Strong Positive Cooperativity Research Articles

Optimization of quenched fluorescent peptide substrates of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro main protease (Mpro) from proteomic identification of P6-P6' active site specificity.

SARS-CoV-2 3C-like main protease (3CLpro) is essential for protein excision from the viral polyprotein. 3CLpro inhibitor drug development to block SARS-CoV-2 replication focuses on the catalytic non-prime (P) side for specificity and potency, but the importance of the prime (P') side in substrate specificity and for drug development remains underappreciated. We determined the P6-P6' specificity for 3CLpro from >800 cleavage sites that we identified using Proteomic Identification of Cleavage site Specificity (PICS). Cleavage occurred after the canonical P1-Gln and non-canonical P1-His and P1-Met residues. Moreover, P3 showed a preference for Arg/Lys and P3' for His. Essential H-bonds between the N-terminal Ser1 of protomer-B in 3CLpro dimers form with P1-His, but not with P1-Met. Nonetheless, cleavage occurs at P1-Met456 in native MAP4K5. Elevated reactive oxygen species in SARS-CoV-2 infection oxidize methionines. Molecular simulations revealed P1-MetOX forms an H-bond with Ser1 and notably, strong positive cooperativity between P1-Met with P3'-His was revealed, which enhanced peptide-cleavage rates. The highly plastic S3' subsite accommodates P3'-His that displays stabilizing backbone H-bonds with Thr25 lying central in a "'threonine trio" (Thr24-Thr25-Thr26) in the P'-binding domain I. Molecular docking simulations unveiled structure-activity relationships impacting 3CLpro-substrate interactions, and the role of these structural determinants was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS cleavage assays of P1'- and P3'-positional scanning peptide libraries carrying a 2nd optimal cut-site as an internal positive control. These data informed the design of two new and highly soluble 3CLproquenched-fluorescent peptide substrates for improved FRET monitoring of 3CLpro activity with 15× improved sensitivity over current assays.IMPORTANCEFrom global proteomics identification of >800 cleavage sites, we characterized the P6-P6' active site specificity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro using proteome-derived peptide library screens, molecular modeling simulations, and focussed positional peptide libraries. In P1', we show that alanine and serine are cleaved 3× faster than glycine and the hydrophobic small amino acids Leu, Ile, or Val prevent cleavage of otherwise optimal non-prime sequences. In characterizing non-canonical non-prime P1 specificity, we explored the unusual P1-Met specificity, discovering enhanced cleavage when in the oxidized state (P1-MetOX). We unveiled unexpected amino acid cooperativity at P1-Met with P3'-His and noncanonical P1-His with P2-Phe, and the importance of the threonine trio (Thr24-Thr25-Thr26) in the prime side binding domain I in defining prime side binding in SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. From these analyses, we rationally designed quenched-fluorescence natural amino acid peptide substrates with >15× improved sensitivity and high peptide solubility, facilitating handling and application for screening of new antiviral drugs.

Elucidation of Protonation Cooperativity of a STING-Activating Polymer.

Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have the potential to improve the performance and overcome existing barriers of conventional nanotherapeutics. Molecular cooperativity design in stimuli-responsive nanomedicine can amplify physiological signals, enabling a cooperative response for improved diagnostic and therapeutic precision. Previously, this work reported an ultra-pH-sensitive polymer, PEG-b-PC7A, that possesses innate immune activating properties by binding to the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) through polyvalent phase condensation. This interaction enhances STING activation and synergizes with the endogenous STING ligand for robust cancer immunotherapy. Despite its successes in innate immune activation, the fundamental physicochemical and pH-responsive properties of PC7A require further investigation. Here, this study elucidates the protonation cooperativity driven by the phase transition of PC7A copolymer. The highly cooperative system displays an "all-or-nothing" proton distribution between highly charged unimer (all) and neutral micelle (nothing) states without gradually protonated intermediates. The binary protonation behavior is further illustrated in pH-precision-controlled release of a representative anticancer drug, β-lapachone, by PC7A micelles over a noncooperative PE5A polymer. Furthermore, the bimodal distribution of protons is represented by a high Hill coefficient (nH >9), featuring strong positive cooperativity. This study highlights the nanoscale pH cooperativity of an immune activating polymer, providing insights into the physicochemical characterization and design parameters for future nanotherapeutics development.

