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The preferred conformations of the orphan G-protein coupled receptor agonists (des-bromo) neuropeptide B [1-23] and neuropeptide W [1-23], referred to as NPB and NPW, have been determined by (1)H NMR, CD, and molecular modeling. The sequences of NPB and NPW are WYKPAAGHSSYSVGRAAGLLSGL and WYKHVASPRYHTVGRAAGLLMGL, respectively. These are hypothalamic peptides that exert their biological actions on GPR7 and GPR8 receptors. Micellar solutions using the membrane mimetic, sodium dodecylsulphate-d(25) (SDS), were used to mimic a physiological environment for the peptides. The secondary structure of NPB consists of a type II beta-turn involving residues Lys(3) to Ala(6). The C-terminal region of NPB exists in a conformational equilibrium between different secondary structures, including an alpha-helix from residues Arg(15) to Ser(21), and a 3(10)-helix from residues Ser(12) to Ser(21). The N-terminus of NPW exhibits a cation-pi interaction between the Lys(3) side chain and the quadrupole moment of the Trp(1) indole group. At the C-terminus of NPW, a well-defined alpha-helical conformation exists from Arg(15) to Met(21). As NPB and NPW have 91% sequence homology from residues Val(13) to Leu(23), with only residue 21 differing between the two peptides, the similar C-terminal secondary structures of these two peptides are consistent with the sequences. This is supported by the similar CD spectra. The different secondary structures at the N-termini for NPB and NPW point to the importance of the N-terminus in receptor binding. This is consistent with the work of Fujii et al. [J. Biol. Chem. 277, 34010-34016 (2002)] who observed that iodination of the NPB Tyr(2) resulted in decreased agonistic activity at GPR7. In addition, Tanaka et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100, 6251-6256 (2003)] showed that deletion of Trp(1) from NPB or NPW drastically decreased activity at GPR7 for NPB and GPR7 and GPR8 for NPW. Therefore, we postulate that the N-terminus is involved in membrane recognition and receptor binding.

The preferred conformation of orexin-B, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor agonist (the human sequence is RSGPPGLQGRLQRLLQASGNHAAGILTM-NH(2)) has been determined by (1)H and (13)C 2D NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Orexin-B has been implicated in sleep-wakefulness and feeding regulation. The membrane mimetic, sodium dodecylsulphate-d(25) (SDS), was used to mimic a physiological environment for the peptide. The secondary structure of orexin-B in SDS consists of two helical sections; helix I spans Leu(7) to Ser(18) and helix II spans Ala(22) to Leu(26). Helices I and II are believed to be involved in membrane binding, as is supported by the results of the spin label studies with 5-doxylstearic acid. Lee et al. (Eur. J. Biochem. 266, 831-839 (1999)) determined the [Phe(1)]-orexin-B conformation in water solution by NMR and showed that helix II extends from Ala(23) to Met(28). The C-terminal dipeptide, Thr(27)-Met(28), is unstructured is SDS, whereas in water it forms the end of helix II. The lack of apparent structure for Thr(27)-Met(28) in SDS allows the dipeptide to have conformational freedom to interact with the receptor. The conformation of orexin-B can now be used to explain the Ala substitution mutagenesis experiments and the D-amino acid substitution experiments (S. Asahi et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 13, 111-113, 2003). Asahi et al. have shown that Ala substitution from Gly(24) to Met(28) or D-amino acid substitution from Ala(23) to Met(28) causes a significant reduction in the potency of orexin-B for both OX(1)R and OX(2)R receptors. We postulate that helix II is involved in membrane recognition, and its binding to the membrane is essential for Thr(27)-Met(28) to adopt the correct receptor-binding conformation.

The conformation of orexin-A, an orphan G-protein coupled receptor agonist has been determined when bound to sodium dodecylsulphate-d(25) (SDS) micelles by (1)H and (13)C NMR and molecular modeling. Orexin-A has been implicated in sleep-wakefulness and feeding regulation. The conformational preference of orexin-A consists of a short helical section, involving Asp(5) to Gln(9) that makes up helix I, followed by a bend from Lys(10) to Ser(13). Residues Leu(16) to Gly(22) make up helix II. The conformation of orexin-A can now be used to explain the results of earlier Ala substitution mutagenesis experiments (J. G. Darker et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 11, 737-740 (2001); S. Ammoun, et al., J. Pharmacol. Expt. Ther. 305, 507-514 (2003)). Darker et al., working with orexin-A (15-33) amide, observed a significant drop in functional potency at the OX(1)R receptor when Leu(16), Leu(19), Leu(20), His(26), Gly(29), Ile(30), Leu(31), Thr(32), and Leu(33) were replaced by Ala. Ammoun et al. identified three areas of interest, which were the same for OX(1)R and OX(2)R receptors, as amino acids 15-17, 20 and 25-26 with the most marked reduction in activity being produced by the replacement of Leu(20) by Ala. We suggest that Leu(16), Leu(19), and Leu(20), which are in helix II, are likely responsible for binding orexin-A to the surface of the micelle.

