PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J L Krstenansky

Publications and source records attributed to J L Krstenansky.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Biocatalytic combinatorial synthesis.

Combinatorial biocatalysis, based on a principle of the combinatorial use of biosynthetic steps rather than the combinatorial use of reagents, offers a complementary approach to combinatorial chemistry, which, used individually or in connection with synthetic organic transformations, provides access to analogues not readily accessible by chemical synthetic means alone. The issues and strategies particular to this approach are discussed. Examples are given demonstrating these principles as well as the unique advantages of achieving chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions that biocatalytic methods offer.

Acylation↗

Structure-function studies on positions 17, 18, and 21 replacement analogues of glucagon: the importance of charged residues and salt bridges in glucagon biological activity.

We have designed and synthesized eight compounds 2-9 which incorporate various amino acid residues in positions 17, 18, and 21 of the glucagon molecule: 2, [Lys17]glucagon amide; 3, [Lys18]glucagon amide; 4, [Nle17,Lys18,Glu21]glucagon amide; 5, [Orn17,18, Glu21]glucagon amide; 6, [d-Arg17]glucagon; 7, [d-Arg18]glucagon; 8, [d-Phe17]glucagon; and 9, [d-Phe18]glucagon. Compared to glucagon (IC50 = 1.5 nM), analogues 2-9 were found to have binding affinity IC50 values (in nM) of 0.7, 4.1, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 25.0, 43.0, and 32.0, respectively. When these compounds were tested for their ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase (AC) activity, they were found to be full or partial agonists having maximum stimulation values of 100, 100, 100, 100, 87, 78, 94, and 100%, respectively. On the basis of the X-ray crystal structure of [Lys17,18,Glu21]glucagon amide reported here, the ability to form a salt bridge between Lys18 and Glu21 is probably key to their increased binding and second messenger activities. Among the eight analogues synthesized here, only analogue 4 preserves the ability to form a salt bridge between Lys18 and Glu21. However, since these modifications are minor they do not seem to change the amphiphilic character of the C-terminus, allowing these analogues to reach 78-100% stimulation in the adenylate cyclase assay. Biological data from analogues 6-9 supports the idea that position 18 of glucagon may influence binding only, while position 17 may influence both receptor recognition and transduction.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

RS-66271, a C-terminally substituted analog of human parathyroid hormone-related protein (1-34), increases trabecular and cortical bone in ovariectomized, osteopenic rats.

It was predicted from the amino acid sequence of the bone anabolic peptides, parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34) and PTH related protein (PTHrP) (1-34), that the C-terminal amino acids form an amphipathic alpha-helix. Therefore, we substituted a model amphipathic alpha-helical peptide (MAP) sequence in the C-terminal region of hPTHrP(1-34), obtaining RS-66271 ([MAP1-10]22-31 hPTHrP(1-34)-NH2). The anabolic activities of RS-66271 and hPTHrP(1-34) were evaluated in 3-month-old, ovariectomized (OVX) osteopenic rats. Subcutaneous injection of hPTHrP(1-34) at 80 micrograms/kg/day partially reversed estrogen depletion trabecular bone loss but was ineffective in the cortex. In contrast, RS-66271 dose-relatedly reversed loss at both sites and, at 80 micrograms/kg/day, returned both trabecular and cortical bone calcium to the level of sham-operated controls. Histomorphometric analysis showed significantly elevated bone formation rates over vehicle-treated OVX in both trabecular and cortical tibial bone following treatment with RS-66271. Electron microscopy showed an increase in the relative surface area of vertebral trabeculae covered by osteoblasts in animals treated with RS-66271. These studies demonstrate that the C-terminal amino acids of hPTHrP(1-34) can be replaced by a model amphipathic helix and that the new chemical entity has greater anabolic activity than the parent peptide. The results suggest that RS-66271 may be a candidate molecule for the treatment of human osteoporosis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Combinatorial synthesis of small-molecule libraries using 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid.