Cooperativity in molecular recognition of feet-to-feet-connected biscavitands

Abstract Octaphosphonate biscavitand and self-folding deep biscavitand show strong positive and negative cooperativity, respectively. The mechanism of the cooperativity is discussed in terms of thermodynamic parameters and the detailed structure of the host-guest complexes. The two cavitand units of both biscavitands are tightly connected via four butylene linkers; thus, they are conformationally coupled, with the first guest binding information transferred to the resting-state cavities. This preorganization modulates the successive guest binding process in strong positive and negative cooperative manners, even though they display structural similarity. The first guest complexation always preorganizes the resting-state cavities where an existing water cluster and a toluene molecule are enthalpically stabilized. Successive guest complexation competes with the water cluster or a toluene molecule, reducing enthalpy gains. However, the desolvation upon successive guest binding processes liberate the solvents within the resting-state cavities. The water cluster is composed of 12 water molecules that are released upon successive guest complexation, resulting in a large entropy benefit. In contrast, toluene desolvation results in a limited entropy benefit. The difference in entropy benefits directs the strong positive or negative cooperativity of the structurally similar biscavitands.

Corrigendum: Ultra‐Tight Host‐Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity

Angewandte Chemie International EditionEarly View e202302295 CorrigendumFree Access Corrigendum: Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity This article corrects the following: Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity Thomas A. Sobiech, Yulong Zhong, Daniel P. Miller, Jillian K. McGrath, Christina T. Scalzo, Morgan C. Redington, Eva Zurek, Bing Gong, Volume 61Issue 50Angewandte Chemie International Edition First Published online: November 15, 2022 Thomas A. Sobiech, Thomas A. SobiechSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Yulong Zhong, Dr. Yulong ZhongSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel P. Miller, Daniel P. MillerSearch for more papers by this authorJillian K. McGrath, Jillian K. McGrathSearch for more papers by this authorChristina T. Scalzo, Christina T. ScalzoSearch for more papers by this authorMorgan C. Redington, Morgan C. RedingtonSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Eva Zurek, Prof. Dr. Eva ZurekSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Bing Gong, Prof. Dr. Bing GongSearch for more papers by this author Thomas A. Sobiech, Thomas A. SobiechSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Yulong Zhong, Dr. Yulong ZhongSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel P. Miller, Daniel P. MillerSearch for more papers by this authorJillian K. McGrath, Jillian K. McGrathSearch for more papers by this authorChristina T. Scalzo, Christina T. ScalzoSearch for more papers by this authorMorgan C. Redington, Morgan C. RedingtonSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Eva Zurek, Prof. Dr. Eva ZurekSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Bing Gong, Prof. Dr. Bing GongSearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202302295AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issuee202302295 RelatedInformation

Berichtigung: Ultra‐Tight Host‐Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity

Angewandte ChemieEarly View e202302295 BerichtigungFree Access Berichtigung: Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity This article corrects the following: Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity Thomas A. Sobiech, Yulong Zhong, Daniel P. Miller, Jillian K. McGrath, Christina T. Scalzo, Morgan C. Redington, Eva Zurek, Bing Gong, Volume 134Issue 50Angewandte Chemie First Published online: November 15, 2022 Thomas A. Sobiech, Thomas A. SobiechSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Yulong Zhong, Dr. Yulong ZhongSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel P. Miller, Daniel P. MillerSearch for more papers by this authorJillian K. McGrath, Jillian K. McGrathSearch for more papers by this authorChristina T. Scalzo, Christina T. ScalzoSearch for more papers by this authorMorgan C. Redington, Morgan C. RedingtonSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Eva Zurek, Prof. Dr. Eva ZurekSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Bing Gong, Prof. Dr. Bing GongSearch for more papers by this author Thomas A. Sobiech, Thomas A. SobiechSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Yulong Zhong, Dr. Yulong ZhongSearch for more papers by this authorDaniel P. Miller, Daniel P. MillerSearch for more papers by this authorJillian K. McGrath, Jillian K. McGrathSearch for more papers by this authorChristina T. Scalzo, Christina T. ScalzoSearch for more papers by this authorMorgan C. Redington, Morgan C. RedingtonSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Eva Zurek, Prof. Dr. Eva ZurekSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Bing Gong, Prof. Dr. Bing GongSearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 March 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202302295AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionAdd to favorites ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issuee202302295 This is the German version of Angewandte Chemie. Note for articles published since 1962: Do not cite this version alone. Take me to the International Edition version with citable page numbers, DOI, and citation export. We apologize for the inconvenience. RelatedInformation

Ultra-Tight Host-Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity.

