Adam W. Mazur

Enantioselective synthesis of phosphinyl peptidomimetics via an asymmetric Michael reaction of phosphinic acids with acrylate derivatives

Abstract Asymmetric Michael reaction of phosphinic or aminophosphinic acids with acrylate derivatives afforded phosphinyl dipeptidomimetics in excellent yields (>90%). Chiral induction of substituents at the α-position of acrylate derivatives of Evans oxazolidinone type auxiliaries was obtained in moderate to excellent diastereomeric and enantiomeric excesses (50–98%). Pure diastereomers and enantiomers of phosphinyl dipeptidomimetics 16 – 19 were also successfully separated by HPLC.

Regio- and stereoselective enzymatic esterification of glycerol and its derivatives.

A methodology for regio- and stereoselective preparation of acyl glycerol derivatives is presented. It offers easy access to specific 1,2-, 1,3-diglycerides and triglycerides as well as alkyl glycerol esters, phospholipids and glycolipids. These compounds are prepared by esterification of the corresponding glycerol derivatives such as 2-monoglycerides, alkyl glycerols, glyceryl glycosides, glyceryl phosphate esters, or unsubstituted glycerol. The regio- and stereoselectivity in the esterification is achieved by using fatty acid anhydrides and an enzymatic catalyst, 1,3-specific lipase. NMR methods for determining the regio- and stereoselectivity of esterification are discussed.

Sauvagine analogs selective for corticotropin releasing factor 2 receptor: effect of substitutions at positions 35 and 39 on CRF2R selectivity

Corticotropin releasing factor 2 receptor selective analogs of the amphibian peptide sauvagine, a member of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) peptide family, have therapeutic potential for the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy. Previously, we demonstrated that [P11X12X13]Svg peptides have improved CRF2R selectivity, although not to the level of CRF2R selective hormones such as urocortin 2 and urocortin 3. Since we also demonstrated a potential for improvement in selectivity of sauvagine by modifications of residues 35 and 39, we investigated substitutions of these amino acids in selected [P11X12X13]Svg peptides. We have observed that substitution of Arg35 in sauvagine to Ala35 (the amino acid found in all CRF2R selective agonists), increased the selectivity of [P11, X12, X13]Svg analogs. In contrast, substitution of Asp39 in sauvagine to Ala39 (also the amino acid found in all CRF2R selective agonists) did not further increase the selectivity of [P11, X12, X13, A35]Svg analogs. Thus, the residues 35 along with 11, 12, and 13 in sauvagine represent important sites for improving CRF2R selectivity.

Synthesis of 1-substituted 2,3-dihydro-7H-oxepin-4-one from an amino acid

Abstract 3,4-Dihydro-7H-oxepin-4-one system is potentially convenient starting material for the synthesis of diverse oxepane-based compounds such as peptidomimetics. We have developed a simple, five-step synthesis of 1-substituted-3,4-dihydro-7H-oxepin-4-one 11 from Boc- d -phenylalanine using a combination of statine synthesis methodology and olefin ring closing metathesis reaction.

2-Substituted-2-amino-6-boronohexanoic acids as arginase inhibitors.

Substitution at the alpha center of the known human arginase inhibitor 2-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid (ABH) is acceptable in the active site pockets of both human arginase I and arginase II. In particular, substituents with a tertiary amine linked via a two carbon chain show improved inhibitory potency for both enzyme isoforms. This potency improvement can be rationalized by X-ray crystallography, which shows a water-mediated contact between the basic nitrogen and the carboxylic acid side chain of Asp200, which is situated at the mouth of the active site pocket of arginase II (Asp181 in arginase I). We believe that this is the first literature report of compounds with improved arginase inhibitory activity, relative to ABH, and represents a promising starting point for further optimization of in vitro potency and the identification of better tool molecules for in vivo investigations of the potential pathophysiological roles of arginases.

Preparation of ‘carba’ dipeptides bearing a basic side-chain at the C-terminus: synthesis of enantiopure Boc-d-Phe-Ψ[CH2CH2]-l-Arg(NO2)-OH and Boc-d-Phe-Ψ[CH2CH2]-d-Arg(NO2)-OH

Abstract A new approach to synthesize ‘carba’ Ψ[CH 2 CH 2 ] dipeptides, e.g. Boc- d -Phe-Ψ[CH 2 CH 2 ]- l -Arg(NO 2 )-OH and Boc- d -Phe-Ψ[CH 2 CH 2 ]- d -Arg(NO 2 )-OH, is described.

Modifications of the human urocortin 2 peptide that improve pharmacological properties.

Recently, we demonstrated that the corticotropin releasing factor 2 receptor agonist, urocortin 2, demonstrated anti-atrophy effects in rodent skeletal muscle atrophy models. Compared to other CRF2R agonists however, the in vivo pharmacological potency of urocortin 2 is poor when it is administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion. Therefore, we attempted to modify the structure of urocortin 2 to improve in vivo efficacy when administered by subcutaneous infusion. By substituting amino acid residues in the linker region of urocortin 2 (residues 22-32), we have demonstrated improved in vivo potency without altering selectivity, probably through reduced CRFBP binding. In addition, attempts to shorten urocortin 2 generally resulted in inactive peptides, demonstrating that the 38 amino acid urocortin 2 peptide is the minimal pharmacophore.