A non-peptide library of 2001 compounds has been prepared utilizing solid-phase techniques. The split/combine method was demonstrated to work well to form mixtures of compounds based on 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid as a core structure. The benzoic acid of the core structure served as the attachment point for the resin and the amino and hydroxy positions were variably substituted.

Aminobenzoates↗

Modulation of osteogenic cell ultrastructure by RS-23581, an analog of human parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptide-(1-34), and bovine PTH-(1-34).

RS-23581, a synthetic analog of human PTH-related protein-(1-34), and the amino-terminal 34 amino acids of bovine PTH [bPTH-(1-34)] increase bone mineral density. We wished to determine how quickly the ultrastructure of the osteogenic cells, i.e. osteoblasts and lining cells, of the cancellous bone of the second lumbar vertebra of ovariectomized rats was altered in response to the initiation and cessation of treatment. Ovariectomized rats were injected daily with 80 micrograms/kg RS-23581, bPTH-(1-34), or vehicle for 19 days. Animals were killed throughout the treatment period and during the ensuing 10 days. By 5 days after the initiation of treatment with either peptide, the cells on the trabecular surface were predominantly (> 90%) osteoblasts, with only a small increase in the total cell number. Throughout the dosing period, the relative area of the cytoplasm of osteogenic cells from rats treated with RS-23581 or bPTH-(1-34) was greater than that of cells from the ovariectomized control group, suggesting a relationship between bone formation and cytoplasmic mass. By 7 days after the cessation of treatment, the trabecular surface was covered predominantly by lining cells without a change in cell number. Thus, these peptides apparently promote the osteoblast phenotype; the osteoblasts revert to lining cells after the peptides are withdrawn.

Animals↗

Binding of fluorescent and spin-labeled C-terminal hirudin analogs to thrombin.

Synthetic peptides based on the sequence of the negatively charged carboxyl tail of hirudin exhibit anticoagulant activity. Several antithrombin agents are being developed by chemical and structural optimization of these "hirupeptides". The present work demonstrates the design and use of novel spin-labeled and fluorescent-labeled C-terminal hirudin analogs to study the interactions of these antithrombin agents with thrombin in solution. Three labeled hirulabels were synthesized based upon the amino acid sequence of the antithrombin agent MDL 28050, X-NH-(CH2)7-CO-Asp-Tyr-Glu-Pro-Ile-Pro-Glu-Glu-Ala-Cha-D-Glu-OH, where X = anthraniloyl, 1,5-dansyl, or 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrolin-1-oxyl. The modifications did not significantly alter the potency of these inhibitors which showed Ki values of 100 nM. Their interactions with human and bovine thrombin were studied by ESR and fluorescence techniques. The spin-labeled hirupeptide was able to discern subtle differences in binding to human versus bovine thrombin. The 8-aminooctanoic acid spacer arm placed the nitroxide moieties near the active site, near regions of the autolysis loops which differentiates between human alpha- and gamma-thrombin. It was also able to discern paramagnetic quenching and fluorescence energy transfer interactions, respectively, between covalently attached spin labels and fluorescent probes at the active site Ser 195 and the fluorophore on the hirupeptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Neuropeptide Y and truncated neuropeptide Y analogs evoke histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. A direct effect on G proteins?

Several regulatory peptides, including neuropeptide Y, can release histamine from mast cells. In the present study we investigated which parts of the neuropeptide Y molecule are required to evoke the release of histamine from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells. In addition, we examined whether the histamine release evoked by neuropeptide Y (and by compound 48/80) is sensitive to the G protein inhibitors pertussis toxin and benzalkonium chloride. Neuropeptide Y released histamine in a concentration-dependent manner. Also a neuropeptide Y analog with the center part substituted by 8-aminooctanoic acid, [Aoc2-27]neuropeptide Y, and the cyclic form of the C-terminal hexapeptide, cyclic neuropeptide Y-(31-36), released histamine. The three peptides were equally effective and equally potent. Neuropeptide Y-(1-24)NH2 also released histamine, but its efficacy was low. The rank order of potency of the analogs tested did not agree with that of any of the previously known or postulated neuropeptide Y receptors. Pretreatment of mast cells with pertussis toxin or benzalkonium chloride markedly inhibited the histamine release evoked by neuropeptide Y, [Aoc2-27]neuropeptide Y and compound 48/80. In conclusion, most of the histamine-releasing activity of neuropeptide Y resides in the six C-terminal amino acid residues. The release appears to be G protein-dependent and is probably not receptor mediated.

