Beta-alanine containing cyclic peptides with predetermined turned structure. V.

In the present paper we describe the synthesis, purification, single crystal x-ray analysis, and solution structural characterization by nmr spectroscopy, combined with restrained molecular dynamic simulations, of the cyclic hexapeptide cyclo-(Pro-Phe-beta-Ala-Phe-Phe-beta-Ala). The peptide was synthesized by classical solution methods and the cyclization of the free hexapeptide was accomplished in good yields in diluted methylenechloride solution using N,N-dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1) from methanol/ethyl acetate. The molecule adopts in the solid state a conformation characterized by cis beta-Ala6-Pro1 peptide bond. The alpha-amino acid residues are at the corner positions of turned structures. The Pro1-Phe2 segment is incorporated in a pseudo type I beta-turn, while Phe4-Phe5 is in a typical type I beta-turn. Assignment of all 1H and 13C resonances was achieved by homo- and heteronuclear two-dimensional techniques in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions. The conformational analysis was based on interproton distances derived from rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy spectra and homonuclear coupling constants. Restrained molecular dynamic simulation in vacuo was also performed to built refined molecular models. The molecule is present in DMSO solution as two slowly interconverting conformers, characterized by a cis-trans isomerism around the beta-Ala6-Pro1 peptide bond. This work confirms our expectations on the low propensity of beta-alanyl residues to be positioned at the corners of turned structure.