The tertiary structure of the pain modulating and anti-opiate neuropeptide, human neuropeptide AF (NPAF) (the sequence is AGEGLNSQFWSLAAPQRF-NH(2)), was determined by (1)H-NMR. The structure of NPAF was determined in two solvent systems, namely 50%/50% trifluoroethanol-d(3)/H(2)O (TFE/H(2)O) and in the cell membrane mimetic micelle, sodium dodecylsulfate-d(25) (SDS). The receptor for NPAF is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor, and the micellar SDS solvent system was used to emulate the cell membrane surface in line with the Cell Membrane Compartments Theory proposed by R. Schwyzer (Biopolymers, 1995, Vol. 37, pp. 5-16). In both solvent systems, NPAF was found to be primarily alpha-helical within the central portion of the molecule, from Asn(6) to Ala(14). The N-terminus was random in both solvent systems. In the SDS solution, the C-terminal tetrapeptide was structured and formed a type I beta-turn, whereas in TFE/H(2)O it was unstructured, showing the importance of the C-terminal tetrapeptide in receptor recognition. NPAF was found to associate with SDS, and was shown to be near the surface of the micelle by spin label studies with 5-doxyl-stearic acid., (Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Calculated and experimental (1)H, (13)C and (19)F chemical shifts were compared in BKM-824, a cyclic bradykinin antagonist mimic, c[Ava(1)-Igl(2)-Ser(3)-DF5F(4)-Oic(5)-Arg(6)] (Ava=5-aminovaleric acid, Igl=alpha-(2-indanyl)glycine, DF5F=pentafluorophenylalanine, Oic=(2S,3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid). The conformation of BKM-824 has been studied earlier by NMR spectroscopy (M. Miskolzie et al., J. Biomolec. Struct. Dyn. 17, 947-955 (2000)). All NMR structures have qualitatively the same backbone structure but there is considerable variation in the side chain conformations. We have carried out quantum mechanical optimization for three representative NMR structures at the B3LYP/6-31G* level, constraining the backbone dihedral angles at their NMR structure values, followed by NMR chemical shift calculations at the optimized structures with the 6-311G** basis set. There is an intramolecular hydrogen bond at Ser(3) in the optimized structures. The experimental (13)C chemical shifts at five C(alpha) positions as well as at the Cbeta, Cgamma and Cdelta position of Ava(1), which forms part of the backbone, are well reproduced by the calculations, confirming the NMR backbone structure. A comparison between the calculated and experimental H(beta) chemical shifts in Igl(2) shows that the dominant conformation at this residue is gauche. Changes of proton chemical shifts with the scan of the chi(1) angle in DF5F(4) suggest that chi(1)180 degrees. The calculated (1)H and (13)C chemical shifts are in good agreement with experiment at the rigid residue Oic(5). None of the models gives accurate results for Arg(6), presumably because of its positive charge. Our study indicates that calculated NMR shifts can be used as additional constraints in conjunction with NMR data to determine protein conformations. However, to be computationally effective, a database of chemical shifts in small peptide fragments should be precalculated.

The solution structure of neuropeptide F (NPF), from the flatworm (platyhelminthes) Moniezia expansa, has been determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy at 800 MHz in 60%/40% CD(3)OH/H(2)O. NPF is the most abundant neuropeptide in platyhelminthes. The secondary structure of NPF contains an alpha helix from residues Lys(14) to Ile(31), while the N terminus, consisting of residues Pro(-2) to Asn(13), and the C-terminus, consisting of residues Gly(32) to Phe(36), are in a random conformation. The structure was calculated by a simulated annealing protocol, and the conformational data are compared to the porcine neuropeptide Y (NPY), a peptide hormone and neurotransmitter. The exact function of NPF is unknown, but structural similarity with porcine NPY indicates that its mode of action is similar. These structural data can serve as a starting point in the design of new antiparasitic drugs.

