The rapid and exact identification and quantification of specific biomarkers is a key technology for always achieving more efficient diagnostic methodologies. We present the first application of a nanostructured device constituted of patterned self-assembled monolayers of disk-shaped zeolite L coated with the cyclic integrin ligand c[RGDfK] via isocyanate linker, to the rapid detection of cancer cells. With its high specificity toward HeLa and Glioma cells and fast adhesion ability, this biocompatible monolayer is a promising platform for implementation in diagnostics and personalized therapy formulation devices.

The increasing need for large quantities of biologically active peptides for the market strongly raised the problem of the environmental sustainability of their synthesis. In this respect, we describe herein a solid phase procedure in water, using PEG peptide amide resins and NCAs under controlled conditions. This procedure afforded with reasonable yield and purity a short peptide amide, without the need of coupling reagents or protecting groups.

Persistent accumulation of immune cells mediated by α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) is a hallmark of the inflammatory diseases and of chronic inflammation observed in the affected tissues of autoimmune diseases. Aiming at exploring new methods for monitoring the course of the inflammatory processes, we designed the first peptide-functionalized nanostructured devices capable to mimic the high-density multivalency binding between the α4β1 integrin-expressing cells and the ligands overexpressed on the endothelial surfaces, in the proximity of the sites of inflammation. Specifically, we describe the first examples of monolayers constituted by dye-loaded zeolite L crystals, coated with α4β1 integrin peptide ligands, and we analyze the adhesion of model Jurkat cells in comparison to non-α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In particular, the peptidomimetic diphenylurea-Leu-Asp-Val-diamine allows significant and selective detection of α4β1 integrin-expressing Jurkat cells, after very rapid incubation time, supporting the possible implementation in a diagnostic device capable to detect the desired cells from biological fluids, obtainable from patients in a noninvasive way.

No abstract

Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA-Leu-Asp-Val-Pro-OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro-sequences PhCOAsp(OH)-Amo-APUMP including either (S)- or (R)-configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum. Possibly, the conformational bias exerted by the Amo scaffold determined the affinity for the receptors. These peptidomimetics could be of interest for the development of small-molecule agents effective against inflammatory processes and correlated autoimmune diseases.

Constrained peptidomimetic scaffolds are of considerable interest for the design of therapeutically useful analogues of bioactive peptides. We present the single-step cyclization of (S)- or (R)-α-hydroxy-β(2)- or α-substituted-α-hydroxy-β(2, 2)-amino acids already incorporated within oligopeptides to 5-aminomethyl-oxazolidine-2,4-dione (Amo) rings. These scaffolds can be regarded as unprecedented β(2)- or β(2, 2)-homo-Freidinger lactam analogues, and can be equipped with a proteinogenic side chain at each residue. In a biomimetic environment, Amo rings act as inducers of extended, semi-bent or folded geometries, depending on the relative stereochemistry and the presence of α-substituents.

The integrin receptors represent valuable targets for therapeutic interventions; being overexpressed in many pathological states, their inhibition can be effective to treat a number of severe diseases. Since integrin functions are mediated by interactions with ECM protein ligands, the inhibition can be achieved by interfering with such interactions using small mimetics of the integrin-ligand recognition motifs (e.g. RGD, LDV, etc.). In this review, we focus on the antagonists with peptideheterocycle hybrid structures. The introduction of well-designed scaffolds has met considerable success in the rational design of highly stable, bioavailable, and conformationally defined antagonists. Two main approaches are discussed herein. The first approach is the use of scaffolds external to the main recognition motifs, aimed at improving conformational definition. In the second approach, heterocyclic cores are introduced within the recognition motifs, giving access to libraries of 3D diverse candidate antagonists.

Chiral dehydroamino acid building blocks are versatile starting materials for the preparation of optically active unusual amino acids and other compounds of pharmacological interest. Herein we disclose the expedient preparation of dehydroalanines (ΔAla) equipped with oxazolidin-2-one (Oxd) chiral auxiliaries, Ts-Oxd-ΔAla-OMe. These compounds have been obtained in high yields from dipeptides Ts-Ser/Thr/phenylSer-Ser-OMe by the one-pot cyclization-elimination reaction with N,N-disuccinimidyl carbonate and catalytic DIPEA. To test the efficacy of the chiral auxiliaries in controlling asymmetric transformations, the Friedel-Crafts alkylations of indoles carrying diverse substituents were performed in the presence of Lewis and Brønsted acids. The reactions proceeded with good to excellent diastereomeric ratios giving (S)- or (R)-tryptophan derivatives, isolated very conveniently by simple flash chromatography. To verify the utility of this approach, optically pure (S)-2-methyltryptophan and (S)-5-fluorotryptophan were obtained and utilized to prepare analogues of endogenous opioid peptide endomorphin-1, H-Tyr-Pro-Trp-PheNH2.