Multifunctional folded polypeptides from peptide synthesis and site-selective self-functionalization--practical scaffolds in aqueous solution.

Abstract

The site selectivity of His-mediated lysine and ornithine side-chain acylation in a designed four-helix bundle protein scaffold was mapped by reaction of several polypeptides with one equivalent of mono-p-nitrophenyl fumarate in aqueous solution at pH 5.9 and room temperature followed by an analysis of the degrees and sites of acylation. Integration of the HPLC chromatograms of the acylated polypeptides and trypsin cleavage followed by mass spectrometry analysis of the tryptic fragments provided the experimental evidence. Based on these and previously published results a strategy was developed for the site-selective and stepwise incorporation of three residues into a folded polypeptide in aqueous solution at room temperature. The first substituent was incorporated by reaction of a 1.7-fold excess of the corresponding active ester with the polypeptide at pH 5.9, the second substituent was introduced in a 3-fold excess after the pH value was raised to 8, and the third substituent was incorporated by reaction of a 10-fold excess with the polypeptide at pH 5.9. No intermediate steps of purification were taken and the overall yield was 30 % or more. Examples of the substituents included are carbohydrates, an enzyme inhibitor, a fumarate, and an acetate group. The introduction of different substituents into three individually addressable positions in a stepwise, efficient, and controllable reaction demonstrates that designed folded polypeptides are practically useful scaffolds that can be functionalized by using very simple chemistry in aqueous solution. Predicted applications include designed receptors, biosensors, and molecular devices.