The secondary structure of a bradykinin B(1)receptor antagonist B-10324 (F5C-Lys-(1)- Lys(0)-Arg(1)-Pro(2)- Hyp(3)-Gly(4)-CpG(5)- Ser(6)-DTic(7)-CpG(8)) was determined by NMR at 800MHz. The conformational data are compared with those obtained previously for two bradykinin B(1) receptor antagonists, namely B-9858 (Lys-(1)- Lys(0)-Arg(1)-Pro(2)- Hyp(3)-Gly(4)-Igl(5)- Ser(6)-DIgl(7)-Oic(8)) and B-10148 (Lys-(1)-Lys(0)-Arg(1)- Pro(2)-Hyp(3)-Gly(4)- Igl(5)-Ser(6)-DF5F(7)- Oic(8)). The abnormal amino acids are: Hyp, trans-4- hydroxyproline; Tic, 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid; Oic, (2S, 3aS, 7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; Igl, alpha(2- indanyl)glycine; F5F, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylalanine; CpG, alpha- cyclopentylglycine. F5C, pentafluorocinnamoyl, is the N-terminal protecting group and is not involved in the peptide secondary structure. B-10324 contains an N-terminal Pro(2)- CpG(5) distorted type II beta-turn whereas the rest of the peptide is random. A salt bridge is not observed between the carboxylate group at the C-terminal end and the Arg(1) side chain, in contrast to that previously observed for B-9858 and B- 10148. The conformations are correlated with the measured B(1) receptor antagonist activities (J.-F. Larrivée, L. Gera, S. Houle, J. Bouthillier, D. R. Bachvarov, J. M. Stewart and F. Marc au, Br. J. Pharmacol. 131, 885-892 (2000)). The importance of the N-terminal beta-turn is highlighted.

Three peptides, B-10148 (Lys-1-Lys0-Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Igl5-Ser6- DF5F7-Oic8; where Hyp is trans-4-hydroxyproline, Igl is alpha-(2-indanyl)glycine, F5F is 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenylalanine and Oic is (3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid), B-10206 (DArg0-Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Igl5-Ser6-DF 5F7-Nc7G8-Arg9; where Nc7G is N-cycloheptylglycine) and B- 10284 (Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Thr6-DTic7-Oic8- NH2; where Tic is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid), were studied in detail by NMR spectroscopy in 60% CD3OH /40% H2O and modeled by a simulated annealing protocol to determine their solution structure. B-10148, an extremely potent BK B1 receptor antagonist with very high BK B2 receptor antagonist activity, despite lacking a C-terminal Arg, displayed an ideal type II beta-turn from Pro2 to Igl5, as well as a salt bridge between the guanidino group of Arg1 and the carboXylate group of Oic8. B-10206, the most potent B2 antagonist, also displayed an ideal type II beta-turn from Pro2 to Igl5 but secondary structure was not observed at the C-terminal end. The third peptide, B-10284, a des-Arg9 analog with a C-terminal amide and a very potent B2 antagonist, had no definite solution structure. The high activity of these peptides emphasizes the importance of the N-terminal beta-turn and the hydrophobic character at the C-terminus in determining the activity of bradykinin antagonists.

A detailed NMR study is carried out in acetonitrile/water solutions on three novel cyclic bradykinin antagonist analogues, BKM-824, BKM-870, and BKM-872, to examine their solution structures, and to correlate the structures with bradykinin antagonist and anti-cancer activities. The solution structures of the cyclic peptides are correlated with the structural data for known linear bradykinin antagonists. The sequences are: BKM-824 c[Ava-Ig1-Ser-DF5F-Oic-Arg] where Ava is 5-aminovaleric acid, Ig1 is alpha-(2-indanyl)glycine, F5F is pentafluorophenylalanine, and Oic is (2S,3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; BKM-870; c[DArg-Arg-Add-DF5F-Oic-Arg] where Add is 12-aminododecanoic acid; and BKM-872; c[DArg-Arg-Eac-Ser-DF5F-Oic-Arg] where Eac is 6-aminocaproic acid. BKM-824 was the only peptide within this series that possessed a discernable solution structure. The NMR data indicate the presence of a type I beta-turn between residues F5F4 and Ava1, a C-terminal-like end. Molecular dynamics calculations show that a type I beta-turn from DF5F4 to Ava1 does exist although the turn was somewhat distorted. This result differs from the structures seen in linear bradykinin antagonists, which usually possess a type II'beta-turn at the C-terminal end and the presence of a defined turn is correlated with bradykinin antagonist activity. There is no solution structure for BKM-870 and BKM-872 but a correlation between the primary sequence Arg(terminal)-DArg1-Arg2-long chain aliphatic amino acid and anti-cancer activity is evident.

The solution structure of a synthetic peptide, Cn2(1-15)NH2-S-S-acetyl-Cn2(52-66)NH2 from toxin 2 (Cn2) of the New World scorpion Centruroides noxius was determined using nmr and molecular dynamics calculations. The peptide has no significant secondary structure such as an alpha-helix or a beta-sheet, yet it has a fixed conformation for the first chain. The backbone secondary structure involving residues 6-12 in this peptide shows an excellent overlap with the structures of natural neurotoxins from Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing. Residues 6-9 form a distorted type I beta-turn and residues 10-12 form a gamma-turn. As residues 7-10 in the Centruroides toxins correspond to one of the regions of highest sequence variability, it may account for the species specificity and/or selectivity of toxic action. The conformation of this region evidently plays an important role in receptor recognition and in binding to the neutralizing monoclonal antibody BCF2 raised against the intact toxin.

