metabolism, protein synthesis, the antioxidant system, and many other functions essential for pig growth and health. In this study, oxidized corn oil (OCO)-elicited changes in amino acid homeostasis of nursery pigs were examined by metabolomics-based biochemical analysis. The results showed that serum and hepatic free amino acids and metabolites, including tryptophan, threonine, alanine, glutamate, and glutathione, as well as associated metabolic pathways, were selectively altered by feeding OCO, and more importantly, many of these metabolic events possess protective functions. Specifically, OCO activated tryptophan-nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis by the transcriptional upregulation of the kynurenine pathway in tryptophan catabolism and promoted adenine nucleotide biosynthesis. Feeding OCO induced oxidative stress, causing decreases in glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, carnosine, and ascorbic acid in the liver but simultaneously promoted antioxidant responses as shown by the increases in hepatic GSH and GSSG as well as the transcriptional upregulation of GSH metabolism-related enzymes. Moreover, OCO reduced the catabolism of threonine to α-ketobutyrate in the liver by inhibiting the threonine dehydratase (TDH) route. Overall, these protective metabolic events indicate that below a certain threshold of OCO consumption, nursery pigs are capable of overcoming the oxidative stress and metabolic challenges posed by the consumption of oxidized lipids by adjusting antioxidant, nutrient, and energy metabolism, partially through the transcriptional regulation of amino acid metabolism.

Exploiting HOPNO-dicopper center interaction to development of inhibitors for human tyrosinase

In human, Tyrosinase enzyme (TyH) is involved in the key steps of protective pigments biosynthesis (in skin, eyes and hair). The use of molecules targeting its binuclear copper active site represents a relevant strategy to regulate TyH activities. In this work, we targeted 2-Hydroxypyridine-N-oxide analogs (HOPNO, an established chelating group for the tyrosinase dicopper active site) with the aim to combine effects induced by combination with a reference inhibitor (kojic acid) or natural substrate (tyrosine). The HOPNO–MeOH (3) and the racemic amino acid HOPNO-AA compounds (11) were tested on purified tyrosinases from different sources (fungal, bacterial and human) for comparison purposes. Both compounds have more potent inhibitory activities than the parent HOPNO moiety and display strictly competitive inhibition constant, in particular with human tyrosinase. Furthermore, 11 appears to be the most active on the B16–F1 mammal melanoma cells. The investigations were completed by stereospecificity analysis. Racemic mixture of the fully protected amino acid 10 was separated by chiral HPLC into the corresponding enantiomers. Assignment of the absolute configuration of the deprotected compounds was completed, based on X-ray crystallography. The inhibition activities on melanin production were tested on lysates and whole human melanoma MNT-1 cells. Results showed significant enhancement of the inhibitory effects for the (S) enantiomer compared to the (R) enantiomer. Computational studies led to an explanation of this difference of activity based for both enantiomers on the respective position of the amino acid group versus the HOPNO plane.

Rapid and column-chromatography-free peptide chain elongation via a one-flow, three-component coupling approach.

Short peptides are extremely important as drugs and building blocks for the syntheses of longer peptides. Both solid- and liquid-phase peptide syntheses suffer from a large number of synthetic steps, high cost, and/or tedious purification. Here, we developed a rapid, mild, inexpensive, and column-chromatography-free peptide chain elongation via a one-flow, three-component coupling (3CC) approach that is the first to use α-amino acid N-carboxy anhydrides (α-NCAs) both as electrophiles and nucleophiles. We demonstrated the high-yielding and column-chromatography-free syntheses of 17 tripeptides, as well as a gram-scale synthesis of a tripeptide. The total synthesis of beefy meaty peptide was achieved by repeating the 3CC approach with the addition of only one column chromatographic purification. We also demonstrated a one-flow tripeptide synthesis via in situ preparation of α-NCA starting from three readily available protected amino acids. With this study, we achieved dramatic reductions in both time and cost compared with typical solid-phase synthesis.