Cooperativity plays a critical role in self-assembly and molecular recognition. A rigid aromatic oligoamide macrocycle with a cyclodirectional backbone binds with DABCO-based cationic guests in a 2 : 1 ratio in high affinities (Ktotal ≈1013 M-2 ) in the highly polar DMF. The host-guest binding also exhibits exceptionally strong positive cooperativity quantified by interaction factors α that are among the largest for synthetic host-guest systems. The unusually strong positive cooperativity, revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fully corroborated by mass spectrometry, NMR and computational studies, is driven by guest-induced stacking of the macrocycles and stabilization from the alkyl end chains of the guests, interactions that appear upon binding the second macrocycle. With its tight binding driven by extraordinary positive cooperativity, this host-guest system provides a tunable platform for studying molecular interactions and for constructing stable supramolecular assemblies.

Ultra‐Tight Host‐Guest Binding with Exceptionally Strong Positive Cooperativity

AbstractCooperativity plays a critical role in self‐assembly and molecular recognition. A rigid aromatic oligoamide macrocycle with a cyclodirectional backbone binds with DABCO‐based cationic guests in a 2 : 1 ratio in high affinities (Ktotal ≈1013 M−2) in the highly polar DMF. The host–guest binding also exhibits exceptionally strong positive cooperativity quantified by interaction factors α that are among the largest for synthetic host–guest systems. The unusually strong positive cooperativity, revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fully corroborated by mass spectrometry, NMR and computational studies, is driven by guest‐induced stacking of the macrocycles and stabilization from the alkyl end chains of the guests, interactions that appear upon binding the second macrocycle. With its tight binding driven by extraordinary positive cooperativity, this host–guest system provides a tunable platform for studying molecular interactions and for constructing stable supramolecular assemblies.

Unique Positive Cooperativity Between the β-Arrestin-Biased β-Blocker Carvedilol and a Small Molecule Positive Allosteric Modulator of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor.

Among β-blockers that are clinically prescribed for heart failure, carvedilol is a first-choice agent with unique pharmacological properties. Carvedilol is distinct from other β-blockers in its ability to elicit β-arrestin–biased agonism, which has been suggested to underlie its cardioprotective effects. Augmenting the pharmacologic properties of carvedilol thus holds the promise of developing more efficacious and/or biased β-blockers. We recently identified compound-6 (cmpd-6), the first small molecule positive allosteric modulator of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR). Cmpd-6 is positively cooperative with orthosteric agonists at the β2AR and enhances agonist-mediated transducer (G-protein and β-arrestin) signaling in an unbiased manner. Here, we report that cmpd-6, quite unexpectedly, displays strong positive cooperativity only with carvedilol among a panel of structurally diverse β-blockers. Cmpd-6 enhances the binding affinity of carvedilol for the β2AR and augments its ability to competitively antagonize agonist-induced cAMP generation. Cmpd-6 potentiates β-arrestin1– but not Gs-protein–mediated high-affinity binding of carvedilol at the β2AR and β-arrestin–mediated cellular functions in response to carvedilol including extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, receptor endocytosis, and trafficking into lysosomes. Importantly, an analog of cmpd-6 that selectively retains positive cooperativity with carvedilol acts as a negative modulator of agonist-stimulated β2AR signaling. These unprecedented cooperative properties of carvedilol and cmpd-6 have implications for fundamental understanding of G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) allosteric modulation, as well as for the development of more effective biased beta blockers and other GPCR therapeutics.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study reports on the small molecule–mediated allosteric modulation of the β-arrestin–biased β-blocker, carvedilol. The small molecule, compound-6 (cmpd-6), displays an exclusive positive cooperativity with carvedilol among other β-blockers and enhances the binding affinity of carvedilol for the β2-adrenergic receptor. Cooperative effects of cmpd-6 augment the β-blockade property of carvedilol while potentiating its β-arrestin–mediated signaling functions. These findings have potential implications in advancing G-protein–coupled receptor allostery, developing biased therapeutics and remedying cardiovascular ailments.