Animals↗

Structures of thrombin complexes with a designed and a natural exosite peptide inhibitor.

The structures of two hirudin-based fibrinogen recognition exosite peptide inhibitors with significantly different sequences complexed with alpha-thrombin at a site distinct from the active site (exosite) have been determined crystallographically at 2.2 and 2.3 A resolution. One is a designed synthetic peptide with some nonconventional amino acid residues (MDL-28050), and the other is a natural COOH-terminal peptide isolated from the leech Hirudinaria manillensis (hirullin P18). The structures have been refined by restrained least squares methods to R values of 0.161 and 0.155, respectively. The first stretch of each peptide, corresponding to hirudin 55-59, associates with thrombin similar to hirudin and hirugen (hirudin 53-64). Although the remaining residues of the inhibitors interact with and bind to thrombin, the binding is accomplished. through a rigid body conformational adjustment of the peptide with respect to the conformation displayed by hirudin and hirugen (40 degrees rotation about the Ile59, CA-C bond). This causes the side groups of cyclohexylalanine 64' of MDL-28050 and Ile60, of hirullin to point in the opposite direction of the all important Tyr63, ring of hirudin and hirugen but permits the residues to penetrate and interact with the 3(10) turn hydrophobic binding pocket of thrombin. Thus, the hydrophobic interaction is accomplished in a different way by virtue of the substrate conformational readjustment. The results show that the first stretch of peptide makes concerted and efficient binding interactions with thrombin, and the peptide positions of the inhibitors are fairly specific and homologous so that the stretch appears to be related to specific recognition associated with the exosite. The relative flexibility of structure and sequence of the second stretch is a display of tolerance of imprecision by thrombin in its COOH-terminal hydrophobic association with hirudin-based inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Activation of neuropeptide Y1 and neuropeptide Y2 receptors by substituted and truncated neuropeptide Y analogs: identification of signal epitopes.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY-(1-36)) acts on Y1 and Y2 receptors at the sympathetic neuroeffector junction. Various truncated NPY analogs were tested in the isolated guinea-pig caval vein where NPY is a vasoconstrictor (Y1 receptors) and in isolated rat vas deferens, by monitoring the suppression of electrically evoked contractions (Y2 receptors). The aim of this study was to define which parts of the NPY-(1-36) molecule were required to activate these receptors. NPY-(1-36), [Pro34]NPY and [Glu16,Ser18,Ala22,Leu28,31]NPY (ESALL-NPY), the latter being an analog with increased alpha-helicity in the 14-31 region, evoked vasoconstriction with similar potency and efficacy. Cyclic as well as linear NPY analogs having the 4 to 7 N-terminal amino acid residues linked to the 9 to 19 C-terminal residues by an 8-aminooctanoic acid (Aoc) residue were 25-50 times less potent than NPY-(1-36) itself. In the cyclic analogs, a disulfide bond was introduced to bring the N- and C-termini close together. Linear Aoc-2-27-NPY was virtually inactive. The Y1 receptor needs an intact N-terminal end of NPY in order to become fully activated. The requirements for the C-terminus are less stringent, since substitutions in this part of the molecule resulted in fully active analogs. The central portion of the molecule may impose steric constraints on the N- and C-terminal ends, thereby facilitating Y1 receptor activation, but it does not seem to be essential for receptor recognition. NPY-(2-36) and NPY-(5-36) were only slightly less potent than the parent molecule in suppressing electrically evoked twitches in the vas deferens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An amphipathic alpha-helical decapeptide in phosphatidylcholine is an effective synthetic lung surfactant.

