The title compound, N-benzoyl-2′-hydroxy-3-methylisovaline, representing synthon polymorphism, can be interesting inter alia from the point of view of modern supramolecular biofunctional materials. A ...novel crystalline phase (1) was successfully synthesized and its solid-state supramolecular architecture was comprehensively compared with the previously reported polymorphic form (2), deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database as Private Communication by Karr & Fronczek. Molecular conformation, qualitative and quantitative analysis of supramolecular interactions, including evaluation of their energies, were investigated by modern experimental and theoretical methods. The geometries of S and R enantiomers were optimized using DFT at the B3LYP-D3/6-311++G(d, p) basis set level of theory. The conformational structure of these stereoisomers in water was studied using the solvation CPCM model. Water has a slight effect on the geometry and relative stability of isomers. Hirhsfeld surface analysis revealed general similarity of interactions in both polymorphs and closely related isovaline derivatives retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database, dominated by H⋯H, O⋯H/H⋯O and C⋯H/H⋯C intermolecular contacts, contributing to about 95% of the total HS area. Nevertheless, in (2) π … π stacking interactions play significant role in driving the polymorphism formation. The interplay of basic supramolecular synthons and long-range synthon aufbau modules at subsequent levels of the supramolecular architecture is discussed in detail. Overall, the supramolecular assemblies are composed of large synthons in the form of a layer in (1) and pseudohexagonally packed ribbons in (2), sustained by relatively strong H-bonds (alternating catemer-dimer mix) and π … π contacts, respectively. For a thorough and precise interpretation, two methodologies: Gavezzotti implemented in the PIXELC vs. a novel way via energy frameworks construction in the CrystalExplorer were used. It enabled deeper insight into the quantitative evaluation of the molecular pair-wise interactions energetics in the supramolecular structures of both polymorphs, revealing further differences between them.
Display omitted
•Diverse supramolecular synthons govern structures and properties of two polymorphs of a single short peptide.•Crystal versus the DFT optimized molecular geometries.•Topology of intermolecular interactions as analyzed by the Hirshfeld surface approach.•Inter-contact energies in periodic crystal environment as evaluated by the PIXEL and EnergyFramework methods.
•Novel biostable and bioavailable insect kinin (IK) analogs were designed.•Novel IK analogs were potent on mosquito and tick kinin receptors.•Potency and efficacy informed structure-activity ...relationships.•IK activity was retained after N-terminal addition of polyethylene glycol polymers.
Insect kinins modulate aspects of diuresis, digestion, development, and sugar taste perception in tarsi and labellar sensilla in mosquitoes. They are, however, subject to rapid biological degradation by endogenous invertebrate peptidases. A series of α-aminoisobutyric (Aib) acid-containing insect kinin analogs incorporating sequences native to the Aedes aegypti mosquito aedeskinins were evaluated on two recombinant kinin invertebrate receptors stably expressed in cell lines, discovering a number of highly potent and biostable insect kinin mimics. On the Ae. aegypti mosquito kinin receptor, three highly potent, biostable Aib analogs matched the activity of the Aib-containing biostable insect kinin analog 1728, which previously showed disruptive and/or aversive activity in aphid, mosquito and kissing bug. These three analogs are IK-Aib-19 (AibFYAibWGa, EC50 = 18 nM), IK-Aib-12 (pQKFYAibWGa, EC50 = 23 nM) and IK-Aib-20 (AibFHAibWGa, EC50 = 28 nM). On the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick receptor, IK-Aib-20 (AibFHAibWGa, EC50 = 2 nM) is more potent than 1728 by a factor of 3. Seven other potentially biostable analogs exhibited an EC50 range of 5–10 nM, all of which match the potency of 1728. Among the multi-Aib hexapeptide kinin analogs tested the tick receptor has a preference for the positively-charged, aromatic H over the aromatic residues Y and F in the X1 variable position (AibFX1AibWGa), whereas the mosquito receptor does not distinguish between them. In contrast, in a mono-Aib pentapeptide analog framework (FX1AibWGa), both receptors exhibit a preference for Y over H in the variable position. Among analogs incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer attachments at the N-terminus that can confer enhanced bioavailability and biostability, three matched or surpassed the potency of a positive control peptide. On the tick receptor IK-PEG-9 (P8-RAibFFAibWGa) was the most potent. Two others, IK-PEG-8 (P8-RFFPWGa) and IK-PEG-6 (P4-RFFPWGa), were most potent on the mosquito receptor, with the first surpassing the activity of the positive control peptide. These analogs and others in the IK-Aib series expand the toolbox of potent analogs accessible to invertebrate endocrinologists studying the structural requirements for bioactivity and the as yet unknown role of the insect kinins in ticks. They may contribute to the development of selective, environmentally friendly pest arthropod control agents.