The challenge to reduce crude protein contents of wheat-based broiler diets

The challenge to reduce crude protein (CP) contents of wheat-based broiler diets is both justified and formidable because the performance of broiler chickens offered reduced-CP, wheat-based diets is usually compromised. Moreover, broiler chickens offered wheat-based diets do not accommodate CP reductions as well as do those offered maize-based diets; this appears to stem from the higher protein concentrations and more rapid starch digestion rates of wheat. The higher protein concentrations of wheat than maize result in elevated inclusion levels of non-bound (synthetic, crystalline) amino acids (NBAA). This may be an impediment, because non-bound and protein-bound amino acids are not bioequivalent and intestinal uptakes of NBAA are more rapid than their protein-bound counterparts. This leads to post-enteral amino acid imbalances and the deamination of surplus amino acids, which generates ammonia (NH3). Because NH3 is inherently detrimental, it must be detoxified and eliminated as uric acid, which attracts metabolic costs. Moreover, inadequate NH3 detoxification may seriously compromise broiler growth performance. Also, consideration is given to some intrinsic wheat factors, including soluble non-starch polysaccharides, amylase–trypsin inhibitors and gluten, that may hold relevance. Several strategies are proposed that may enhance the performance of birds offered reduced-CP, wheat-based diets, including capping dietary starch:protein ratios, blending wheat with sorghum, whole-grain feeding in association with phytase, dietary inclusions of L-carnitine and the use of protected or slow-release amino acids. In future research, it should prove instructive to compare different wheats with a wide range of protein contents that, importantly, have been fully characterised for relevant parameters, to ascertain the most appropriate properties. The successful development and adoption of reduced-CP, wheat-based diets would be an enormous advantage for the Australian chicken-meat industry as it would diminish the huge dependence on imported, expensive soybean meal.

SYNTHESIS AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF CONJUGATES OF URACIL DERIVATIVES WITH AMINO ACIDS

Two synthesis schemes for obtaining new derivatives of 5-hydroxy-1,3,6-trimethyluracil with fragments of protected natural amino acids are proposed. Synthesis includes two ways of obtaining products – chlorohydride, consisting of the protection of amino acids with phthalic acid and further production of chlorohydrides with their subsequent condensation in methylene chloride with uracil derivative, as well as carbodiimide, with tert-butoxycarbonyl protection of amino acids by amino group, also carried out in methylene chloride in the presence of a water-removing agent N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. Both methods of placing protective groups in amino acid molecules are described. New compounds were obtained with yields of 65-98%. Also, by the method of N-alkylation with ethylene chlorohydrin, a linker was introduced into the 6-methyluracil molecule with subsequent separation of N1- and N3-derivatives. The reaction was optimized, and the ratio of reagents was revealed, at which the highest yield of the product alkylated at the N3- position is achieved. Successful attempts to attach amino acid fragments to the resulting N3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-methyluracil during boiling in ethyl alcohol are described. Due to the high biological activity of all the starting substances, the authors predicted the presence of possible reaction products. The article presents the results of studies of the antiradical (antioxidant) activity of 6-methyluracil derivatives based on the inhibition of the free radical 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazine by solutions of specified compounds with different concentrations. It was found that the synthesized conjugates, in particular N3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-methyluracil with the amino acid methionine attached via a linker, have increased values of the specified activity in comparison with the initial 6-methyluracil, which makes it possible for their further study. The newly obtained compounds were characterized by the methods of 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. For citation: Khazimullina Yu.Z., Gimadieva A.R. Synthesis and antiradical activity of conjugates of uracil derivatives with amino acids. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2023. V. 66. N 2. P. 36-44. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20236602.6652.

Development of fluorous boronic acid catalysts integrated with sulfur for enhanced amidation efficiency.

A thermally stable, fluorous sulfur-containing boronic acid catalyst has been developed and was shown to efficiently promote dehydrative condensation between carboxylic acids and amines under environmentally friendly conditions. The methodology can be applied to aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic acids as well as primary and secondary amines. N-Boc protected amino acids were also successfully coupled in good yields with very little racemization. The catalyst could be reused four times with no significant loss of activity.

Modular Synthesis of Unnatural Peptides via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Three-Component Carboamidation Reaction.

