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E Benedetti

Publications and source records attributed to E Benedetti.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Noncoded residues as building blocks in the design of specific secondary structures: symmetrically disubstituted glycines and beta-alanine.

Structural changes can be induced in a peptide by selective substitution of coded alpha-amino acid residues by noncoded alpha-amino acid residues and the consequent production of analogues with modified structure and conformational preferences. In this review article we summarize the solid state structural results and the conformational preferences of two classes of "building blocks": (a) the linear and cyclic symmetrically alpha, alpha-disubstituted glycines in which either two identical n-alkyl groups replace the hydrogen atoms of the glycine residue or a cyclic aliphatic side-chain system is formed by linking the two alpha-carbon side chains, respectively; and (b) the beta-alanine residue. Examples, whenever possible, of the use of these residues for the elucidation of the bioactive conformation in the appropriate biological systems will be given.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis and neurokinin antagonist activity of 2-benzylidene- and 2-benzyl-3-benzylamino quinuclidines.

Molecular modeling studies based on the potent NK-1 antagonist CP-96,345 led us to the identification of some 2-benzylidene- and 2-benzyl-3-benzylaminoquinuclidine derivatives as potential antagonists at the NK receptor subtypes. The synthesized compounds, whose Z/E isomerism has been defined by X-ray analysis, show only moderate potency on the three neurokinin receptors. The possible reasons of the low potency exhibited by the tested compounds are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Non coded C alpha, alpha-disubstituted amino acids. X-ray diffraction analysis of a dipeptide containing (S)-alpha-methylserine.

The crystal and molecular structure of the fully protected dipeptide Boc-Val-(S)-alpha-MeSer-OMe has been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystals grown from ethyl acetate/n-pentane mixtures are tetragonal, space group I4(1), with cell parameters at 295 K of a = 15.307(2), c = 18.937(10)A, V = 4437.1A3, M.W. = 332.40, Z = 8, Dm = 0.99 g/cm3 and Dx = 0.995 g/cm3. The structure was solved by application of direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.028 for 1773 reflections with I > or = 3 sigma (I) collected on a CAD-4 diffractometer. Both chiral centers have the (S) configuration. The dipeptide assumes in the solid state an S shape. The urethane moiety is in the cis conformation, while the amide bond is in the common trans conformation. The conformational angles phi 1, psi 1 of the Val and phi 2, and psi 2 of the (S)-alpha MeSer fall in the F region of the phi-psi map. The isopropyl side chain of the Val residue has the (t, g-) conformation, while the Ser side chain has a g+ conformation. The hydrogen bond donor groups are all involved in intermolecular H-bond interactions. Along the quaternary axis the dipeptide molecules are linked to each other with the formation of infinite rows.

Crystallization↗

Characterization at atomic resolution of peptide helical structures.

A survey of literature for the various types of helices experimentally observed in high-resolution single crystal x-ray diffraction analyses of peptides has allowed to determine accurate conformational and helical parameters for the various secondary structures such as the alpha-helix, the 3(10)-helix, the fully extended conformation (2(5)-helix) and the beta-bend ribbon spiral. For each of these structures the characteristic phi, psi conformational parameters, n, the number of residues per turn, h, the height per residues and p, the pitch of the helix are described.

Models, Molecular↗

Ion binding of cyclolinopeptide A: an NMR and CD conformational study.

CD and nmr techniques have been used to study, in acetonitrile solution, the ion-complexing capability of cyclolinopeptide A (CLA), a cyclic nonapeptide of sequence cyclo-(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val) endowed with remarkable cytoprotective ability in vitro, and the conformation of the Ba(2+)/CLA complex. At room temperature, CLA in acetonitrile shows a proton nmr spectrum characteristic of the coexistence of many different conformers in intermediate exchange. The backbone contains a cis Pro-Pro bond, with all other peptide bonds in the trans conformation. CLA binds Ba2+ more tightly than the other cations studied, namely K+, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+; CD data are indicative of the presence of both 1:2 (sandwich) and 1:1 (equimolar) type complexes, depending on the Ba2+ ion concentration, whereas nmr data are consistent with an equimolar form. The relevant conformational features of the equimolar Ba2+/CLA complex are that the backbone contains all trans peptide bonds, a type I 6----3 beta-turn and a 3----1 gamma-turn (or a distorted 3----9 beta-turn). The global shape of the complexed peptide can be described as a bowl, with the concave (polar) side hosting Ba2+ and the convex side predominantly apolar.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The polypeptide 310-helix.

