Turn Conformation Research Articles

A Large Mutational Study in Pachyonychia Congenita

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized predominantly by nail dystrophy and painful palmoplantar keratoderma. Additional clinical features include oral leukokeratosis, follicular keratosis, and cysts (steatocysts and pilosebaceous cysts). PC is due to heterozygous mutations in one of four keratin genes, namely, KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT16, or KRT17. Here, we report genetic analysis of 90 new families with PC in which we identified mutations in KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT16, or KRT17, thereby confirming their clinical diagnosis. A total of 21 previously unreported and 22 known mutations were found. Approximately half of the kindreds had mutations in KRT6A (52%), 28% had mutations in KRT16, 17% in KRT17, and 3% of families had mutations in KRT6B. Most of the mutations were heterozygous missense or small in-frame insertion/deletion mutations occurring within one of the helix boundary motif regions of the keratin polypeptide. More unusual mutations included heterozygous splice site mutations, nonsense mutations, and a 1-bp insertion mutation, leading to a frameshift and premature termination codon. This study, together with previously reported mutations, identifies mutation hotspot codons that may be useful in the development of personalized medicine for PC.

Transient formation of intermediate conformational states of amyloid-β peptide revealed by heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

A detailed analysis of the NMR spectra of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide revealed a decrease in signal intensity at higher temperature, due to a reversible conformational change of the molecule. Although peak intensity did not depend on peptide concentrations, the intensity in the region from D23 to A30 depended significantly on temperature. During the early stages of Aβ aggregation, each molecule might adopt transiently a turn conformation at around D23–A30, which converts mutually with a random coil. Stabilization of a turn by further conformational change and/or molecular association would lead to the formation of a “nucleus” for amyloid fibrils.

Peptides conformational changes of the erythrocyte membrane induced by organometallic tin compounds

Peptides conformational changes of the erythrocyte membrane induced by organometallic tin compoundsThe paper presents the results of a study on the effect of selected organic chlorides of tin on peptide conformations of erythrocyte ghosts from pig blood. The following compounds were used: dibutyltin dichloride (DBT), tributyltin chloride (TBT), diphenyltin dichloride (DPhT) and triphenyltin chloride (TPhT). Peptide conformation changes were determined on the basis of measurements done with the ATR FTIR technique. This method made it possible to measure the percent share of a peptide with specified conformation in the whole amount of the peptides in the membranes studied. The investigation showed that all the tin organic compounds studied cause a several-percent decrease in the quantities of both the peptides with the α-helix and turn conformation, and about a 20% increase in ghost peptides with β-sheet conformation. It seems that the changes observed can cause disturbances in the function of proteins and, consequently, the activity of the membrane; and this may be one of the aspects of the toxic properties of organotins.

Pyrrolinone-based peptidomimetics. "Let the enzyme or receptor be the judge".

Peptides and proteins, evolved by nature to perform vital biological functions, would constitute ideal candidates for therapeutic intervention were it not for their generally poor pharmacokinetic profiles. Nonpeptide peptidomimetics have thus been pursued because they might overcome these limitations while maintaining both the potency and selectivity of the parent peptide or protein. Since the late 1980s, we have sought to design, synthesize, and evaluate a novel, proteolytically stable nonpeptide peptidomimetic scaffold consisting of a repeating structural unit amenable to iterative construction; a primary concern is maintaining both the appropriate peptide-like side-chains and requisite hydrogen bonding. In this Account, we detail how efforts in the Smith-Hirschmann laboratories culminated in the identification of the 3,5-linked polypyrrolinone scaffold. We developed effective synthetic protocols, both in solution and on solid supports, for iterative construction of diverse polypyrrolinones that present functionalized peptide-like side-chains. As a result of the rigid nature of the pyrrolinone scaffold, control over the backbone conformation could be exerted by modulation of the stereogenicity of the constituent monomers and the network of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The extended conformation of the homochiral 3,5-linked polypyrrolinone scaffold proved to be an excellent mimic for β-strands and β-sheets. Application to enzyme inhibitor design and synthesis led not only to modest inhibitors of the aspartic acid protease renin and the matrix metalloprotease class of enzymes, but importantly to bioavailable HIV-1 protease inhibitors with subnanomolar binding constants. The design and synthesis of a competent peptide-pyrrolinone hybrid ligand for the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen protein HLA-DR1 further demonstrated the utility of the 3,5-polypyrrolinone motif as a mimic for the extended polyproline type II peptide backbone. Equally important, we sought to define, by synthesis, the additional conformational space accessible to the polypyrrolinone structural motif, with the ultimate goal of accessing pyrrolinone-based turn and helix mimetics. Toward this end, a mono-N-methylated bispyrrolinone was found to adopt an extended helical array in the solid state. Subsequent synthesis of d,l-alternating (heterochiral) tetrapyrrolinones both validated the expected turn conformations in solution and led to a functionally active mimetic of a peptidal β-turn (similar to somatostatin). Finally, the design, synthesis, and structural evaluation of both acyclic and cyclic heterochiral (that is, d,l-alternating) hexapyrrolinones yielded nanotube-like assemblies in the solid state. Taken together, these results illustrate the remarkable potential of the 3,5-linked polypyrrolinone scaffold as β-strand, β-sheet, β-turn, and potentially helical peptidomimetics.

