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Biomedical subjects

C Pedone

Publications and source records attributed to C Pedone.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Protected 1-3 segment of the peptaibol antibiotics alamethicin and hypelcin. Solid-state and solution study of a stereochemically constrained linear peptide.

A study of the modes of folding and self-association of Z-Aib-L-Pro-Aib-OMe (the protected 1-3 segment of the peptaibol antibiotics alamethicin and hypelcin) in the solid state was performed using i.r. absorption and X-ray diffraction. The stereochemically constrained tripeptide molecules adopt a 4 leads to 1 intramolecularly H-bonded form (beta-turn), where the single intramolecular H-bond is found between the peptide N-H group of the Aib3 residue and the urethane C = O group of the N-blocking benzyloxycarbonyl moiety. This folded structure is stabilized by an intermolecular H-bond between the urethane N-H group of the Aib1 residue and the peptide C = O group of the Pro2 residue of a symmetry related molecule. According to the i.r. absorption data, in CH2Cl2 and TMP solutions the same intramolecularly H-bonded form occurs as that found in solid state. Compared to the situation in the solid state, in CH2Cl2 and TMP solvation of the urethane N-H group replaces self-association (through the same N-H group). The results are also discussed in relation to those obtained for other protected -Aib-X-Aib- (X = Aib, L-Ala, L-Val) tripeptide segments of peptaibol antibiotics.

Alamethicin↗

Studies on gliadin related peptides. I. Synthesis, purification and 1H n.m.r. characterization of the pentapeptide H-Tyr-(Gln)3-Pro-OH.

The pentapeptide H-Tyr-(Gln)3-Pro-OH has been recently postulated to be the basic repetitive unit of a sequential polypeptide contained in wheat bread alpha-gliadins, which are believed to be toxic factors in coeliac disease, gluten-dependent enteropathy. Solid-phase synthesis, purification and 1H n.m.r. characterization in water solution of this peptide are described.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Bioorganic stereochemistry. A study of the peptide oxazolones from Z-(Aib)n-OH (n = 2-4) in the solid state.

An investigation of the preferred conformations and modes of self-association of the peptide oxazolones from Z(-Aib-)n-OH (n = 2-4) in the solid state has been performed by infrared absorption. More detailed information on the peptide oxazolone from Z(-Aib-)3OH(2) has been obtained using X-ray diffraction. In this compound the conformations of the first two Aib residues differ substantially, only the N-terminal one being found in the usual 3(10)-(or alpha-) helical region of the Ramachandran map. The C = N-bond of the oxazolone group is not conjugated with the lactone moiety. A very weak intermolecular interaction occurs between the urethane N-H and the carbonyl group of the oxazolone ring.

Aminoisobutyric Acids↗

Preferred conformation of the benzyloxycarbonyl-amino group in peptides.

Structural parameters, derived from X-ray crystallographic data, have been compiled for 35 derivatives of amino acids, peptides, and related compounds, which contain the N-terminal benzyloxycarbonyl (Z) group. The geometry of the urethane moiety of this end group is closely similar to that of the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group, except for a relaxation of some bond angles because the Z group is sterically less crowded than the Boc group. For the same reason, the Z group has greater conformational flexibility. As a result, packing forces in the crystal may cause greater deformations of bond angles, resulting in larger variations of observed bond lengths and bond angles than in Boc-peptide crystals. The aromatic rings of the Z end groups tend to stack in crystals. Conformational energy calculations indicate that most conformations of Z-amino acid-N'-methylamides and of corresponding Boc derivatives have similar dihedral angles and relative energies, i.e. the nature of the N-terminal end group has little effect on the conformational preferences of the residue next to it. In particular, the computed fraction of molecules with a cis urethane (C-N) bond is similar for the two derivatives: 0.51 and 0.42 in Boc-Pro-NHCH3 and Z-Pro-NHCH3, respectively, and 0.02 in the two Ala derivatives. There exist several computed conformations of Z-Ala-NHCH3 and Z-Pro-NHCH3 in which the phenyl ring and the C-terminal methylamide group are close to each other. Because of favorable nonbonded interactions, such conformations are of low energy.

Amino Acids↗

Forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation mediates protein synthesis-dependent refractoriness in C6-2B rat glioma cells.

