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M Mutter

Publications and source records attributed to M Mutter.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Synthetic peptide and template-assembled synthetic protein models of the hen egg white lysozyme 87-97 helix: importance of a protein-like framework for conformational stability in a short peptide sequence.

In the native structure of hen egg white lysozyme (HEL), the amino acid sequence 87-97 (HEL 87-97) forms an amphiphilic helix, with hydrophilic residues in the sequence directed toward the solvent. A synthetic version of the HEL 87-97 sequence (with the cysteine corresponding to position 94 of HEL replaced by alanine) displays conformational features in solution typical of an unordered structure as judged by CD. However, various modifications in the sequence result in increased helix-forming potential of the HEL 87-97 analogues. Further stabilization of the helical conformation in the most helical analogue of the HEL 87-97 sequence is obtained when 4 copies of this peptide sequence are coupled on a peptide carrier molecule following the template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) approach [M. Mutter and S. Vuilleumier (1989) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., Vol. 28, pp. 535-554 "A Chemical Approach to Protein Design-Template-Assembled Synthetic Proteins (TASP)." This suggests that long-range interactions of the peptide with its environment contribute to conformational stability in short peptide sequences. TASP molecules may prove useful for the study of the factors that determine secondary structure formation in short peptides by providing a protein-like framework.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Non coded C alpha, alpha-disubstituted amino acids. X-ray diffraction analysis of a dipeptide containing (S)-alpha-methylserine.

The crystal and molecular structure of the fully protected dipeptide Boc-Val-(S)-alpha-MeSer-OMe has been determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. Crystals grown from ethyl acetate/n-pentane mixtures are tetragonal, space group I4(1), with cell parameters at 295 K of a = 15.307(2), c = 18.937(10)A, V = 4437.1A3, M.W. = 332.40, Z = 8, Dm = 0.99 g/cm3 and Dx = 0.995 g/cm3. The structure was solved by application of direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.028 for 1773 reflections with I > or = 3 sigma (I) collected on a CAD-4 diffractometer. Both chiral centers have the (S) configuration. The dipeptide assumes in the solid state an S shape. The urethane moiety is in the cis conformation, while the amide bond is in the common trans conformation. The conformational angles phi 1, psi 1 of the Val and phi 2, and psi 2 of the (S)-alpha MeSer fall in the F region of the phi-psi map. The isopropyl side chain of the Val residue has the (t, g-) conformation, while the Ser side chain has a g+ conformation. The hydrogen bond donor groups are all involved in intermolecular H-bond interactions. Along the quaternary axis the dipeptide molecules are linked to each other with the formation of infinite rows.

Crystallization↗
PubMed1992

Molecular dynamics conformational search of six cyclic peptides used in the template assembled synthetic protein approach for protein de novo design.

Six cyclic peptides, designed to act as topological templates in the TASP (template assembled synthetic protein) approach in protein de novo design, were investigated employing a 100-ps, 900-K molecular dynamics conformational search. The peptides are composed of two Lys-X-Lys (X = Gly, Ala) tripeptides connected at its N- and C-terminal end by a Pro-Gly motif and a cystine bridge (I), two Pro-Gly units (II), naphthalene derivatives (III), and tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives of different stereochemistry (IV-VI). The molecular dynamics conformational search established that template I had beta-sheet like geometry. Templates II-VI showed different preferential geometries, among them, e.g., distinct preferences for type V turns in Pro-Gly containing peptides and close spatial arrangement of hydrophobic naphthalene moieties. The orientation of the lysine side chains within preferential geometries of the individual templates is analyzed and a tentative evaluation for their potential to stabilize TASP molecules of 4-helix bundle topology is given.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Total chemical synthesis, characterization, and immunological properties of an MHC class I model using the TASP concept for protein de novo design.