Discrepancies between Conformational Distributions of a Polyalanine Peptide in Solution Obtained from Molecular Dynamics Force Fields and Amide I′ Band Profiles

Structural preferences in the unfolded state of peptides determined by molecular dynamics still contradict experimental data. A remedy in this regard has been suggested by MD simulations with an optimized Amber force field ff03* ( Best, R. Hummer, G. J. Phys. Chem. B 2009 , 113 , 9004 - 9015 ). The simulations yielded a statistical coil distribution for alanine which is at variance with recent experimental results. To check the validity of this distribution, we investigated the peptide H-A(5)W-OH, which with the exception of the additional terminal tryptophan is analogous to the peptide used to optimize the force fields ff03*. Electronic circular dichroism, vibrational circular dichroism, and infrared spectroscopy as well as J-coupling constants obtained from NMR experiments were used to derive the peptide's conformational ensemble. Additionally, Förster resonance energy transfer between the terminal chromophores of the fluorescently labeled peptide analogue H-Dbo-A(5)W-OH was used to determine its average length, from which the end-to-end distance of the unlabeled peptide was estimated. Qualitatively, the experimental (3)J(H(N),C(α)), VCD, and ECD indicated a preference of alanine for polyproline II-like conformations. The experimental (3)J(H(N),C(α)) for A(5)W closely resembles the constants obtained for A(5). In order to quantitatively relate the conformational distribution of A(5) obtained with the optimized AMBER ff03* force field to experimental data, the former was used to derive a distribution function which expressed the conformational ensemble as a mixture of polyproline II, β-strand, helical, and turn conformations. This model was found to satisfactorily reproduce all experimental J-coupling constants. We employed the model to calculate the amide I' profiles of the IR and vibrational circular dichroism spectrum of A(5)W, as well as the distance between the two terminal peptide carbonyls. This led to an underestimated negative VCD couplet and an overestimated distance between terminal carbonyl groups. In order to more accurately account for the experimental data, we changed the distribution parameters based on results recently obtained for the alanine-based tripeptides. The final model, which satisfactorily reproduced amide I' profiles, J-coupling constant, and the end-to-end distance of A(5)W, reinforces alanine's high structural preference for polyproline II. Our results suggest that distributions obtained from MD simulations suggesting a statistical coil-like distribution for alanine are still based on insufficiently accurate force fields.

Limiting an antimicrobial peptide to the lipid-water interface enhances its bacterial membrane selectivity: a case study of MSI-367.