Cooperativity of α-Synuclein Binding to Lipid Membranes.

Cooperative binding is a key feature of metabolic pathways, signaling, and transport processes. It provides tight regulation over a narrow concentration interval of a ligand, thus enabling switching to be triggered by small concentration variations. The data presented in this work reveal strong positive cooperativity of α-synuclein binding to phospholipid membranes. Fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and cryo-TEM results show that in excess of vesicles α-synuclein does not distribute randomly but binds only to a fraction of all available vesicles. Furthermore, α-synuclein binding to a supported lipid bilayer observed with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy displays a much steeper dependence of bound protein on total protein concentration than expected for independent binding. The same phenomenon was observed in the case of α-synuclein binding to unilamellar vesicles of sizes in the nm and μm range as well as to flat supported lipid bilayers, ruling out that nonuniform binding of the protein is governed by differences in membrane curvature. Positive cooperativity of α-synuclein binding to lipid membranes means that the affinity of the protein to a membrane is higher where there is already protein bound compared to a bare membrane. The phenomenon described in this work may have implications for α-synuclein function in synaptic transmission and other membrane remodeling events.

A nanobody toolbox targeting dimeric coiled-coil modules for functionalization of designed protein origami structures

Coiled-coil (CC) dimers are widely used in protein design because of their modularity and well-understood sequence-structure relationship. In CC protein origami design, a polypeptide chain is assembled from a defined sequence of CC building segments that determine the self-assembly of protein cages into polyhedral shapes, such as the tetrahedron, triangular prism, or four-sided pyramid. However, a targeted functionalization of the CC modules could significantly expand the versatility of protein origami scaffolds. Here, we describe a panel of single-chain camelid antibodies (nanobodies) directed against different CC modules of a de novo designed protein origami tetrahedron. We show that these nanobodies are able to recognize the same CC modules in different polyhedral contexts, such as isolated CC dimers, tetrahedra, triangular prisms, or trigonal bipyramids, thereby extending the ability to functionalize polyhedra with nanobodies in a desired stoichiometry. Crystal structures of five nanobody-CC complexes in combination with small-angle X-ray scattering show binding interactions between nanobodies and CC dimers forming the edges of a tetrahedron with the nanobody entering the tetrahedral cavity. Furthermore, we identified a pair of allosteric nanobodies in which the binding to the distant epitopes on the antiparallel homodimeric APH CC is coupled via a strong positive cooperativity. A toolbox of well-characterized nanobodies specific for CC modules provides a unique tool to target defined sites in the designed protein structures, thus opening numerous opportunities for the functionalization of CC protein origami polyhedra or CC-based bionanomaterials.

Stable pseudo[3]rotaxanes with strong positive binding cooperativity based on shape-persistent aromatic oligoamide macrocycles.

New aromatic oligoamide macrocycles with C3-symmetry bind a bipyridinium guest (G) to form compact pseudo[3]rotaxanes involving interesting enthalpic and entropic contributions. The observed high stabilities and strong positive binding cooperativity are found in few other host-guest systems.

Unravelling the intricate cooperativity of subunit gating in P2X2 ion channels

Ionotropic purinergic (P2X) receptors are trimeric channels that are activated by the binding of ATP. They are involved in multiple physiological functions, including synaptic transmission, pain and inflammation. The mechanism of activation is still elusive. Here we kinetically unraveled and quantified subunit activation in P2X2 receptors by an extensive global fit approach with four complex and intimately coupled kinetic schemes to currents obtained from wild type and mutated receptors using ATP and its fluorescent derivative 2-[DY-547P1]-AET-ATP (fATP). We show that the steep concentration-activation relationship in wild type channels is caused by a subunit flip reaction with strong positive cooperativity, overbalancing a pronounced negative cooperativity for the three ATP binding steps, that the net probability fluxes in the model generate a marked hysteresis in the activation-deactivation cycle, and that the predicted fATP binding matches the binding measured by fluorescence. Our results shed light into the intricate activation process of P2X channels.

