We report crystallographic data for a set of homologous γ-peptides that contain a Boc-protected residue derived from the flexible gabapentin monomer at the N-terminus and cyclically constrained γ-residues at all other positions. The crystallized γ-peptides range in length from 3 to 7 residues. Previously only one atomic-resolution structure had been available for a short γ-peptide 14-helix. The new data provided here allow derivation of characteristic parameters for the γ-peptide 14-helix, and establish guidelines for characterizing 14-helical folding in solution via 2D NMR. In addition, the results suggest that the substitution pattern of a γ-residue has a profound effect on the propensity for 14-helical folding.

Helix bundles are among the most widely studied tertiary and quaternary structural motifs in proteins. Here we present the crystal structure of an alpha/beta-peptide foldamer that adopts a tetrameric helix-bundle quaternary structure with a hydrophobic core composed solely of beta-amino acids. The structure displays features that are unprecedented among all known helix bundles composed of either alpha-peptides or peptidic foldamers. The tetramer is characterized by an asymmetry of interaction between neighboring helices, and the side-chain packing within the hydrophobic core differs fundamentally from the knobs-into-holes arrangement typical of most helix bundles.

H-bonded helices in conventional peptides (containing exclusively homochiral α-amino acid residues) feature a uniform H-bonding directionality, N-terminal side C═O to C-terminal side NH. In contrast, heterochiral α-peptides can form helices in which the H-bond directionality alternates along the backbone because neighboring amide groups are oriented in opposite directions. Alternating H-bond directions are seen also in helices formed by unnatural peptidic backbones, e.g., those containing β- or γ-amino acid residues. In the present study, we used NMR spectroscopy and crystallography to evaluate the conformational preferences of the novel γ-amino acid (1R,2R,3S)-2-(1-aminopropyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (APCH), which is constrained by a six-membered ring across its Cα-Cβ bond. These studies were made possible by the development of a stereoselective synthesis of N-protected APCH. APCH strongly enforces the α/γ-peptide 12/10-helical secondary structure, which features alternating H-bond directionality. Thus, APCH residues appear to have a conformational propensity distinct from those of other cyclically constrained γ-amino acid residues.

We report the asymmetric synthesis of the y-amino acid (1R,2R)-2-aminomethyl-1-cyclopentane carboxylic acid (AMCP) and an evaluation of this residue's potential to promote secondary structure in α/γ-peptides. Simulated annealing calculations using NMR-derived distance restraints obtained for α/γ-peptides in chloroform reveal that AMCP-containing oligomers are conformationally flexible. However, additional evidence that suggests an internally hydrogen-bonded helical conformation is partially populated in solution. From these data, we propose characteristic NOE patterns for formation of the α/γ-peptide 12/10-helix and present discussion of the apparent conformational frustration of AMCP-containing oligomers.

The problem of catalyst-controlled site-selectivity can potentially require a catalyst to overcome energetic barriers larger than those associated with enantioselective reactions. This challenge is a signature of substrates that present reactive sites that are not of equivalent reactivity. Herein we present a narrative of our laboratory's efforts to overcome this challenge using peptide-based catalysts. We highlight the interplay between understanding the inherent reactivity preferences of a given target molecule and the development of catalysts that can overcome intrinsic preferences embedded within a substrate.