C-terminal modification of a de novo designed antimicrobial peptide via capping of macrolactam rings

Ping Zeng, Qipeng Cheng, Lanhua Yi, Sharon Shui Yee Leung, Sheng Chen, Kin Fai Chan, Kwok Yin Wong

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this work, by capping a macrolactam ring at the C-terminus of a de novo-designed peptide, namely zp80, we have constructed a small peptide library via the solid phase peptide synthesis for screening. Eight peptides bearing different aspartic acid-rich macrolactam rings but the same linear (IIRR)4 unit exhibited improved antibacterial activities, hemolytic activity, and selectivity index. Mechanistic studies revealed that they could destroy the integrity of bacterial envelope, leading to cytoplasm leakage and rapid dissipation of membrane potential. One of these peptides, zp90 with a macrolactam ring of (KaDGD), demonstrated preferential interaction with calcium ions at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, promoting the affinity of designed peptides to bacterial membrane. Overall, this work provides a feasible strategy for medicinal chemists to further develop potent, selective, and multifunctional de novo-designed antimicrobial peptides.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106251
JournalBioorganic Chemistry
Volume130
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial peptide
  • Calcium ion-binding affinity
  • Macrolactam ring
  • Membrane potential
  • Selectivity index

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Organic Chemistry

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