Herein we report a modular peptide ligation methodology that couples dioxazolones, arylboronic acids, and acrylamides to construct amide bonds in a diastereoselective manner under mild conditions, facilitated by Rh(III) catalysis. By converting the C-terminus of one peptide into a dioxazolone and the N-terminus of a second peptide into an acrylamide, the two pieces can be bridged by an arylboronic acid to construct unnatural phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan residues at the junction point with diastereoselectivity for their corresponding d-stereocenters. The reaction exhibits excellent functional group tolerance with a large substrate scope and is compatible with a wide array of protected amino acid residues that are utilized in Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is applied to the synthesis of six diastereomeric proteasome inhibitor analogs, as well as the ligation of two 10-mer oligopeptides to construct a 21-mer polypeptide with an unnatural phenylalanine residue at the center.

Propargylamine Amino Acids as Constrained Nε-Substituted Lysine Mimetics.

Herein, alkylated propargylamines are reported as constrained lysine mimetics and constructed in a single step using a copper(I)-catalyzed A3-coupling reaction. Using multiple secondary amines, the reaction allowed the generation of a structurally diverse set of N-Fmoc protected amino acid derivatives. In addition, the A3-reaction was applied on solid phase via the assembly of short model tripeptides. Moreover, the internal alkyne moiety allowed further functionalization toward novel 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazole-based amino acids.

Carboxyl-Terminal Sequencing: COOH-Amino Acid Activation with DCC or TBTU

Abstract: The present study explores conditions to activate the carboxyl group before the coupling of C-terrninal amino acid with Trimethylsilyl -isothiocyanate (TMS-ITC). Protected amino acids and different peptides were used as model and 1,3'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) plus 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) and 2-(lH-Benzotriazol-l-y)- 1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU) plus HOBt were used as carboxyl activators. The coupling reaction of activated AA with TMS-ITC was temperature dependent and the best yield (100 % of coupling) was obtained at 70°C, when DCC or TBTU both with HOBt were used as activating reagents.

Palladium‐Catalyzed PIDA‐Mediated δ‐C(sp3)−H Acetoxylation of Amino Acid Derivatives: Overriding Competitive Intramolecular Amination

AbstractThe selective δ‐C(sp3)−H acetoxylation of N‐(SO2Py)‐protected amino acid derivatives has been accomplished by using palladium‐catalysis and PhI(OAc)2 (PIDA) as both terminal oxidant and acetoxy source. The distinct structural and electronic features of the SO2Py compared to more traditional carbonyl‐based directing groups is essential to override the otherwise more favourable competitive intramolecular C−H amination. The δ‐site selectivity predominates over traditionally more favorable 5‐membered cyclopalladation at competitive γ‐CH2. Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies provide important insights about the mechanism and the underlying factors controlling the chemo‐ and regioselectivity.

Palladium-Catalyzed PIDA-Mediated δ-C(sp3 )-H Acetoxylation of Amino Acid Derivatives: Overriding Competitive Intramolecular Amination.

The selective δ-C(sp3 )-H acetoxylation of N-(SO2 Py)-protected amino acid derivatives has been accomplished by using palladium-catalysis and PhI(OAc)2 (PIDA) as both terminal oxidant and acetoxy source. The distinct structural and electronic features of the SO2 Py compared to more traditional carbonyl-based directing groups is essential to override the otherwise more favourable competitive intramolecular C-H amination. The δ-site selectivity predominates over traditionally more favorable 5-membered cyclopalladation at competitive γ-CH2 . Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies provide important insights about the mechanism and the underlying factors controlling the chemo- and regioselectivity.

Synthesis and Characterization of Fmoc Group Protected Amino Acid Chalcone Conjugates

In this study, a series of dipeptide compounds were synthesized as a result of the reaction of Fmoc group-protected amino acids and amino chalcones with triazine reagent. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C APT NMR spectroscopy techniques. The electrical behavior of the conjugares was investigated with an impedance analyzer in the frequency range of 1-30 kHz. The variation in dielectric constant, dielectric loss, susceptibility and impedance parameters were investigated as a function of frequency. The dielectric constant of the dipeptides ranges from 7.2 to 8.6.