In a minimalist design approach, a synthetic peptide MSI-367 [(KFAKKFA)(3)-NH(2)] was designed and synthesized with the objective of generating cell-selective nonlytic peptides, which have a significant bearing on cell targeting. The peptide exhibited potent activity against both bacteria and fungi, but no toxicity to human cells at micromolar concentrations. Bacterial versus human cell membrane selectivity of the peptide was determined via membrane permeabilization assays. Circular dichroism investigations revealed the intrinsic helix propensity of the peptide, β-turn structure in aqueous buffer and extended and turn conformations upon binding to lipid vesicles. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments with 1,2-dipalmitoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers indicated the induction of positive curvature strain and repression of the fluid lamellar to inverted hexagonal phase transition by MSI-367. Results of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments suggested the possibility of formation of specific lipid-peptide complexes leading to aggregation. (2)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of deuterated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) multilamellar vesicles confirmed the limited effect of the membrane-embedded peptide at the lipid-water interface. (31)P NMR data indicated changes in the lipid headgroup orientation of POPC, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylglycerol, and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine lipid bilayers upon peptide binding. Membrane-embedded and membrane-inserted states of the peptide were observed via sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy. Circular dichroism, ITC, and (31)P NMR data for Escherichia coli lipids agree with the hypothesis that strong electrostatic lipid-peptide interactions embrace the peptide at the lipid-water interface and provide the basis for bacterial cell selectivity.

γ-Lactam-containing peptidomimetics

Protected diaminoalcohols obtained through allyl addition to α-amino acid-derived imines and subsequent hydroboration were used for the preparation of pyrrolidinones and pyrrolidines. Pyrrolidinones were synthesized with moderate yields by oxidation of the hydroxy function with tetrapropylammonium perruthenate/ N-methylmorpholine- N-oxide and concomitant cyclization while pyrrolidines were synthesized in good yields by tosylation of the hydroxy group and subsequent intramolecular nucleophilic substitution. Thus accessible substrates were transferred into peptidomimetics by attachment of amino acid moieties at both termini using conventional peptide coupling strategies. Molecular mechanics optimizations suggest that these substrates preferentially adopt a turn conformation.

Design, synthesis, and structural analysis of D,L-mixed polypyrrolinones. 1. From nonpeptide peptidomimetics to nanotubes.

To expand the potential conformational space available to the polypyrroline structural motif, an open chain, D,L-alternating hexapyrrolinone was designed and synthesized. Structural studies, including solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis, revealed that the hexapyrrolinone adopts a turn conformation both in solution and in the solid state, with aggregation in solution and a nanotube-like quaternary structure in the crystal.

Peptide fragmentation as an approach in modeling of an active peptide and designing a competitive inhibitory peptide for HMG-CoA reductase

This study presents a simple method to design an active peptide based on a description of the structural preferences of peptide via its peptide fragments. In a previous design, while searching for lead peptide candidates, the efficacy of a design approach that was based on the use of a cyclic peptide as a model of linear analog was demonstrated. Analysis of the conformational behavior of the peptide models showed that an analogical approach could be applied in order to assess the conformational space that was occupied by a peptide by using peptide fragments. In order to assess the proposed method, a design of a competitive inhibitor for HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) was performed. Two starting points were used in the design: (1) determined recognized residues and (2) the structural preference of a peptide, such as a β-turn conformation in the present design. Two sets of peptides were developed based on the different location of a β-turn structure relative to a recognized residue. Set 1 contains peptides in which a recognized residue is included in turn conformation. In Set 2, the turn structure is located distantly from the recognized residues. The design parameter ‘ V’ that was applied in previous studies was slightly modified for the purpose of the current research. The 17 previously and 8 newly designed peptides were estimated by this parameter. In each set, one sequence was selected as a lead peptide candidate for each set: GF(4-fluoro)PEGG for Set 1 and DFGYVAE for Set 2. The inhibitory activities improved in each set. The IC 50 for the GF(4-fluoro)PEGG peptide was found to be 0.75 μM, while the linear DFGYVAE peptide (IC 50 = 0.16 μM) showed a 3000-fold increase in inhibitory activity compared to the first isolated LPYP peptide (IC 50 = 484 μM) from soybeans. The comparison of the structure–activity relationship (SAR) data between Set 1 and 2 provided an opportunity to design the peptides in terms of peptide selectivity. A structural analysis of the modeled peptides confirmed the appropriateness of the proposed method for the design of active peptides.