•70 different analogs of PRXamide peptide were tested on five different receptors.•A ligand acting on multiple receptors is common.•Agonistic or antagonistic peptidomimetics on CAPA receptor are ...first described.•TcPKr-A is more promiscuous to agonists, while TcPK-C is more so to antagonists.
The neuropeptidergic system in insects is an excellent target for pest control strategies. One promising biorational approach is the use of peptidomimetics modified from endogenous ligands to enhance biostability and bioavailability. In this study, we functionally characterized five different G protein-coupled receptors in a phylogenetic cluster, containing receptors for PRXamide in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, by evaluating a series of 70 different peptides and peptidomimetics. Three pyrokinin receptors (TcPKr-A, -B, and -C), cardioacceleratory peptide receptor (TcCAPAr) and ecdysis triggering hormone receptor (TcETHr) were included in the study. Strong agonistic or antagonistic peptidomimetics were identified, and included beta-proline (β3P) modification of the core amino acid residue proline and also a cyclo-peptide. It is common for a ligand to act on multiple receptors. In a number of cases, a ligand acting as an agonist on one receptor was an efficient antagonist on another receptor, suggesting complex outcomes of a peptidomimetic in a biological system. Interestingly, TcPK-A was highly promiscuous with a high number of agonists, while TcPK-C and TcCAPAr had a lower number of agonists, but a higher number of compounds acting as an antagonist. This observation suggests that a target GPCR with more promiscuity will provide better success for peptidomimetic approaches. This study is the first description of peptidomimetics on a CAPA receptor and resulted in the identification of peptidomimetic analogs that demonstrate antagonism of CAPA ligands. The PRXamide receptor assays with peptidomimetics provide useful insights into the biochemical properties of receptors.
The core of Cyclolinopeptide A (CLA, cyclo(LIILVPPFF)), responsible for its high immunosuppressive activity, contains a Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe sequence. A newly synthesized cyclic tetrapeptide, ...cyclo(Pro-Pro-
-HoPhe-Phe) (denoted as 4B8M) bearing the active sequence of CLA, was recently shown to exhibit a wide array of anti-inflammatory properties in mouse models. In this investigation, we demonstrate that the peptide significantly inhibits the replication of human adenovirus C serotype 5 (HAdV-5) and
virus type-1 (HSV-1) in epithelial lung cell line A-549, applying Cidofovir and Acyclovir as reference drugs. Based on a previously established mechanism of its action, we propose that the peptide may inhibit virus replication by the induction of PGE2 acting via EP2/EP4 receptors in epithelial cells. In summary, we reveal a new, antiviral property of this anti-inflammatory peptide.
The varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a devastating ectoparasite of the honey bees Apis mellifera and A. cerana. Control of these mites in beehives is a challenge in part due to the lack of toxic ...agents that are specific to mites and not to the host honey bee. In searching for a specific toxic target of varroa mites, we investigated two closely related neuropeptidergic systems, tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) and natalisin (NTL), and their respective receptors. Honey bees lack both NTL and the NTL receptor in their genome sequences, providing the rationale for investigating these receptors to understand their specificities to various ligands. We characterized the receptors for NTL and TRP of V. destructor (VdNTL-R and VdTRP-R, respectively) and for TRP of A. mellifera (AmTRP-R) in a heterologous reporter assay system to determine the activities of various ligands including TRP/NTL peptides and peptidomimetics. Although we found that AmTRP-R is highly promiscuous, activated by various ligands including two VdNTL peptides when a total of 36 ligands were tested, we serendipitously found that peptides carrying the C-terminal motif -FWxxRamide are highly specific to VdTRP-R. This motif can serve as a seed sequence for designing a VdTRP-R-specific agonist.