Most physiological processes are regulated by peptides that perform their functions by interacting with specific receptors on cells. Specific conformations of the peptides are required for correct interactions to take place, and a knowledge of the biologically important conformation is vital for the understanding of biological function. Over the last few years extensive studies using nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism have been carried out on bradykinin (Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) and its antagonists with the objective of developing new drugs to combat severe pathologies associated with its production. In the present review, these techniques for the determination of peptide conformation are reviewed and applied to the study of bradykinin and its antagonists. Modeling of these conformational data in the presence of the B2 receptor or an antibody allows the biologically active conformations to be deduced and these are presented in this review.

Extensive proton magnetic resonance experiments were carried out on three bradykinin peptide antagonists B-9430, B-9436, and B-9858 in aqueous solutions as well as in sodium dodecylsulphate micelles (B-9430 and B-9436) and CD3OH/H2O (60%/40%) mixtures for B-9858. All three peptides showed no observable secondary structure in aqueous solution. However, in their respective structure-inducing solvents, B-9430 (B1 and B2 receptor antagonist) and B-9436 (a B2 receptor antagonist) exhibit a type II beta-turn involving residues 2-5, and B-9430 also exhibits a type II' beta-turn involving residues 6-9 (in sodium dodecylsulfate micellar solutions), whereas B-9858, a B1-specific receptor antagonist, exhibits only a type II beta-turn involving residues 2-5 (in CD3OH/H2O solutions). Simulated annealing calculations on B-9858 confirm the experimental conclusions based on the nmr data. In addition, simulated annealing of the (2S, 3aS, 7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic residue), which is present in two of the three decapeptides studied, show that the one-chair conformation of the six-membered ring predominates, in agreement with the experimental data. The activities of these peptides are compared with their secondary structures and the specific receptor activity appears to depend on the presence of specific amino acid residues, such as N-(2-indanyl) glycine (Nig) and D[alpha-(2-indanyl) glycine] (D-Igl) as well as on elements of secondary structure.

Translation of an immune response into therapy is probably the toughest task in designing vaccines for cancer due to the heterogeneity of the cell surface antigens which display tremendous variations in glycoforms. Consequently, a small segment (antigen) of cancer-associated mucin, in spite of generating antigen-specific immune responses, may be limited in therapeutic value. It is important that the synthetic segment resembles the native cancer-associated mucin in both structure and conformation. Synthetic cancer associated mucin derived 16 amino acid peptide GVTSAPDTRPAPGSTA and its partially glycosylated forms have demonstrated specific binding to two monoclonal antibodies, B27.29 and BCP8, raised against the native cancer associated mucin, MUC-1 and a MUC-1 derived synthetic peptide, respectively. In spite of the structural similarities at the core peptide level of both glycosylated and unglycosylated peptides, it appears that partial glycosylation does not inhibit and even slightly enhances binding to the MAb B27.29 indicating that the glycosylated synthetic peptide more closely resembles the native mucin epitope recognized by MAb B27.29. From molecular dynamic simulations using NMR derived distance constraints, both glycosylated and unglycosylated peptides have shown a type 1 beta turn involving the same amino acids in both glycosylated and unglycosylated peptides. The alpha GalNAc attached to the threonine (T3) and serine (S4) in the 16 amino acid sequence has not imposed any conformational changes to the peptide backbone nor has offered severe steric resistance to the binding of either antibody to the glycopeptides as indicated by hapten inhibition studies. Nevertheless, all peptides have displayed glycosylation dependent specificities in binding to these antibodies, i.e. the glycosylated peptides demonstrated relative higher affinities to the native mucin antibody B27.29 while the unglycosylated peptide is more specific to the MAb BCP8. Immune responses generated by these synthetic glycopeptides are highly specific in recognizing the native cancer associated mucin.