An idealized model amphipathic alpha-helical decapeptide was synthesized and tested for efficacy as a totally synthetic lung surfactant in simple mixtures with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Quasi-static lung compliance was restored to 92 +/- 3% of the unlavaged value at a pressure of 5 cm H2O in an in vitro lavaged rat lung model. A sustained improvement in gas exchange was also observed when guinea pigs were treated with the synthetic lung surfactant in an in vivo lavaged lung model. DPPC/peptide mixtures rapidly formed low surface tension films in the pulsating bubble surfactometer consistent with a mechanism in which the lipid and peptide mixture spreads rapidly in the lavaged lung to minimize the surface tension at the air/tissue interface. This decapeptide sequence is active in mixtures with DPPC whether the residues are in the all L or all D conformation. However, a peptide with identical sequence, but with alternating D and L amino acid residues, is relatively inactive. Positive charge interactions are not important since a peptide with formylated lysine residues is active. The activity of these decapeptides, with sequences unrelated to any of those in natural lung surfactants, shows that the classic amphipathic alpha-helical hypothesis may be useful in designing peptides that will be effective synthetic lung surfactants in binary mixtures with DPPC. The data demonstrate that a small water-soluble synthetic peptide containing an amphipathic alpha-helical structure combined solely with the major lipid of natural lung surfactant is effective in restoring lung compliance and gas exchange in surfactant-deficient lungs and may be useful in treatment of the respiratory distress syndromes.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Specific inhibition of binding of antistasin and [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 to sulfatide (Gal(3-SO4)beta 1-1Cer) by glycosaminoglycans.

Leech-derived antistasin is a potent anticoagulant and antimetastatic protein that binds sulfatide (Gal(3-SO4)beta 1-1Cer) and sulfated polysaccharides. In this study, the synthetic fragment [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119, which corresponds to the carboxyl terminus, showed specific and saturable binding to sulfatide. Binding was competitively blocked by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the order: dextran sulfate 5000 congruent to dextran sulfate 500,000 greater than heparin greater than dermatan sulfate much greater than chondroitin sulfates A and C. This rank order of inhibitory potency was identical to that observed with whole antistasin. We suggest that residues 93-119 of antistasin represent a critical domain for binding GAGs and sulfated glycolipids.

Animals↗

The fibrinogen anion-binding exosite of thrombin is necessary for induction of rises in intracellular calcium and prostacyclin production in endothelial cells.

Thrombin stimulation of prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) requires the active site of thrombin and involves rapid and transient rises in cytoplasmic free calcium [Ca2+]i. In this study, we investigated whether or not the anion-binding exosite for fibrinogen recognition of thrombin (which confers certain substrate specificities) is also necessary for the induction of rises in [Ca2+]i and PGI2 production. Thrombin variants which lack either the catalytic site (DIP-alpha-thrombin) or anion-binding exosite (gamma-thrombin) either alone or in combination failed to induce rises in [Ca2+]i or PGI2 production in HUVEC. To further study the role of the anion-binding exosite of thrombin in the activation of HUVEC, COOH-terminal fragments of hirudin were used. This portion of hirudin interacts with the anion-binding exosite of thrombin and inhibits thrombin-induced fibrinogen coagulation while leaving the catalytic activity of thrombin intact. A 21-amino acid COOH-terminal peptide of hirudin (N alpha-acetyldesulfato-hirudin45-65 or Hir45-65) inhibited thrombin-induced (0.5 U/ml) rises in [Ca2+]i and PGI2 production with IC50 of 0.13 and 0.71 microM, respectively. Similar results were obtained using shorter hirudin-derived peptides. Thus, the fibrinogen anion-binding exosite of thrombin is required for alpha-thrombin-induced rises in [Ca2+]i and PGI2 production in HUVEC.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for a lysine-specific fragmentation in fast-atom bombardment mass spectra of peptides.