The design, total chemical synthesis, and immunological properties of a four-alpha-helix bundle template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) mimicking some of the structural features of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I is described. In a first approach, the native sequence 58-74 of the alpha 1 heavy chain domain of HLA-A2 was modeled in order to increase helix stability and amphiphilicity of the 17-mer peptide, preserving the residues for potential T-cell receptor (TcR) binding properties. According to the TASP concept, these helical segments were covalently attached to a cyclic template molecule designed for the induction of a four-helix-bundle topology of the assembled peptide blocks. After extensive HPLC purification, stepwise solid-phase synthesis resulted in a TASP molecule of high chemical purity as demonstrated by analytical HPLC, mass spectrometry, and amino acid analysis. CD spectroscopic investigations are consistent with the onset of a partial alpha-helical conformation in aqueous buffer as well as in TFE. Antibodies raised directly against this four-alpha-helix bundle TASP molecule (without prior conjugation to a carrier molecule) were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry studies showed that these antibodies recognize the native MHC class I molecule on the surface of HLA-A2-positive cells. The results indicate that the TASP approach represents a versatile tool for mimicking conformational epitopes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Retention behaviour of a template-assembled synthetic protein and its amphiphilic building blocks on reversed-phase columns.

The retention behaviour of a six-helix bundle template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) molecule and its amphiphilic building blocks was investigated. The TASP consists of a circular template, cyclo(1-12)[KG]6, and six identical potentially alpha-helical peptides of the sequence KLALKLALKALKLALKLA. As an alpha-helix, this peptide is amphiliphilic along the axis of its helix. Based on this sequence, the retention times of a set of acetylated peptides containing from seven to twenty amino acids on a Nucleosil C18 column were compared with another set of peptides with the same amino acid composition but a non-amphiphilic structure. Peptide elution was effected with linear trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-water to TFA-acetonitrile gradients. The difference in retention times increased with peptide length; the 9-mers eluted at the same time, but there was a difference of 3.5 min for the 13-mers and 22.3 min for the 20-mer, indicating the induction of secondary structure on binding to the stationary phase. The same pair of 20-mers on Vydac C18, C4 and biphenyl columns gave differences in retention times of 23.2, 16.7 and 12.3 min respectively. The TASP molecule was irreversibly adsorbed to C18 stationary phases, whereas it was eluted from C4 and biphenyl columns as a single sharp peak. Several side-products resulting from the synthesis of the TASP molecule were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy. A comparison of the retention times of these side-products and the results of pre-column denaturation experiments indicated that the tertiary structure of the TASP molecule is maintained on binding to biphenyl and C4 columns.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Protein design: template-assembled synthetic proteins.

The introduction of the template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) concept for the de novo design of proteins has provided a very powerful new tool for the construction of artificial tertiary structures. TASPs are constructed by the covalent attachment of amphiphilic secondary structure blocks to a topological template, resulting in a non-linear chain architecture of the target molecules. A key feature of this approach is that the template serves to reinforce and direct the folding of the secondary structure elements into predetermined tertiary structures. Having used stepwise solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) in combination with linear oligopeptide templates in the initial stages of our research on TASPs we are now pursuing refined structural and synthetic approaches in the construction of the next generation of TASP molecules. These include the synthesis by SPPS of four-helix bundle TASPs using new cyclic templates (containing either S-S bridges or beta-turn mimetics) as well as conventional fragment condensation strategies using protected fragments. The conformational properties of these new TASPs are now under investigation, with special emphasis on the relationship between overall conformation and the nature of the topological template.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

The construction of new proteins: V. A template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) containing both a 4-helix bundle and beta-barrel-like structure.

The construction of a template-assembled synthetic protein (TASP) designed to contain both a 4-helix bundle and a beta-barrel as two folding "domains" is described. For the de novo design of proteins, amphiphilic helices (alpha) and beta-sheets (beta) are covalently attached to a template peptide (T) carrying functional side chains suitably oriented to promote intramolecular folding of the secondary structure blocks into a characteristic packing arrangement, i.e., T8-(4 alpha)(4 beta). The design of this new macromolecule was assisted by computer modeling, which suggested a low-energy conformation with tight hydrophobic packing of the secondary structure subunits. Solid-phase synthesis of the "two-domain" TASP molecule was achieved using orthogonal protection techniques. The solution properties as well as circular dichroism (CD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) data under various experimental conditions are consistent with the folded conformation suggested by modeling.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1988

Pacemaker failure associated with therapeutic radiation.