CD and nmr studies have been carried out on aqueous trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions of bradykinin (BK) and a bradykinin antagonist. The CD results exhibit a striking effect of TFE on the spectra of BK, with sequence Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg, and the BK antagonist, with sequence D-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-D-Ser-D-Cpg-Cpg-Arg [where Hyp is 4-hydroxy-L-proline; Thi refers to beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine and Cpg refers to alpha-cyclopentylglycine). The effect of increasing concentration of TFE in water on the difference ellipticity at 222 nm was examined and showed that BK may be a mixture of at least two different conformers, one of which largely forms when the TFE concentration is increased beyond 80%. The linear extrapolation of 100% of the difference ellipticity of BK at low TFE concentrations yields a value in agreement with that shown by the BK antagonist, indicating that the conformation of BK at the lower TFE concentrations is similar to that of the BK antagonist. The conformational analysis was carried out using both one-dimensional and two-dimensional 1H-nmr techniques. The total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) spectrum of BK in a 60/40% (v/v) TFE/H2O solution at 10 degrees C and a nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) spectrum that shows only sequential H alpha (i)-NH(i + 1) or the H alpha (i)-H delta delta' (i + 1) NOEs indicate that the majority of the molecules adopt an all-trans extended conformation. The TOCSY for BK in the 95/5% (v/v) TFE/H2O solution shows that there are two major conformations in the solution with about equal population. The NOESY experiment shows two new important cross peaks for one conformation, namely Pro2 (alpha)-Pro3 (alpha) and the Pro2 (alpha)-Gly4(NH), indicating a cis Pro2-Pro3 bond and a type VI beta-turn between residues Arg1 and Gly4 involving cis proline at position 3, respectively. The low temperature coefficient of Gly4 for this conformation suggests the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond, therefore a type VIa beta-turn is present. The other conformation is all trans and extended. The BK antagonist shows difference CD spectra in TFE solutions referred to H2O that are superficially indicative of a beta-bend.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The type II and type III collagen alpha-1 chain C-telopeptides are a 27 mer with the sequence NAc-GPGIDMSAFAGLGPREKGPDPLQYMRA and a 22mer,NAc-GGGVASLGAGEKGPVGYGYEYR, respectively. Their conformations have been studied in CD3OH/H2O (80/20) solution by means of two-dimensional proton NMR and CD spectroscopy. Based on TOCSY and NOESY experiments, all resonances were assigned and the conformational properties were analyzed in terms of vicinal NH-H alpha coupling constants, sequential and medium range NOEs and amide proton temperature coefficients. The conformation of the type II C-telopeptide is essentially extended. Evidence from CD spectroscopy suggests that a very minor proportion of the peptide might be helical (ca.8%), but the NMR data show no evidence for a non-linear structure. The observation of reduced amide proton temperature dependence coefficients in certain sections of the molecule can, in view of the absence of any other supporting evidence, only be interpreted in terms of local shielding from solvent for sterical reasons (large hydrophobic side-chains). The conformation of the type III C-telopeptide is mostly extended except for a beta-turn ranging from Gly8 to Glu11, which is stabilized by a hydrogen-bond between NH of Glu11 and the carbonyl group of Gly8. The low temperature coefficient of NH(Glu11) and, in particular, the observation of a medium range NOE between H alpha (A9) and NH(E11) corroborate the existence of a beta-turn in this region. Although spectral overlap prevents a precise conclusion with regard to the type of beta-turn present, there is some evidence that it might be type II.

The type II and type III collagen alpha-1 chain N-telopeptides are a nonadecamer with the sequence pEMAGGFDEKAGGAQLGVMQ-NH2 and a tetradecamer with the sequence pEYEAYDVKSGVAGG-NH2, respectively. Their conformations have been studied in CD3OH/H2O (60/40) solution by means of two-dimensional proton nmr spectroscopy. Based on double quantum filtered correlation spectroscopy, total correlation spectroscopy, rotating frame nuclear Overhauser enhancement (ROE) spectroscopy, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) spectroscopy experiments, all resonances were assigned and the conformational properties were analyzed in terms of vicinal NH-H alpha coupling constants, sequential and medium-range NOEs (ROEs), and amide proton temperature coefficients. The NOE distance constraints as well as dihedral constraints based on the vicinal NH-H alpha coupling constants were used as input parameters for restrained molecular mechanics, consisting of restrained molecular dynamics and restrained energy minimization calculations. The type II N-telopeptide's conformation is dominated by a fused beta gamma-turn between Phe6 and Ala10, stabilized by three hydrogen bonds and a salt bridge between the side-chain end groups of Glu8 and Lys9. The first 5 amino acids are extended with a much higher degree of conformational freedom. The 2 Gly residues following the turns were found to be highly flexible (hinge-like), leaving the spatial position of the second half of the molecule relative to the fused beta gamma-turn undefined. In the type III telopeptide, a series of sequential NH(i)-NH(i + 1) ROEs were observed between the amino acids Tyr2 and Ser9, indicating that a fraction of the conformational space is helical. However, the absence of medium-range ROEs and the lack of regularity of the effects associated with alpha-helices suggest the presence of a nascent rather than a complete helix.

Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide hormone with sequence Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9 and has been implicated in a multitude of pathophysiological processes such as the ability to lower systemic blood pressure and stimulate pain. BK analogues having bulky, beta-branched D-aliphatic residues at position 7 combined with bulky L-aliphatic residues at position 8 have now been observed to be strong antagonists. Conformational studies based on two-dimensional nmr experiments in methanol/water (80/20 v/v) were carried out on several such active antagonists in a polar solvent. Included in this study were the very active antagonists, [D-Arg0,Hyp3,Thi5,D-Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK [Cpg: alpha-cyclo-pentyl-glycine; Hyp: trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline; Thi: beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine] (I), [D-Arg0,Hyp3,D-Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK (II), as well as its variant with D-Cpg7 replaced by Cpg7, namely [D-Arg0,Hyp3,Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK (III). A turn-like structure, which coexists with the extended conformation, was observed between residues 2 and 5 for the most active antagonists I and II, in direct correlation with the peptide activities. No turn-like structure was found for residues 6-9. In peptide III, a turn-like structure was not identified. The existence of a turn at the C-terminal end of bradykinin and its analogues has been predicted by empirical calculations and supported by nmr measurements. But the present nmr study on the most active antagonists (I, II) does not support this hypothesis. Instead, the data suggest that a turn-like structure between residues 2 and 5 could be important for antagonist activity. Finally, one weak inhibitor [D-Cpg7]-BK (IV) showed no defined secondary structure.

Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide hormone with sequence Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9 and has been implicated in a multitude of pathophysiological processes such as the ability to lower systemic blood pressure and stimulate pain. Bulky, beta-branched D-aliphatic residues at position 7 combined with bulky L-aliphatic residues at position 8 have now been observed to yield strong antagonists. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies have been carried out on many of these molecules with a view to determining their solution conformations. However, two such analogs, namely DArg-[Hyp3, Thi5, DSer6, DCpg7, Cpg8]-BK [I] and DArg-[Hyp3, DSer6, DCpg7, Cpg8]-BK [II] (Cpg = alpha-cyclopentyl-glycine; Hyp = 4-hydroxy-L-proline, Thi = beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine), have exhibited an abnormal, non-linear temperature dependence for the amide NH proton of Cpg8. The NH of Arg9 also shows a slightly non-linear temperature dependence at higher temperatures above 25 degrees C. In addition, a very slow exchange rate for the NH protons of DCpg7, Cpg8 and Arg9 indicated aggregation of these two analogs, which was confirmed using the circular dichroism experiments.

The conformation of two agonist-antagonist pairs of bradykinin (Arg1-Pro2-Pro2-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) analogues were studied in CD3OH/H2O solution by 1H-nmr techniques. The first agonist peptide studied, D-Arg0-Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Thi5-Ser6-Pro7- Thi8-Arg9, differs from the bradykinin sequence by the addition of D-Arg0, the replacement of the Phe moieties in positions 5 and 8 by Thi (Thi = beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine), and Hyp3 (Hyp = L-4-hydroxy-L-proline) in position 3. In the corresponding antagonist sequence, Pro7 is replaced by D-Phe7. The second agonist-antagonist pair studied does not contain the D-Arg0 residue, which is present only to slow down the rate of metabolism. Based on complete resonance assignments from two-dimensional total correlation spectroscopy and rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy spectra at 500 MHz, the peptides were analyzed in terms of intraresidue, sequential, and medium-range nuclear Overhauser effects, amide proton temperature coefficients, and vicinal coupling constants. Both agonist peptides show clear evidence for the existence of a type I beta-turn comprising the C-terminal residues Ser6-Pro7-Thi8-Arg9 in fast conformational equilibrium with extended structures throughout. Although the conformational space is dominated by extended structures, the presence of the beta-turn is spectroscopically clearly discernible. The two antagonist peptides, on the other hand, do not show evidence of turn formation but rather the presence of an extended conformation with some irregularities in the N-terminal region of the peptide. While the existence of a turn at the C-terminal end of bradykinin and its analogues with agonist activity has been predicted by empirical calculations and measurements in very apolar solvents, this study, for the first time, provides evidence based on physical data in a polar solvent environment that the turn is present, that it is type I and that it is essential for agonist activity. In the particular solvent used in these studies, the Pro7 to D-Phe7 substitution precluded the formation of the turn for the C-terminal residues of the antagonist.

The importance of side-chain charge interactions in the formation of beta-turns was studied. Sixteen protected NAc-tetrapeptide amides were studied, namely the variants of DEKS: NEKS, EEKS, DDKS, DQKS, NQKS, DERS, NERS, EERS, DDRS, NDRS, DQRS, and DKES. Three tetrapeptides--NPDM, NSDM, and NDDS--were also studied as they have a high probability of forming beta-turns, based on statistical predictions. The results indicate that a small proportion of type I beta-turn exists in solutions of DEKS and DERS in methanol/water (60/40), while NEKS has an even smaller population of this turn. The other tetrapeptides are present in solution only in the extended conformation. These results clearly show the importance of the salt bridge between the side chains of K2 and E3 or R2 and E3, as well as the importance of the charge on the side chain of the first residue in stabilizing the beta-turn. The relevance of statistical predictions for beta-turns in short peptides is discussed.