A fragmentation process observed for peptides that contain lysine, or other amino acids which possess a free amino group on their sidechain, is reported. The ions generated by this process are found 16 Da below the acylium-type B ions that result from fragmentation at the C-terminal side of lysine or other amine-containing residues in fast-atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectra. These ions, which are referred to as (B-16) ions, permit differentiation between the isobaric amino acids lysine and glutamine in peptide mass spectra. High resolution measurements indicate that (B-16) ions differ in composition from the corresponding B ions by the removal of one oxygen atom. Formation is believed to occur through a cyclization process initiated by nucleophilic attack by the free amino group of the lysine sidechain at the carbon of the acylium ion (B ion). A similar process initiated directly from the protonated peptide may also occur. Analogous cyclization processes are restricted for glutamine because this residue is comparatively less nucleophilic than lysine (i.e., amide vs amine). Although (B-16) ions have been detected under high energy collisionally induced dissociation, they are formed less readily than by FAB mass spectrometry. A mechanism consistent with this observation as well as other experimental evidence is presented to account for the formation of (B-16) ions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Heparin binding properties of the carboxyl terminal domain of [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119.

Antistasin is a 119 amino acid protein with anticoagulant, antimetastatic and heparin-binding properties derived from the salivary glands of the leech Haementaria officinalis (1). This protein contains a specific consensus sequence for heparin binding at its carboxyl terminal end and a region between residues 32 and 48 putatively involved in glycosaminoglycan interactions. The cyclic peptide antistasin 37-48 (C-P-H-G-F-Q-R-S-R-Y-G-C) and the carboxyl terminal fragment [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 (P-N-G-L-K-R-D-K-L-G-A-E-Y-A-E-A-R-P-K-R-K-L-I-P-R-L-S) were synthesized by solid-phase peptide chemistry and their interactions with 125I-labeled heparin were investigated. Heparin binding to [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 was specific and saturable as binding was blocked by addition of the unlabeled glycosaminoglycan. The rank order of potency of various glycosaminoglycans in blocking 125I-labeled heparin binding to [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 was dextran sulfate greater than heparin much greater than dermatan sulfate greater than or equal to chondroitin sulfate A and C indicating a specificity of the peptide for the glycosaminoglycan structure. Moreover, heparin binding increased linearly with increasing salt and was optimal at 0.15 M NaCl and physiological pH. In contrast, binding of heparin to the basic peptide antistasin 37-48 decreased linearly as the ionic strength of the medium was increased to physiological concentration (0.15 M) thus showing a greater specificity of heparin for [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119. These studies indicate that residues 93-119 of antistasin mediate this inhibitor's interaction with heparin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mixtures of synthetic peptides and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine as lung surfactants.

Synthetic peptides that differ in their lipid-peptide interactions were combined with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and tested in an adult rat lavaged lung model in vitro for efficacy as totally synthetic lung surfactants. The putative amphipathic alpha-helical region of the major lung surfactant apoprotein (SP-A81-102), an analogue with increased amphipathic alpha-helical potential ([Lys88,97,Glu99,Trp102]-SP-A81-102]), and the hydrophobic peptide gramicidin D were all ineffective. Three water-soluble lipid-binding peptides that contain amphipathic alpha-helical regions were also tested. Of these, only a 24-residue amphipathic alpha-helical peptide (18As) based on the lipid-binding sequences of the plasma apolipoproteins was effective. Melittin and glucagon were ineffective. Mixtures of 18As and DPPC also restored gas exchange in an in vivo lavaged guinea pig lung model to 90-95% of its prelavage value and maintained it for at least 3 h. Mixtures of DPPC and 18As are also surface active (gamma min less than 4 mN/m in the pulsating bubble). These data demonstrate the efficacy of a combination of a single lipid and a small, water-soluble, nonhemolytic, synthetic peptide containing an amphipathic alpha-helical structure and a sequence unrelated to any of the reported lung surfactant apoprotein sequences.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Demonstration that [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 inhibits the specific binding of antistasin to sulfatide [Gal(3-SO4)beta 1-1Cer].