Recently, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acids (e.g. Fmoc–tyrosine or Fmoc–phenylalanine) have attracted growing interest in biomedical research and industry, with special emphasis directed ...towards the design and development of novel effective hydrogelators, biomaterials or therapeutics. With this in mind, a systematic knowledge of the structural and supramolecular features in recognition of those properties is essential. This work is the first comprehensive summary of noncovalent interactions combined with a library of supramolecular synthon patterns in all crystal structures of amino acids with the Fmoc moiety reported so far. Moreover, a new Fmoc‐protected amino acid, namely, 2‐{(9H‐fluoren‐9‐ylmethoxy)carbonyl(methyl)amino}‐3‐{4‐(2‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)oxyphenyl}propanoic acid or N‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl‐O‐tert‐butyl‐N‐methyltyrosine, Fmoc‐N‐Me‐Tyr(t‐Bu)‐OH, C29H31NO5, was successfully synthesized and the structure of its unsolvated form was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structural, conformational and energy landscape was investigated in detail by combined experimental and in silico approaches, and further compared to N‐Fmoc‐phenylalanine Draper et al. (2015). CrystEngComm, 42, 8047–8057. Geometries were optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) method either in vacuo or in solutio. The polarizable conductor calculation model was exploited for the evaluation of the hydration effect. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that H…H, C…H/H…C and O…H/H…O interactions constitute the major contributions to the total Hirshfeld surface area in all the investigated systems. The molecular electrostatic potentials mapped over the surfaces identified the electrostatic complementarities in the crystal packing. The prediction of weak hydrogen‐bonded patterns via Full Interaction Maps was computed. Supramolecular motifs formed via C—H…O, C—H…π, (fluorenyl)C—H…Cl(I), C—Br…π(fluorenyl) and C—I…π(fluorenyl) interactions are observed. Basic synthons, in combination with the Long‐Range Synthon Aufbau Modules, further supported by energy‐framework calculations, are discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of Fmoc‐based supramolecular hydrogen‐bonding patterns in biocomplexes are emphasized, for the first time.
This work is the first comprehensive summary of noncovalent interactions combined with a library of the supramolecular synthon patterns in all crystal structures of amino acids with the Fmoc moiety reported so far.
Neuropeptides belonging to the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family elicit metabolic effects as their main function in insects, by mobilizing trehalose, diacylgycerol, or proline, which are released ...from the fat body into the hemolymph as energy sources for muscle contraction required for energy-intensive processes, such as locomotion. One of the AKHs produced in locusts is a decapeptide, Locmi-AKH-I (pELNFTPNWGT-NH2). A head-to-tail cyclic, octapeptide analog of Locmi-AKH-I, cycloAKH (cycloLNFTPNWG) was synthesized to severely restrict the conformational freedom of the AKH structure. In vitro, cycloAKH selectively retains full efficacy on a pest insect (desert locust) AKH receptor, while showing little or no activation of the AKH receptor of a beneficial insect (honeybee). Molecular dynamic analysis incorporating NMR data indicate that cycloAKH preferentially adopts a type II β-turn under micelle conditions, whereas its linear counterpart and natural AKH adopts a type VI β-turn under similar conditions. CycloAKH, linear LNFTPNWG-NH2, and Locmi-AKH-I feature the same binding site during docking simulations with the desert locust AKH receptor (Schgr-AKHR), but differ in the details of the ligand/receptor interactions. However, cycloAKH failed to enter the binding pocket of the honeybee receptor 3D model during docking simulations. Since the locust AKH receptor has a greater tolerance than the honeybee receptor for the cyclic conformational constraint in vitro receptor assays, it could suggest a greater tolerance for a shift in the direction of the type II β turn exhibited by cycloAKH from the type VI β turn of the linear octapeptide and the native locust decapeptide AKH. Selectivity in biostable mimetic analogs could potentially be enhanced by incorporating conformational constraints that emphasize this shift. Biostable mimetic analogs of AKH offer the potential of selectively disrupting AKH-regulated processes, leading to novel, environmentally benign control strategies for pest insect populations.