The 310-helix, first predicted as a reasonably stable polypeptide secondary structure fifty years ago, has only recently attracted the attention of structural biochemists and protein crystallographers. It represents the third principal structure occurring in globular proteins and has been described at atomic resolution in model peptides and in peptaibol antibiotics.

Humans↗

The longest, regular polypeptide 3(10) helix at atomic resolution.

A synthetic, terminally blocked homodecapeptide from the C alpha, alpha-dimethylated glycyl residue alpha-aminoisobutyric acid has been analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the structure refined to R = 0.073. The compound crystallizes as a perfect 3(10) helix, stabilized by eight consecutive intramolecular N-H . . . O = C hydrogen bonds. This is the first observation at atomic resolution of a regular polypeptide 3(10) helix as long as three complete turns.

Aminoisobutyric Acids↗

Stereochemical behavior of acyclic peptide-cation complexes.

The role of the beta-turns in the peptide interaction with several cations was investigated. In this work we report the solution studies of four linear peptides: Z-Aib-Aib-Aib-L-Val-OMe, Boc-D-aIle-L-Ile-D-aIle-L-Ile-OMe, Boc-L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu-OMe, and Boc-L-Phe-D-Phe-L-Phe-D-Phe-OMe. CD and 1H-nmr spectra reveal the presence of multiple ion-bonding equilibria. The stoichiometry and binding constant of the four peptides in the presence of Ca2+ ions in acetonitrile solution has been determined. Variable-temperature nmr spectra in the absence and in the presence of a large excess of cation have shown that the complexation process is not critically dependent on the conformation of the free peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Critical main-chain length for conformational conversion from 3(10)-helix to alpha-helix in polypeptides.

To assess the minimal peptide length required for the stabilization of the alpha-helix relative to the 3(10)-helix in Aib-rich peptides, we have solved the X-ray diffraction structures of the terminally blocked sequential hexa- and octapeptides with the general formula-(Aib-L-Ala)n-(n = 3 and 4, respectively). The hexapeptide molecules are completely 3(10)-helical with four 1----4 intramolecular N-H . . . O = C H-bonds. On the other hand, the octapeptide molecules are essentially alpha-helical with four 1----5 H-bonds; however, the helix is elongated at the N-terminus, with two 1----4 H-bonds, giving these molecules a mixed alpha/3(10)-helical character. In both compounds the right-handed screw sense of the helix is dictated by the presence of the Ala residues of L-configuration. This study represents the first experimental proof for a 3(10)----alpha-helix conversion in the crystal state induced by peptide backbone lengthening only.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Regularly alternating L,D-peptides. I. The double-stranded left-handed antiparallel beta-helix in the structure of Boc-(L-Val-D-Val)4-OMe.

The structure of Boc-(L-Val-D-Val)4-OMe has been determined by x-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The octapeptide crystallizes in the trigonal system, space group P3(2)21 with a = b = 12.760 A, c = 63.190 A and Z = 6. The independent unit is represented by one octapeptide chain. The structure has been solved by direct methods and it was anisotropically refined by least-squares procedures to a final R value of 0.08 for the 3018 "observed" reflections. One molecule of water was also located in the unit cell. Two octapeptide chains, related by a crystallographic binary axis, wind up around each other giving rise to a double-stranded left-handed antiparallel increases decreases beta 5.6-helix. The dimer, stabilized by 14 interstrand N--H....O = C hydrogen bonds, can be regarded as a cylinder with an hydrophilic inner core represented by the peptide units and an hydrophobic exterior of isopropyl groups. The inner diameter of the cylinder is 5.1 A.

Isomerism↗

Regularly alternating L,D-peptides. II. The double-stranded right-handed antiparallel beta-helix in the structure of t-Boc-(L-Phe-D-Phe)4-OMe.

The crystal structure of Boc-(L-Phe-D-Phe)4-OMe has been determined by x-ray diffraction analysis. The peptide crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 with a = 15.290 A, b = 15.163 A, c = 19.789 A, alpha = 102.49 degrees, beta = 96.59 degrees, gamma = 74.22 degrees, and Z = 2. The structure has been solved by coupling of the molecular replacement technique and expansion by tangent formula refinement of the set of known phases. Several cycles of Fourier calculations and least-squares refinement led to the location of 194 atoms of the two independent octapeptide chains and few molecules of cocrystallized solvent (chloroform, water, and methanol). The isotropic refinement converged to R = 0.13 for the 3077 "observed" reflections. The two independent octapeptide molecule form a dimer in the solid state: the two chains are associated by interstrand hydrogen bonds (12 of the type N-H ... O = C) with the formation of a double-stranded antiparallel right-handed -- beta 5.6-helix. These double helices can be represented as a cylinder with a hydrophilic inner core represented by the peptide units and an hydrophobic exterior constituted by the aromatic moieties. The dimensions of the cylinder are equal to those observed for Boc-(L-Val-D-Val)4-OMe. In the solid state the dimers pack with each other in an hexagonal fashion with the formation of layers; between the layers, solvent molecules fill empty spaces.