Structural conversion of neurotoxic amyloid-β1–42 oligomers to fibrils

The Aβ42 peptide rapidly aggregates to form oligomers, protofibils and fibrils en route to the deposition of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. We show that low temperature and low salt can stabilize disc-shaped oligomers (pentamers) that are significantly more toxic to murine cortical neurons than protofibrils and fibrils. We find that these neurotoxic oligomers do not have the β-sheet structure characteristic of fibrils. Rather, the oligomers are composed of loosely aggregated strands whose C-terminus is protected from solvent exchange and which have a turn conformation placing Phe19 in contact with Leu34. On the basis of NMR spectroscopy, we show that the structural conversion of Aβ42 oligomers to fibrils involves the association of these loosely aggregated strands into β-sheets whose individual β-strands polymerize in a parallel, in-register orientation and are staggered at an inter-monomer contact between Gln15 and Gly37.

Interactions of the natural antimicrobial mycosubtilin with phospholipid membrane models

Among the secondary metabolite lipopeptides produced by Bacillus subtilis, mycosubtilin is characterized by its strong antifungal activities. Even though its structure and its cellular target, the cytoplasmic membrane, have been determined, the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of mycosubtilin have not been completely elucidated. In this work, the interactions between mycosubtilin and cytoplasmic membranes were modelled by using biomimetic systems such as Langmuir monolayers at the air–water interface and lipid multilamellar vesicles. The interactions of mycosubtilin with these biomimetic systems were examined, for the first time, by using specific techniques such as polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, Brewster angle microscopy and high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR. Our findings indicate that mycosubtilin alone, at the air–water interface, forms a monolayer film and keeps its turn conformation. In the presence of DMPC, mycosubtilin binds to phospholipid monolayers, in a surface pressure-dependent manner. This binding results in the appearance of condensed domains which can be due to the formation of mycosubtilin clusters and/or to the lipopeptide aggregation with some phospholipid molecules and/or the formation of liquid-condensed domains of DMPC. Furthermore, in multilamellar vesicles, the mycosubtilin–DMPC interactions take place at the level of the aliphatic chains of the phospholipid because the phase transition temperature of DMPC decreased in the presence of mycosubtilin.

Investigating Conformational Ensembles in Alanine Based Peptides Using Vibrational and Ecd Spectroscopy

Short alanine based peptides are of interest to the protein community, due, in part to their departure from the statistical coil model. These peptides are too small to assume major secondary structures, but rather, have been found to adopt an ensemble of conformations in aqueous solution, with a predominance of PPII. However, experimental evidence suggests that the presence of charged residues might induce the sampling of multiple turn conformations, thus leading to a more compact structure of the peptide. To check this further, we measured the amide I profiles of the FTIR, Raman and VCD spectrum of H-(AAKAAW)-OH, and subsequently simulated the vibrational spectra using an excitonic coupling model, with NMR coupling constant and end-to-end distance constraints. We included multiple conformations: PPII, s-strand, R helix, L helix, and turns. The alanine residues experienced a high propensity for PPII structure, ∼70%, while ∼20% for s-strand conformations and smaller percentages for other coil structures. Lysine, however showed a larger propensity for s-strand ∼30% than the alanine residues, but the PPII content for lysine is still high (∼42%). We obtained an end-to-end distance of 10A, which is in accordance with FRET measurements of the end to end distance of H-Dbo-AAKAAW)-OH, (Dbo: 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene-labeled asparagine). This distance is indicative of a rather compact peptide sampling many different coil structures, including a high PPII content, as well as turn structures. The charge lysine residue results in more turn structures being sampled by the succeeding alanine residue. UV circular dichroism (UV-CD) spectra of H-(AAKAAW)-OH and H-(AAAAAW)-OH indicate a higher PPII content for the latter peptide. These data show that the incorporation of lysine yields indeed a more compact conformation.

Evaluation of stereochemically dense morpholine-based scaffolds as proline surrogates in β-turn peptides

Four peptides differing for the structure of the new morpholine-based heterocyclic compound acting as a turn inducer were synthesized in solution phase, and the conformational preferences were assessed by means of NMR analysis. All spectroscopic data revealed an adaptive behaviour of the turn peptides in generating turn conformations stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen-bonds, despite the conformational changes of the turn inducer. Thus, this study suggests the possibility of functionalizing morpholine-containing beta-turn peptides with no significant loss of the secondary framework. The 3,4-dihydro-2H-[1,4]oxazine-containing peptide showed a more compact structure stabilized by an additional gamma-turn-forming hydrogen-bond experienced by the Gly amide proton.