We have examined the roles that cyclic AMP and protein synthesis play in the development of refractoriness in C6-2B rat glioma cells using the diterpene, forskolin, a general activator of cyclic AMP-generating systems. Forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation peaked at 30 min and declined thereafter to 10% of peak levels by 3 hr despite the continued presence of sufficient forskolin to produce 98% of the control response when the incubation medium was transferred to naive cells. C6-2B cells treated for 3 hr with forskolin were refractory to a subsequent challenge with forskolin or isoproterenol. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) increased the degree of refractoriness developed after forskolin treatment. In the presence of IBMX, the induction of refractoriness by forskolin and forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation were similarly dependent on forskolin concentration. Pre-treatment with isoproterenol or the cyclic AMP analogue, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, induced refractoriness to forskolin. When C6-2B cells were pre-treated with forskolin plus the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, the development of refractoriness to forskolin or isoproterenol was attenuated. Cycloheximide prevented isoproterenol- or dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced refractoriness to forskolin. These data provide further evidence that the onset of the refractory state in C6-2B cells is mediated by cyclic AMP and is a protein synthesis-requiring process.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Peptaibol antibiotics: a study on the helical structure of the 2-9 sequence of emerimicins III and IV.

Solution conformations of the protected 2-9 segment of the peptaibol antibiotics emerimicins III and IV [alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib)]3-L-Val-Gly-L-Leu-(Aib)2 and the related short sequences benzyloxy-(Aib)3-L-Val-OMe and benzyloxy-(Aib)3-L-Val-Gly-OMe have been investigated by circular dichroism studies. For the latter two compounds the structural preferences in the solid state have been assayed by x-ray diffraction analyses. The experimental data described here, along with those previously reported, support the view that the shortest Aib-containing segments (from tri- through pentapeptides) adopt the 3(10)-helical structure both in solution and in the solid state. In contrast, the octapeptide appears to adopt the alpha-helical structure in solution. The role of peptide chain length and specific amino acid sequences in stabilizing either of the two helical structures and hence their possible implications on the nature of the channel formed by peptaibol antibiotics in the membrane are also briefly outlined.

Alkylation↗

Structure of N-acetyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine hydrate. An analogue of the COOH-terminal segment of peptidoglycan of bacterial cell walls.

The solid state conformational analysis of Ac-D-Ala-D-Ala-OH.H2O, carried out by infrared absorption and X-ray diffraction, has indicated that the molecules are not extended in a regular beta conformation, but rather that they are partially folded, the phi, psi torsional angles of the COOH-terminal residue in particular being in the region of the left-handed alpha helix of the Ramachandran map. The acetylamino and peptide groups ar found in the usual trans conformation, the latter, however, exhibiting a deviation from rigid planarity. Only intermolecular hydrogen bonds occur in the crystal state. The solution conformational analysis, performed by infrared absorption and CD, has revealed that the amount of intramolecular N--H ... O==C hydrogen-bonded folded forms, if any, should be extremely small, even in deuteriochloroform at high dilution. In water, solvated, unordered species largely predominate.

Bacteria↗

Preferred conformation of the tert-butoxycarbonyl-amino group in peptides.

Structural parameters, derived from X-ray crystallographic data, have been compiled for amino acid and linear peptide derivatives which contain the N-terminal tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group or its next higher homolog, the tert-amyloxycarbonyl group. The comparison of the geometry of the urethane group in Boc-derivatives with that of the peptide group shows small differences in bond angles about the trigonal carbon, because of altered interactions when a C alpha H group of a peptide unti is replaced by an ester oxygen. In contrast to the strong preference of the peptide bond for the trans form (except when it precedes proline), the urethane amide bond adopts both the cis and trans conformations in crystals. The cis urethane conformation is preferred in crystals of compounds with a tertiary nitrogen (such as Boc-Pro) or in structures stabilized by strong intermolecular interactions. Conformational energy computations on Boc-amino acid N'-methylamides indicate that the trans and cis conformations of the urethane amide bone have nearly equal energies (even for amino acids other than proline), in contrast to the peptide bond, for which the trans conformation has a much lower energy. The computed increase of the cis content in Boc-amino acid derivatives (as compared with the corresponding N-acetyl derivatives) is consistent with the observed distributions of conformations in crystal structures and with n.m.r. studies in solution. Usually, the substitution of a Boc for an N-acetyl end group does not alter the conformational preferences (as indicated by phi, psi values and relative energies) of the amino acid residue which follows the end group when the amide bond is trans. Particular conformations, however, can be stabilized by strong attractive interactions between some side chains (e.g. that of phenylalanine) the the bulky Boc end group.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Conformational analysis of N-(tert.-amyloxycarbony-L-proline in the solid state and in solution.