A 48-year-old white man with a multiprogrammable Intramedics 259-01 pacemaker was treated for inoperable lung cancer with a course of cobalt-60 radiotherapy (total 3,500 rad). Several weeks subsequent to his last radiation treatment, the patient presented to the emergency department with chest and abdominal pain, shortness of breath, hypotension, and tachycardia. A paced tachycardia was noted, and application of a magnet over the pacemaker completely inhibited its function, allowing a normal sinus rhythm to ensue and the patient's symptoms to be relieved. Pacemaker failure probably was a complication of radiotherapy.

Cobalt Radioisotopes↗
PubMed1988

Conformational studies on host-guest peptides containing chiral alpha-methyl-alpha-amino acids. Comparison of the helix-inducing potential of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, (S)-2-ethylalanine and (S)-2-methylserine.

The conformational behaviour of host-guest peptides of the type Ac-Ala-Xxx-Ala-Ala-Xxx-Ala-Ala-Xxx-Ala-Ala-NH-PEGM (Xxx = alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), (S)-2-ethylalanine ((S)-Iva), (S)-2-methylserine ((S)-alpha-MeSer)) has been studied by CD spectroscopy in CF3CH2OH, CH3OH, and water and by i.r. spectroscopy in CHCl3 and in the solid state. In this way the relative helix-inducing potential of the two chiral alpha-methyl-alpha-amino acids (S)-Iva and (S)-alpha-MeSer could be established in comparison to the strong helix-former Aib. The results show that (S)-Iva exerts a comparable helix-inducing effect as Aib, making this amino acid a valuable complementary tool for the stabilization or induction of helices. No significant helix-promoting effect was observed for (S)-alpha-MeSer in polar solvents; however, the i.r.-spectroscopic data in CHCl3 and in the solid state point to a helical conformation under these conditions. Possible reasons for the different behaviour of (S)-Iva and (S)-alpha-MeSer are briefly discussed.

Aminoisobutyric Acids↗
PubMed1983

Conformational characteristics of homo-oligopeptides of O-benzyl-L-tyrosine.

Conformational studies of X[-L-Tyr(Bzl)-]n-series bound to polyethyleneglycol (X = H2, Nps; n = 3-8) in the solid state and in solvents of different polarities and capabilities of forming hydrogen bonds are reported. By using i.r. absorption, the occurrence of the beta-structure in the higher oligomers in the solid state was established. By means of i.r. absorption and CD the onset of that ordered conformation in solution was assessed as a function of chain length. The effects induced by the presence of the N-protecting group and added base, and by changing the nature of solvent on the conformational preferences of the [-L-Tyr(Bzl)-]n homo-peptides were also examined. The 2-nitrophenylsulphenyl chromophoric derivative of the alpha-amino group is proposed as a circular dichroism sensor for beta-structure in peptides.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1982

Effect of yohimbine and its diastereoisomers on clonidine-induced depression of exploration in the rat.

The effects of yohimbine, rauwolscine and corynanthine on clonidine-induced depression of exploration (ambulation and rearing) in the rat were investigated. Yohimbine and rauwolscine antagonized clonidine-induced hypoactivity in a dose-range of 0.3 - 3 mg/kg i.p. By contrast, corynanthine was found to lack such an effect up to ten times higher doses. These results are in agreement with the reported differential affinity of these drugs for the alpha 2-adrenoceptors respectively and suggest the involvement of alpha 2-receptors in the mediation of depressant effect of clonidine. The antagonism of clonidine-induced hypoactivity appears, therefore, to provide a suitable in vivo measure of preferential alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking activity of drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Studies on the coupling rates in liquid-phase peptide synthesis using competition experiments.

Competition experiments were carried out in order to determine relative reaction rates, Vrel, for the peptide-forming step. Using the liquid-phase method of peptide synthesis a model system was developed to investigate the influence of coupling method, amino component, derivatization and solvent upon Vrel. According to a standard procedure, Vrel for all 20 commonly occurring amino acids were established. A strong dependence of Vrel upon steric effects of the coupling components was found. The data obtained may serve as a guideline for optimizing the reaction conditions in peptide synthesis.

Amino Acids↗