Harveen Kaur

Total synthesis of the cyclic depsipeptide YM-280193, a platelet aggregation inhibitor.

The first total synthesis of YM-280193, a cyclic depsipeptide that inhibits the ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets, is described. The monomer and dipeptide fragments were prepared using conventional chemistry and subsequently assembled by Fmoc-solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS). A late-stage novel bis-alkylation-elimination of cysteine on-resin was employed to introduce the unnatural N-methyldehydroalanine moiety. The final step involved execution of a key macrolactamization reaction between the hindered unnatural N,O-dimethylthreonine and β-hydroxyleucine residues.

Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and Therapeutic Potential of the G Protein, Gα/q,11.

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the major classes of cell surface receptors and are associated with a group of G proteins consisting of three subunits termed alpha, beta, and gamma. G proteins are classified into four families according to their α subunit; Gαi, Gαs, Gα12/13, and Gαq. There are several downstream pathways of Gαq of which the best known is upon activation via guanosine triphosphate (GTP), Gαq activates phospholipase Cβ, hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate into diacylglycerol and inositol triphosphate and activating protein kinase C and increasing calcium efflux from the endoplasmic reticulum. Although G proteins, in particular, the Gαq/11 are central elements in GPCR signaling, their actual roles have not yet been thoroughly investigated. The lack of research of the role on Gαq/11 in cell biology is partially due to the obscure nature of the available pharmacological agents. YM-254890 is the most useful Gαq-selective inhibitor with antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and thrombolytic effects. YM-254890 inhibits Gαq signaling pathways by preventing the exchange of guanosine diphosphate for GTP. UBO-QIC is a structurally similar compound to YM-254890, which can inhibit platelet aggregation and cause vasorelaxation in rats. Many agents are available for the study of signaling downstream of Gαq/11. The role of G proteins could potentially represent a novel therapeutic target. This review will explore the range of pharmacological and molecular tools available for the study of the role of Gαq/11 in GPCR signaling.

The synthesis of dehydrotryptophan and dehydrotryptophan-containing peptides

Dehydrotryptophan and its derivatives are non-proteinogenic amino acids commonly found in peptide-based natural products produced by microorganisms, marine organisms and plants. These non-proteinogenic amino acids are found in secondary metabolites and are formed by post translational modification processes. Although comprehensive reviews on the synthesis of dehydroamino acids are available, this perspective focuses solely on methods to synthesise the dehydrotryptophan-containing segment of naturally occurring peptides, amino acids and their derivatives.

Gaq proteins: molecular pharmacology and therapeutic potential

Seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have gained much interest in recent years as it is the largest class among cell surface receptors. G proteins lie in the heart of GPCRs signalling and therefore can be therapeutically targeted to overcome complexities in GPCR responses and signalling. G proteins are classified into four families (Gi, Gs, G12/13 and Gq); Gq is further subdivided into four classes. Among them Gαq and Gαq/11 isoforms are most crucial and ubiquitously expressed; these isoforms are almost 88% similar at their amino acid sequence but may exhibit functional divergences. However, uncertainties often arise about Gαq and Gαq/11 inhibitors, these G proteins might also have suitability to the invention of novel-specific inhibitors for each isoforms. YM-254890 and UBO-QIC are discovered as potent inhibitors of Gαq functions and also investigated in thrombin protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 inhibitors and platelet aggregation inhibition. The most likely G protein involved in PAR-1 stimulates responses is one of the Gαq family isoforms. In this review, we highlight the molecular structures and pharmacological responses of Gαq family which may reflect the biochemical and molecular role of Gαq and Gαq/11. The advanced understanding of Gαq and Gαq/11 role in GPCR signalling may shed light on our understanding on cell biology, cellular physiology and pathophysiology and also lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents for a number of diseases.

Intermolecular Peptide Cross‐Linking by Using Diaminodicarboxylic Acids

Synthetic methods aimed at preparing peptides cross-linked by diaminodiacids remain an important chemical challenge. These cross-links are known to play a crucial role on the activity, structural stability, and folding of the host peptides and proteins. Recent developments in the syntheses of such systems have led to intriguing advances in the understanding of intermolecular side-chain cross-linking and the role that these structural motifs play in the biochemistry of proteins. Herein we provide an overview of the existing synthetic methodology that has been developed to effect protein cross-linking using diaminodiacids.

Synthesis of Natural Cyclopentapeptides Isolated from Dianthus chinensis

The first syntheses of the naturally occurring cyclic peptides dianthin I (1), pseudostellarin A (2), and heterophyllin J (3) are described. The linear protected peptide precursors were prepared efficiently via Fmoc-solid-phase synthesis and subsequently cyclized in solution under dilute conditions. The structures of the synthetic cyclopentapeptides were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and were in agreement with the literature data reported for the natural products.

Synthesis of N-Linked Glycopeptides Using Convergent Enzymatic Glycosylation Combined with SPPS

Glycosylation of peptides and proteins has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of peptide- and protein-based therapeutics. The synthesis of pure homogeneous N-linked glycopeptides and glycoproteins is a challenging task, and efficient routes to access them are in high demand. Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidise catalysed glycosylation of N-acetylglucosamine-tagged peptides, using activated oligosaccharide oxazolines as donors, has recently attracted attention due to the relative simplicity by which the process convergently affords glycoconjugates with complete control of stereo- and regioselectivity. Herein, a brief review of some examples of recent enzyme-mediated N-glycosylation used to synthesise glycopeptides with therapetic potential is provided.

Synthesis of Psychrophilin E

The first total synthesis of psychrophilin E, a potent antiproliferative cyclic tripeptide isolated from Aspergillus versicolor ZLN-60, is reported herein. Key features of the synthesis include the installation of an amide bond between the indole-nitrogen of tryptophan and an anthranilic acid residue, and a high yielding macrolactamization of the linear tripeptide to the desired macrocycle.