Insertion of multiple α‐amino γ‐lactam (Agl) residues into a peptide sequence by solid‐phase synthesis on synphase lanterns

The insertion of lactams into peptide analogs can enhance potency and improve receptor selectivity. The synthesis of lactam-bridged peptide sequences has been accomplished by a solid-phase approach on SynPhase lanterns using cyclic (R)- and (S)-oxathiazinane ester (2) to annulate the amino lactam residue onto the peptide chain. Parallel synthesis of alpha-amino gamma-lactam analogs of the allosteric modulator of IL-1 receptor 101.10 (D-Arg-D-Tyr-D-Thr-D-Val-D-Glu-D-Leu-D-Ala: rytvela) was performed by split-mix chemistry on the lanterns. In particular, the double insertion of alpha-amino gamma-lactams in the same peptide sequence has been accomplished by this effective method for the solid-supported combinatorial synthesis of lactam-bridged peptides. Peptides bearing an Agl residue exhibited curve shapes indicative of turn conformations in their circular dichroism spectra.

Salt Dependence of an α-Helical Peptide Folding Energy Landscapes

We used CD, UV resonance Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation to examine the impact of salts on the conformational equilibria and the Ramachandran Psi angle (un)folding Gibbs free energy landscape coordinate of a mainly polyalanine alpha-helical peptide, AP of sequence AAAAA(AAARA)(3)A. NaClO(4) stabilizes alpha-helical-like conformations more than does NaCl, which stabilizes more than Na(2)SO(4) at identical ionic strengths. This alpha-helix stabilization ordering is the reverse of the Hofmeister series of anions in their ability to disorder water hydrogen bonding. Much of the NaClO(4) alpha-helix stabilization results from ClO(4)(-) association with the AP terminal -NH(3)(+) groups and Arg side chains. ClO(4)(-) stabilizes 3(10)-helix conformations but destabilizes turn conformations. The decreased Cl(-) and SO(4)(2-) AP alpha-helix stabilization probably results from a decreased association with the Arg and terminal -NH(3)(+) groups. Cl(-) is expected to have a smaller binding affinity and thus stabilizes alpha-helical conformations intermediately between NaClO(4) and Na(2)SO(4). Electrostatic screening stabilizes pi-bulge conformations.

Overlapping Double Turn Conformations Adopted by Tetrapeptides Containing Non-Coded α-Amino Isobutyric Acid (AIB) and Formation of Tape-Like Structures Through Supramolecular Helix Mediated Self-Assembly

Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and solvent dependent (1)H NMR titrations reveal that a set of four tetrapeptides with general formula Boc-Xx(1)-Aib(2)-Yy(3)-Zz(4)-OMe, where Xx, Yy and Zz are coded L-amino acids, adopt equivalent conformations that can be described as overlapping double turn conformations stabilized by two 4-->1 intramolecular hydrogen bonds between Yy(3)-NH and Boc C=O and Zz(4)-NH and Xx(1)C=O. In the crystalline state, the double turn structures are packed in head-to-tail fashion through intermolecular hydrogen bonds to create supramolecular helical structures. Field emission scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM) images of the tetrapeptides in the solid state reveal that they can form flat tape-like structures. The results establish that synthetic Aib containing supramolecular helices can form highly ordered self-aggregated amyloid plaque like human amylin.