Synthesis, spectrophotometric and DFT studies of new Triazole Schiff bases as selective naked-eye sensors for acetate anion

ABSTRACT Selective anion sensors can be used in the colourimetric detection of certain anions. In the present study, two new 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing thiol group and azo moiety 3a (nitrile derivative) and 3b (methoxy derivative) were synthesised by condensation of 4-(4-amino-5-mercapto-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)phenol (1) and aromatic aldehydes containing azo groups 2a and 2b under acidic conditions. The nitrile derivative 3a acted as a selective naked-eye sensor for acetate anions in a mixture of dimethyl sulphoxide and water (9:1 by volume). It interacted with the acetate anions in a 1:2 stoichiometry with strong positive cooperativity and an overall association constant (β12) exceeding 2 × 108 M−2. The detection limit of 3a towards the acetate anion was found to be 0.66 × 10−5 M. The DFT studies showed that both 3a and 3b were similar in their electronic properties, but the internal charge transfer for 3a was responsible for the positive response to acetate anions.

Sequential Folding of the Nickel/Cobalt Riboswitch Is Facilitated by a Conformational Intermediate: Insights from Single-Molecule Kinetics and Thermodynamics.

The present work presents the first single-molecule fluorescence resonant energy transfer (smFRET) studies of the nickel/cobalt (NiCo) riboswitch, with temperature-dependent, single-molecule confocal microscopy to provide comprehensive kinetic and thermodynamic information on folding into a biochemically competent structure. The results indicate that the NiCo riboswitch first folds into a more compact "prefolded" conformation, with a preorganized binding pocket partially stabilized under physiological conditions by noncognate monovalent/divalent cations. Such a prefolded intermediate then has opportunity to fold further into a tightly ligand-bound structure, in response to the cognate ligands, Ni2+ or Co2+, with submicromolar affinities. Such stepwise ligand-induced folding represents a particularly clean example of a conformational selection ("fold-then-bind") mechanism, whereby a configuration dynamically accessible by thermal fluctuation is stabilized into the final folded state by ligand association. In addition, we observe a strong positive cooperativity in the ligand-induced folding kinetics with respect to both Ni2+ and Co2+ ligands. This provides maximal sensitivity in the riboswitch conformational response near [Ni2+] or [Co2+] ≈ Kd, which facilitates more accurate biochemical probing of the cell environment and therefore bioregulation of gene expression. Temperature-dependent kinetics at the single-molecule level has also been explored, which permits free energies to be deconstructed into enthalpic and entropic components along the folding coordinate. In the absence of the cognate ligand, a predominantly enthalpic barrier between the unfolded riboswitch (U) and the prefolded intermediate (I) suggests a rearrangement of the hydrogen bonding network, whereas in the presence of the cognate ligand, a large entropic penalty (-TΔS0 > 0) in forming the folded riboswitch conformation (F) is almost perfectly counterbalanced by an equivalent enthalpic gain (ΔH0 < 0) to yield ΔG0 ≈ 0. The thermodynamic results are therefore consistent with a simple physical picture of riboswitch folding, whereby association of the cognate ligand is strongly stabilized by Coulombic attraction while forming an entropically more ordered structure around the binding site.

Cooperative Binding of KaiB to the KaiC Hexamer Ensures Accurate Circadian Clock Oscillation in Cyanobacteria.

The central oscillator generating cyanobacterial circadian rhythms comprises KaiA, KaiB, and KaiC proteins. Their interactions cause KaiC phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cycles over approximately 24 h. KaiB interacts with phosphorylated KaiC in competition with SasA, an output protein harboring a KaiB-homologous domain. Structural data have identified KaiB–KaiC interaction sites; however, KaiB mutations distal from the binding surfaces can impair KaiB–KaiC interaction and the circadian rhythm. Reportedly, KaiB and KaiC exclusively form a complex in a 6:6 stoichiometry, indicating that KaiB–KaiC hexamer binding shows strong positive cooperativity. Here, mutational analysis was used to investigate the functional significance of this cooperative interaction. Results demonstrate that electrostatic complementarity between KaiB protomers promotes their cooperative assembly, which is indispensable for accurate rhythm generation. SasA does not exhibit such electrostatic complementarity and noncooperatively binds to KaiC. Thus, the findings explain KaiB distal mutation effects, providing mechanistic insights into clock protein interplay.