Isomerism↗

Regularly alternating L,D-peptides. III. Hexacyclic peptides from valine or phenylalanine.

In the present paper we describe the single-crystal x-ray analyses of two cyclic hexapeptides containing an equal number of alternating L,D-residues as putative analogues of the metal binding compounds, enniatin and beauvericine. Both the molecules of c(L-Val-D-Val)3 and C(L-Phe-D-Phe)3 retain in the solid state the center of symmetry and crystallize with six and eight trifluoroacetic acid molecules, respectively. The peptides are strongly hydrogen bonded to the solvent molecules. We estimate, on the basis of the molecular geometry and spatial arrangement of the peptide carbonyl groups and in comparison with other metal binding cyclic peptides, the ability of these molecules to interact with metal ions as 1:1 complexes.

Isomerism↗

Ala analogues of the cyclolinopeptide A.

Analogues of cyclolinopeptide A, due to the replacement of each amino acid in the Pro1-Pro2-Phe3-Phe4 sequences with an L-Ala residue, were synthesized by classical method in solution. Mixed anhydride and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling methods have been used for the synthesis of both linear and cyclic peptides. The products were characterized by Rf values and uv spectra, as well as by fast atom bombardment spectroscopy. 1H-nmr studies on [Ala2] analogues are also reported. Preliminary data in CDCl3 solution, at low temperature, seems more promising.

Alanine↗

Comparison of the conformations of cyclolinopeptide A in the solid state and in solution.

Cyclolinopeptide A, a cyclic nonapeptide isolated from linseed, has lately attracted large interest for its cytoprotective activity. The recent elucidation of its solid state structure has prompted us to undertake a detailed conformational analysis in solution. Room-temperature 1H-nmr spectra in several solvents (DMSO-d6, DMSO-d6/D2O/H2O, CD3OH, (CD3)2CDOH, CDCl3) all show very broad lines, indicating the presence of chemical exchange among several conformers. It proved possible to freeze a single conformational state in CDCl3 at 214 K. Unusual chemical shifts and nuclear Overhauser enhancements are consistent with the main features of the solid state structure.

Peptides, Cyclic↗

Structural versatility of peptides containing C alpha, alpha-dialkylated glycines: conformational energy computations, i.r. absorption and 1H n.m.r. analysis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid homopeptides.

Conformational energy computations on the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid mono-, di-, and tripeptide amides, Ac-(Ac3c)n-NHMe (n = 1-3), indicate that this C alpha, alpha-dialkylated, cyclic alpha-amino acid residue is conformally restricted and that type-I(I') beta-bends and distorted 3(10)-helices are particularly stable conformations for the di- and tripeptide amides, respectively. The results of the theoretical analysis are in agreement with those obtained in an i.r. absorption and 1H n.m.r. investigation in chloroform solution of Ac3c-rich tri- and tetrapeptide esters. A comparison is also made with the conclusions extracted from our previous work on peptides rich in Aib (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid), Ac5c (1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid), and Ac6c (1-aminocyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid).

Alkylation↗

Structural versatility of peptides containing C alpha, alpha-dialkylated glycines. An X-ray diffraction study of six 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid rich peptides.

The molecular and crystal structures of six fully blocked, Ac3c-rich peptides to the tetramer level were determined by X-ray diffraction. The peptides are Fmoc-(Ac3c)2-OMe-CH3OH, Ac-(Ac3c)2-OMe, t-Boc-Ac3c-L-Phe-OMe, pBrBz-(Ac3c)3-OMe.H2O, Z-Gly-Ac3c-Gly-OTmb.(CH3)2CO, and t-Boc-(Ac3c)4-OMe.2H2O. Type-I (I') beta-bends and distorted 3(10)-helices were found to be typical of the tri- and tetrapeptides, respectively. In the dipeptides, too short to form beta-bend conformations, other less common structural features may be observed. The average geometry of the cyclopropyl moiety of the Ac3c residue is asymmetric and the N-C alpha-C' bond angle is significantly expanded from the regular tetrahedral value. A comparison with the structural preferences of other extensively investigated C alpha, alpha-dialylated alpha-amino acids is made and the implications for the use of the Ac3c residue in conformational design are examined.

Alkylation↗