The solution conformation of tubulin-beta(422-434)-NH2 (YQQYQDATADEQG-NH2) and its Nac-DATADEQG-NH2 fragment has been studied by two-dimensional 1H-nmr spectroscopy in CD3OH/H2O (90/10 v/v) at neutral and low pH. The 13 amino acid peptide is a segment of the C-terminal region of tubulin, and is directly involved in the selective binding site with microtubule-associated proteins MAP-2 and the tau protein. Based on correlated spectroscopy, total correlation spectroscopy, and rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy experiments, a complete assignment of all proton resonances was achieved, and the conformation of the backbone could be deduced from coupling constants, NH temperature coefficients, and nuclear Overhauser effects. The spectroscopic evidence indicates that the T8-Q12 section of both molecules forms one complete alpha-helical turn, stabilized by a NH (Q12)-C = O (T8) hydrogen bond. Furthermore, strong pH-dependent backfolding of the E11 side chain to its own NH proton was found. In addition, close proximity between the aromatic side chains of Y1, Y4, and the alpha-helical part, resulting in some substantial chemical shift changes when comparing the entire 13-mer with the octamer, could be explained in terms of a nonclassical kink in the DATA section. The conformational space is dominated by extended structures and the nonextended conformers are only a minor, yet spectroscopically clearly discernible entity. The presence of the alpha-helical region at the C-terminus of the 13-mer is important because binding studies of this peptide with MAP-2 indicate that the D10-E11-Q12-G13 fragment is critical for the binding interaction.

The high-field 1H and 13C NMR studies of the N- and C-terminal telopeptides of the alpha-2 chain of collagen were carried out in CD3OH/H2O solutions. All proton assignments are based on two-dimensional phase-sensitive COSY and ROESY experiments. The conformation of the N-telopeptide (nonamer) is predominantly extended with a small proportion of the molecules existing in a type I beta turn. The four residues involved in this turn are D3-A4-K5-G6 which is stabilized by a C = O(D3)-NH(G6) hydrogen bond. The C-terminal telopeptide is extended throughout. A model is proposed involving charge-charge and hydrophobic interactions between the extended alpha-2 chain N-telopeptide and the adjacent segments of triple-helix. A similar model is proposed for the C-telopeptide.

The solution conformation of the type I collagen alpha-1 chain N-telopeptide has been studied by CD and 1H NMR spectroscopy at 600 MHz in CD3OH/H2O (60/40 v/v) and H2O solutions. The 19 amino acids form the N-terminal end of the alpha-1 polypeptide chain. By the combined application of several two-dimensional, phase-sensitive NMR techniques (COSY, RELAY, ROESY), a complete assignment of all proton resonances was achieved, and the conformation of the backbone could be established on the basis of the coupling constant and NOE data. In CD3OH/H2O solutions the spectroscopic evidence clearly indicates that two sections of the molecule (pE1-Y6 and T11-M19) are extended and that the D7-S10 segment forms a beta-turn, stabilized by a hydrogen bond between NH(S10) and CO(D7). The data suggest that the turn is of the type I kind (minor) and that it coexists with an extended structure (major conformer). Interactions between the two extended parts of the peptide were not observed, thus excluding the existence of a beta-sheet. In H2O solution the conformation is significantly different, with no beta-turn, but a completely extended structure is observed.

Abstract The conformation of the tetrapeptide N-Acetyl-Asp(7)-Glu(8)-Lys(9)-Ser(10)-NH(2), a fragment of the type I collagen α-1 chain N-telopeptide, has been studied by (1)H and (13)C NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The spectroscopic evidence, based on two-dimensional, phase-sensitive NMR techniques such as COSY, ROESY, proton-carbon shift correlation and selective COLOC, indicates a strong dependence of the conformation on the experimental conditions. In CD(3)OH/H(2)O (60/40) at ca. neutral pH the tetrapeptide forms a β-turn, stabilized by a hydrogen bond between NH(S(10)) and CO(D(7)) and a strong salt-bridge between COO(-)(E(8)) and NH(3) (+)(K(9)). The β-turn is type I and appears to coexist with a non-hydrogen-bonded structure. The coexistence of these two conformers is proven by proton NMR data such as NH-NH ROEs, reduced NH-H(α)(E(8)) coupling constant NH(E(8)) low-field shift and the temperature coefficient of NH(S(10)), whereas the conclusion regarding the salt-bridge is based on (13)C results. In the same solvent, at a pH below the pKa of the carboxyl groups, no evidence for a conformation other than extended can be found. In aqueous solution at approximately neutral pH, evidence for the E(8)-K(9) charge interaction is observed, but not for a hydrogen bond anywhere in the molecule.