13C−13C Correlation Spectroscopy of Membrane-Associated Influenza Virus Fusion Peptide Strongly Supports a Helix-Turn-Helix Motif and Two Turn Conformations

The influenza virus fusion peptide (IFP) is the N-terminal domain of the viral hemagglutinin protein, binds to the endosomal membrane, and plays a critical role in fusion between the viral and endosomal membranes which is a primary step in infection. The IFP is also an important system for testing simulation methods for membrane-associated peptides. In detergent, the IFP forms helix-turn-helix and helix-turn-strand structures at pH 5.0 and 7.4, respectively, while simulations in membranes by different groups have yielded conflicting results with some reports of a continuous helix without a turn. In this study, (13)C-(13)C NMR correlation spectra were obtained for the membrane-associated IFP and the (13)C chemical shifts supported a helix-turn-helix motif at both pH 5.0 and 7.4 with an alternate turn conformation at pH 5.0 that was absent at pH 7.4. The alternate conformation was correlated with protonation of the side chain of Glu-11 in the turn and with greater fusion at pH 5.0. The structures are overall consistent with the hypothesis of "inverted V" membrane location of the IFP with insertion of the N-terminal region into the membrane and contact of the turn with the lipid/water interface. The positions of hydrophobic residues in the pH 5.0 structure may favor membrane insertion with resultant increased membrane perturbation and fusion rate. In addition to their functional relevance, these IFP structures are important reference data for simulations of the membrane-associated IFP which can in principle detect the full conformational distribution of the IFP.

Fractal protein structure revisited: Topological, kinetic and thermodynamic relationships

The present work explored the definitions and calculations of fractal dimensions in protein structures and the corresponding relationships with the protein class, secondary structure contents, fold type as well as kinetic and thermodynamic parameters like the folding and unfolding rate, the folding–unfolding free energy and others. The results showed a positive correlation of some fractal exponents with the kinetic and thermodynamic variables even considering the effect of the protein length. On the other hand the influences of secondary structures types, especially the turn conformation are significant as well as the fractal exponent profiles according to class and fold types.

Molecular Determinants of the Interaction between Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin Fragments and Claudin-3

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) binds to the extracellular loop 2 of a subset of claudins, e.g. claudin-3. Here, the molecular mechanism of the CPE-claudin interaction was analyzed. Using peptide arrays, recombinant CPE-(116-319) bound to loop 2 peptides of mouse claudin-3, -6, -7, -9, and -14 but not of 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10-13, 15, 16, 18-20, and 22. Substitution peptide mapping identified the central motif (148)NPL(150)VP, supposed to represent a turn region in the loop 2, as essential for the interaction between CPE and murine claudin-3 peptides. CPE-binding assays with claudin-3 mutant-transfected HEK293 cells or lysates thereof demonstrated the involvement of Asn(148) and Leu(150) of full-length claudin-3 in the binding. CPE-(116-319) and CPE-(194-319) bound to HEK293 cells expressing claudin-3, whereas CPE-(116-319) bound to claudin-5-expressing HEK293 cells, also. This binding was inhibited by substitutions T151A and Q156E in claudin-5. In contrast, removal of the aromatic side chains in the loop 2 of claudin-3 and -5, involved in trans-interaction between claudins, increased the amount of CPE-(116-319) bound. These findings and molecular modeling indicate different molecular mechanisms of claudin-claudin trans-interaction and claudin-CPE interaction. Confocal microscopy showed that CPE-(116-319) and CPE-(194-319) bind to claudin-3 at the plasma membrane, outside cell-cell contacts. Together, these findings demonstrate that CPE binds to the hydrophobic turn and flanking polar residues in the loop 2 of claudin-3 outside tight junctions. The data can be used for the specific design of CPE-based modulators of tight junctions, to improve drug delivery, and as chemotherapeutics for tumors overexpressing claudins.

Graphical Abstract: Eur. J. Org. Chem. 20/2009

AbstractThe cover picture shows the simulated NMR spectroscopic structure of polysialic acid polylactone. The local turn conformation of this right‐handed helix is held by an interresidual C–H···O hydrogen bond. The seams connected by C–H···O hydrogen bonds support the cooperative acid‐catalyzed lactonization of oligosialic acid. The hydrogen bond can be seen as the detonator of a Chinese firecracker. Once the hydrogen bond is formed (just like the ignition of the detonator), the cooperative lactones are formed stepwise in the polysialic acid. The construction of the right‐handed helix was described in a previous article (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2007, 3648). The observation of the C–H···O hydrogen bond is presented in the article by C.‐S. Chen et al. on p. 3351 ff. The authors thank Ms. Jui‐Wen Sue for the photograph in the cover picture.