The solid-state conformational analysis of t-AOC-L-Pro-OH has indicated that the molecules are not folded up to form an oxy-C7 peptide conformation, but rather that they are held together through intermolecular O-H .... 0 = C (urethane) hydrogen bonds. The tertiary amide bond is in the cis configuration. In solvents of high polarity strongly solvated species largely predominate. In cyclohexane solution non-associated and associated (involving the carboxyl C = O as the proton acceptor) species are simultaneously present. Obviously, the extent of association increases with increasing solute concentration. The amount of the oxy-C7 form, if any, should be extremely small. It is also demonstrated that CD measurements alone can lead to an incorrect picture of the conformational preferences of amino acid derivatives and small peptides in solution.

Adsorption↗

Crystal and molecular structure of n,n'-diethyl-n,n'-diphenylurea.

N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-diethylurea (C(17)H(20)N(2)O) crystallizes in the space group P2(1)/c. The unit cell constants are: a = 10.42 +/- 0.01 A, b = 16.86 +/- 0.02 A, c = 10.66 +/- 0.001 A, beta = 125 degrees 16' +/- 5'; Z = 4, D(x) = 1.16 g.cm(-3), D(meas) = 1.16 +/- 0.01 g.cm(-3). Data for 1392 reflections were collected at room temperature on a Picker automated diffractometer. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined by bloc-diagonalized matrix least-squares calculations. The molecule is characterized by a pseudo C(2) symmetry; both phenyl groups are trans with respect to the oxygen atom. The hybridization of the two nitrogen atoms is intermediate between trigonal and tetrahedral; the nonplanar distortion of the amide groups is about 30 degrees . The amide C-N bond lengths are 1.37 A.

Journal Article↗

Flexibility of supposed "rigid" molecules: substituted 2,5-piperazinediones (diketopiperazines).

The relevant results of accurate X-ray analyses of both the trans-and the L-cis-3,6-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinediones (diketopiperazines) are reported. We note that a large variability of conformations for the ring system can be accomplished by coupling small bond-angle deformations with large variations of the internal rotation angles. The experimental molecular models are discussed in terms of these changes and in terms of nonbonded intramolecular interactions.

Journal Article↗

Conformational characterization of peptides rich in the cycloaliphatic C alpha,alpha-disubstituted glycine 1-aminocyclononane-1-carboxylic acid.

A series of N- and C-protected, monodispersed homo-oligopeptides (to the pentamer level) from the cycloaliphatic C alpha,alpha-dialkylated glycine 1-aminocyclononane-1-carboxylic acid (Ac9c) and two Ala/Ac9c tripeptides have been synthesized by solution methods and fully characterized. The conformational preferences of all the model peptides were determined in deuterochloroform solution by FT-IR absorption and 1H-NMR. The molecular structures of the amino acid derivatives mCIAc-Ac9c-OH and Z-Ac9c-OtBu, the dipeptide pBrBz-(Ac9c)2-OtBu, the tetrapeptide Z-(Ac9c)4-OtBu, and the pentapeptide Z-(Ac9c)5-OtBu were determined in the crystal state by X-ray diffraction. Based on this information, the average geometry and the preferred conformation for the cyclononyl moiety of the Ac9c residue have been assessed. The backbone conformational data are strongly in favour of the conclusion that the Ac9c residue is a strong beta-turn and helix former. A comparison with the structural propensity of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, the prototype of C alpha,alpha-dialkylated glycines, and the other extensively investigated members of the family of 1-aminocycloalkane-1-carboxylic acids (Acnc, with n = 3-8) is made and the implications for the use of the Ac9c residue in conformationally constrained analogues of bioactive peptides are briefly examined.

Amino Acids, Cyclic↗

Fluorescence studies on the binding between 1-47 fragment of cholecystokinin receptor CCK(A)-R(1-47) and nonsulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide CCK8.

The interaction between the 1-47 N-terminus fragment of the cholecystokinin receptor and the nonsulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide, CCK8, is monitored by fluorescence emission. Quenching of the fluorescence intensities is observed on binding. Dissociation constants calculated by these data are in the same submicromolar range as found for the binding of linear CCK8 analogues to B-type receptors. Although detailed structural information cannot be obtained, fluorescence emission is more sensitive than other techniques and permits fast detection of receptor-ligand interaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conformational rigidity versus flexibility in a novel peptidic neurokinin A receptor antagonist.

Neurokinin A receptor antagonists have been proposed as a new class of drugs for several applications in humans (asthma, intestinal motility, etc.). The rational design, synthesis, structural characterization and biological activity evaluation of a new potent, highly selective, long-lasting, peptide-based receptor antagonist are reported. The structure-activity relationship indicates that the conformational rigidity determines potency, specificity and especially the long life of the molecule in the living body. MEN10627 is the prototype of a new class of cyclic, peptide-based, neurokinin A receptor antagonists and it is a suitable candidate for clinical testing in humans.

Amino Acid Sequence↗