Strong positive allosteric cooperativity in ternary complexes based on hydrogen-bonded aromatic amide macrocycles.

Three new hydrogen-bonded aromatic amide macrocycles with eight residues were synthesized. The first single crystal structure of this class of larger macrocycles was obtained, which reveals a saddle-like conformation. Interestingly, in sharp contrast to previous negative cooperativity in binding paraquat with cyclo[6]aramide, strong positive allosteric cooperativity in ternary complexes was observed. This may open an avenue for the construction of mechanically interlocked molecules with these larger H-bonded macrocycles.

Molecular kinetics and cooperative effects in friction and adhesion of fast reversible bonds.

Molecular mechanisms of adhesion and friction include the rupture of single and multiple bonds. The strength of adhesion and friction thus depends on the molecular kinetics and cooperative effects in the lifetime of bonds under stress. We measured the rate dependence of friction and adhesion mediated by supramolecular guest-host bonds using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The tip of the AFM and the surface were functionalized with cyclodextrin hosts. The influence of molecular kinetics on adhesion and friction was studied using three different ditopic guest molecules that connected the AFM tip and the surface. Adamantane, ferrocene, and azobenzene were the guest end groups of the connector molecules that formed inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrin hosts. The results confirm the importance of the molecular off-rate and of cooperative effects for the strength of adhesion and friction. Positive cooperativity also shapes the dependence of friction on the concentration of connector molecules, which follows the Hill-Langmuir model. Based on the Hill coefficient of 3.6, reflecting a characteristic rupture of at least 3-4 parallel bonds, a rescaling of the pulling rate is suggested that shifts the rate dependence of adhesion and friction for the three different molecules towards one master curve.

A Photoswitchable Heteroditopic Ion-Pair Receptor.

Designing light-switchable heteroditopic receptors is challenging because it necessitates simultaneous (de)activation of two separate binding sites. Herein, we present the first photoswitchable heteroditopic ion-pair receptor in which both cation and anion binding sites are simultaneously and reversibly switched OFF and ON by a single photoswitch. Our receptor is simple, low molecular weight, and readily synthesized from commercially available precursors. Single-crystal X-ray structures and NMR spectroscopic titrations support ion-pair binding to the receptor both in the solid state and in solution, with strong positive cooperativity between the cation and anion binding. The receptor can be completely switched OFF by UV light-triggered photoisomerization of an acylhydrazone C═N double bond and remains kinetically stable in the deactivated form due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Its re-activation could be achieved by light irradiation or, more effectively, by fast acid-catalyzed back-isomerization. Our simple photoswitchable ion-pair receptor may serve as a blueprint for the design of new generations of switchable receptors, transporters, soft materials, and self-assembled systems, where incorporation of a functional heteroditopic ON/OFF photoswitch has been challenging up to now.

Allosteric cooperativity in ternary complexes with low symmetry.

Two new naphthotubes with ester linkers were synthesized and characterized. With the syn isomers of an ester naphthotube and an ether naphthotube, strong positive allosteric cooperativity in a ternary complex with two different hosts on one guest was achieved. This paves the way to construct robust supramolecular architectures with high complexity and diversity.

Achieving Strong Positive Cooperativity through Activating Weak Non‐Covalent Interactions

AbstractPositive cooperativity achieved through activating weak non‐covalent interactions is common in biological assemblies but is rarely observed in synthetic complexes. Two new molecular tubes have been synthesized and the syn isomer binds DABCO‐based organic cations with high orientational selectivity. Surprisingly, the ternary complex with two hosts and one guest shows a high cooperativity factor (α=580), which is the highest reported for synthetic systems without involving ion‐pairing interactions. The X‐ray single‐crystal structure revealed that the strong positive cooperativity likely originates from eight C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds between the two head‐to‐head‐arranged syn tube molecules. These relatively weak hydrogen bonds were not observed in the free hosts and only emerged in the complex. Furthermore, this complex was used as a basic motif to construct a robust [2+2] cyclic assembly, thus demonstrating its potential in molecular self‐assembly.