High-field nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were carried out on substance P fragments SP4-11' [pGlu5]-SP5-11 and [pGlu6]SP6-11 both at 400 and at 500 MHz. A spectral simulation was carried out on two of these peptides and the coupling constants were interpreted in terms of the conformations. The JNH-CHa coupling constants are all approximately 8 Hz, with the exception of glycine, indicating no preferred conformation for the backbone. For the amino acids other than p-Glu, a comparison of the coupling constant data suggests the same relative rotamer populations for the side chains. Proton longitudinal relaxation time data were measured for all three peptides and support the above conclusions.

The conformational properties of the tetrapeptide Ser1-Pro2-Phe3-Arg4, the C-terminal fragment of the nonapeptide hormone bradykinin, have been studied by circular dichroism and two-dimensional NMR techniques. Measurements of coupling constants, NH temperature dependence rates and nuclear Overhauser effects (performed with rotating frame nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy, ROESY) in H2O and CD3OH/D2O (80/20, v/v) reveal different conformations in the corresponding solvent. In aqueous solution the molecule exists in a random conformation or as an average of several conformations in rapid exchange. In CD3OH/D2O, however, the conformation is well-defined. The backbone of the peptide is extended, and the side-chains of Phe3 and Arg4 exhibit unusual rigidity for a peptide of this size. Evidently, the secondary structure is stabilized by a charge interaction between the guanidino group of Arg4 and the terminal carboxyl group, since experiments at various pH's show clearly that the definition of conformation decreases strongly upon protonation of the carboxyl function. A NH3+(Ser1)-COO-(Arg4) salt bridge, as well as any form of turn stabilized by hydrogen bonds can be ruled out with certainty.

High-field proton magnetic resonance measurements at 400 MHz and 600 MHz allowed the evaluation of the preferred conformations of a leukotriene antagonist, FPL-55712. The experiments involved an analysis of proton-proton coupling constants, longitudinal relaxation time data and nuclear Overhauser effect experiments. The NMR parameters confirm the conformational features expected from X-ray and microwave data for related substances, such as rotational freedom about C14-C15 and C15-C16, synperiplanar arrangements for C7-C8-O-C14 and C16-O-C17-C18 and segmental motion in the propyl side chains.

Proton magnetic resonance techniques were used to study the conformation of the synthetic tubulin fragment Ac-tubulin (430-441) amide in H2O and 80% CD3OH/20% D2O solutions, using water suppression techniques. Proton assignments are based on two-dimensional COSY experiments combined with one-dimensional spin decoupling. A comparison of the NH proton shifts between the two solvents, namely delta(CD3OH/H2O-H2O) shows a small solvent effect for the Lys1 to Val6 region of the molecule, whereas for Gly7 to Glu12 the solvent effect is much larger. The smaller effects in the region of Lys1 to Val6 may be due to some hydrogen bonding as these protons are shielded from the solvent. These conclusions are in agreement with the circular dichroism results in 80% methanol/20% water where the alpha helix is present to the extent of 30%, whereas the peptide is completely unstructured in water with some aggregation. The temperature dependence of the NH proton shifts was also carried out. In water these shifts are of the order of 7-9 X 10(-3) ppm/K indicating that most of the protons are not involved in hydrogen bonding. In CD3OH/H2O, these values range from about 4-6 X 10(-3) ppm/K, which are compatible with the presence of hydrogen bonds. Finally, binding studies were carried out between the tubulin peptide and the undecapeptide neutrotransmitter substance P. The largest shifts are for the Tyr3 NH proton of the tubulin fragment, whereas for substance P it is for the Lys3, Gln5 and Leu10 NH protons, indicating a change in conformation of both peptides on interaction.

A high-field 1H and 31P-NMR study of the oligomer d[CpGpApTpCpG]2 was carried out in H2O and water signal suppression was employed in all 1H NMR acquisitions. Particular attention was given to imino proton and 31P assignments. Two dimensional 31P-1H shift correlation contours were particularly useful in 31P assignments and confirming previous 1H assignments. Titrimetric addition of aliquots of the anticancer agent mitoxantrone resulted in selective and progressive chemical shifts with critical changes at stoichiometries of 1:1 and 2:1 drug to DNA ratios. The results indicate ultimate intercalative binding of the drug at both C.G. termini of the oligomer in accord with the previously determined C.G. preference and with non-nearest neighbor intercalation.

The Substance P fragment Arg1-Pro2-Lys3-Pro4 (SP1-4) has been extensively investigated by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance at 400 MHz. The combined application of different 2D techniques and a comparison of SP1-4 with its derivative SP1-4-amide allowed the complete and unambiguous assignment of the proton NMR spectrum. Conformational data obtained from the different NMR parameters are compared with theoretical calculations. The results suggest that SP1-4 exists, at the chosen experimental conditions, as a stretched molecule.