Display omitted
•A cyclic, restricted conformation AKH analog elicits selective activity on a locust versus a beneficial honeybee receptor.•Molecular dynamics analysis incorporating NMR data indicate that cycloAKH adopts a type II β-turn under micelle conditions.•By comparison, a linear counterpart and native Schgr-AKH-I adopt a type VI β-turn under micelle conditions.•The identified structural tolerance of the locust AKH receptor might be exploited to develop honeybee safe insecticides.
•A biostable kinin analog has antifeedant activity in blood-feeding R. prolixus.•R. prolixus fed on a blood meal containing a kinin analog take a smaller blood meal.•Feeding on kinin analog decreases ...the rate of short-term diuresis and long term water loss.•Insects fed on kinin analog do not molt due to the disturbance of normal feeding behavior.
Rhodnius prolixus is a blood-gorging hemipteran that takes blood meals that are approximately 10 times its body weight. This blood meal is crucial for growth and development and is needed to ensure a successful molt into the next instar. Kinins are a multifunctional family of neuropeptides which have been shown to play a role in the control of feeding in a variety of insects. In this study, two biostable Aib-containing kinin analogs were tested to see if they interfere with blood-feeding and subsequent development into the next instar. One of the analogs, 1729 (Ac-RAibFFAibWGa), had no effect on the size of the blood meal or on the subsequent molting of the insect into the next instar. This analog also did not interfere with either short-term or long-term diuresis. The second analog, 1728 (AibFFAibWGa), appeared to be an antifeedant. Insects feeding on blood containing this analog (15μM) only consumed 60% of the blood meal taken by insects fed on blood without analog. Insects feeding on blood containing 1728 had a slower rate of rapid diuresis (diuresis in the first 3–5h after feeding) leading to less urine being excreted by 5days post feeding. The consequence of these effects was that insects fed on 1728 did not molt. This data indicates that the biostable Aib-containing analog 1728 disrupts normal growth and development in the blood-feeding insect, R. prolixus.
•Two analogues of cyclolinopeptide A modified with (R)-4-methylpseudoproline exhibit high antiproliferative activity.•The replacement of Pro3 in CLA by (R)-(αMe)Ser(ΨPro) increases the conformational ...freedom of such an analogue.•The analogue modified in position 3 with (R)-4-methylpseudoproline more strongly elevates the expression of Fas molecule.•The mentioned analogues may find application in controlling some immune disorders and progression of some cancers.
The synthesis of new analogues of cyclolinopeptide A (CLA) and their linear precursors modified with (R)- and (S)-4-methylpseudoproline in the Pro3-Pro4 fragment are presented. The peptides were tested in comparison with cyclosporine A (CsA) in concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced mouse splenocyte proliferation and in secondary humoral immune response in vitro to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Their effects on expression of selected signaling molecules in the Jurkat T cell line were also determined. In addition, the structural features of the peptides, applying nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism, were analyzed.
The results showed that only peptides 7 and 8 modified with (R)-4-methylpseudoproline residue (c(Leu1-Val2-(R)-(αMe)Ser(ΨPro)3-Pro4-Phe5-Phe6-Leu7-Ile8-Ile9) and c(Leu1-Val2-Pro3-(R)-(αMe)Ser(ΨPro)4-Phe5-Phe6-Leu7-Ile8-Ile9), respectively) strongly suppressed mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation and the humoral immune response, with peptide 8 being more potent. Likewise, peptide 8 more strongly elevated expression of Fas, a proapoptotic signaling molecule in Jurkat cells. We postulate that the increased biological activity of peptide 8, compared to the parent molecule and other studied peptides, resulted from its more flexible structure, found on the basis of both CD and NMR studies. CD and NMR spectra showed that replacement of Pro3 by (R)-(αMe)Ser(¬Pro) caused much greater conformational changes than the same replacement of the Pro4 residue. Such a modification could lead to increased conformational freedom of peptide 8, resulting in a greater ability to adopt a more compact structure, better suited to its putative receptor. In conclusion, peptide 8 is a potent immune suppressor which may find application in controlling immune disorders.
PDF
