Densification via bridging layers
MXenes are a family of layered two-dimensional metal carbides and nitrides with interesting properties that can be lost if voids are formed during synthesis. By using a sequential combination of hydrogen and covalent bonding agents, Wan
et al
. were able to densify the layered structure and remove voids. This procedure leads to improvements in the mechanical strength and toughness, electrical conductivity, and shielding from electromagnetic interference. —MSL
A large proportion
of protein–protein interactions (PPIs)
occur between a short peptide and a globular protein domain; the peptides
involved in surface interactions play important roles, and there is
great promise for using peptide motifs to interfere with protein interactions.
Peptide inhibitors show more promise in blocking large surface protein
interactions compared to small molecule inhibitors. However, peptides
have drawbacks including poor stability against circulating proteolytic
enzymes and an intrinsic inability to penetrate cell membranes. Stapled
helical peptides, by adopting a preformed, stable α-helical
conformation, exhibit improved proteolytic stability and membrane
permeability compared to linear bioactive peptides. In this review,
we summarize the broad aspects of peptide stapling for chemistry,
biophysics, and biological applications and specifically highlight
the methodology by providing an inventory of different anchoring residues
categorized into two natural amino acids, two nonnatural amino acids,
or a combination of natural and nonnatural amino acids. Additional
advantages of specific peptide stapling techniques, including but
not limited to reversibility, bio-orthogonal reactivity, and photoisomerization,
are also discussed individually. This review is expected to provide
a broad reference for the rational design of druggable stapled peptides
targeting therapeutic proteins, particularly those involved in PPIs,
by considering the impact of anchoring residues, functional cross-linkers,
physical staple length, staple components, and the staple motif on
the biophysical properties of the peptides.
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