Antistasin is a 119 amino acid heparin-binding protein from the leech Haementaria officinalis which has anticoagulant and antimetastatic properties. A series of peptides representing the basic amino acid-rich domains of the amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions of the inhibitor were synthesized by solid-phase peptide chemistry and their ability to bind sulfated glycolipids was investigated. The findings show that [A103,106,108] antistasin 93-119 has high affinity for sulfatide and inhibits the specific interaction of whole antistasin with [Gal(3-SO4)beta 1-1Cer]. We conclude that the 93-119 region is a critical domain that mediates the interaction of antistasin with sulfated glycolipids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Examination of the peptide sequence requirements for lipid-binding. Alternative pathways for promoting the interaction of amphipathic alpha-helical peptides with phosphatidylcholine.

To examine the relationship between peptide sequence and the interaction of amphipathic alpha-helical peptides with phosphatidylcholines, various methods of mixing the peptide and lipid were explored. A series of amphipathic alpha-helical peptides containing from 10 to 18 residues were synthesized by solid-phase techniques. An 18-residue peptide and two relatively hydrophobic 10-residue peptides did not disrupt dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes when added to the lipid in buffer. However, when the peptides were premixed with lipid in a suitable organic solvent and then reconstituted with aqueous buffer, clear micelles were formed, indicating association of the amphipathic alpha-helical peptide with lipid. In general, the best solvent for this purpose was trifluoroethanol. The circular dichroic and fluorescence spectra of peptides which readily formed clear mixtures when mixed in buffer with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes were similar when prepared either by the alternative pathway technique using trifluoroethanol or by a cholate removal technique. For the peptides which did not clear liposomes in buffer, first mixing with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine in trifluoroethanol resulted in an increase in the alpha-helicity of the peptides as judged by circular dichroic spectra and a blue-shift in the fluorescence emission maxima of the single tryptophan residue in each peptide. These data are consistent with formation of an amphipathic alpha-helix in lipid by peptides which based on mixing experiments with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes in buffer at the phase transition temperature of the lipid would be considered ineffective in lipid binding. Thus, simple mixing of peptides with liposomes may give misleading results concerning the intrinsic affinity of a particular peptide sequence for lipid. In addition, the data demonstrate that relatively hydrophobic amphipathic alpha-helical peptides which do not form small micelles with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine spontaneously in aqueous solution may interact with lipid as typical amphipathic alpha-helices when mixed by an alternative pathway.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of the hirudin carboxy-terminal peptide 54-65 on the interaction of thrombin with platelets.

The carboxy-terminal region of hirudin (residues 54-65) has previously been shown to inhibit thrombin clotting activity without binding to the catalytic site of the enzyme. In the present study, the effect of hirudin 54-65 on thrombin interaction with specified platelet proteins has been investigated. Hirudin 54-65 was found to inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Substitution of either Phe56, Glu57, Ile59, Pro60 or Leu64 showed that these residues were critical for inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet activation whereas sulfation of Tyr63 increased the inhibitory potency of the peptide. Hydrolysis of glycoprotein V, a platelet membrane substrate for thrombin, was only partially inhibited by hirudin 54-65. Although hirudin 54-65 did not decrease the amount of thrombin bound to platelets during cross-linking experiments, it was found to inhibit the specific binding of thrombin to platelet glycoprotein Ib. Since the carboxy-terminal region of hirudin has previously been reported to bind near the trypsin-catalyzed beta cleavage site, we have analyzed the consequences of alpha to beta-thrombin conversion on both thrombin-hirudin 54-65 interaction and thrombin activity toward platelets. The beta cleavage induced a decrease in the affinity of thrombin for both glycoprotein Ib and hirudin 54-65. Altogether, our results indicate that thrombin recognition sites for hirudin 54-65 and platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib share common structures located near the beta cleavage site at Arg 73 on the thrombin B chain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