Conversion of protein active regions into peptidomimetic therapeutic leads using backbone cyclization and cycloscan – how to do it yourself

Samuel J.S. Rubin, Yftah Tal-Gan, Chaim Gilon, Nir Qvit

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Protein-protein Interactions (PPIs) are particularly important for controlling both physiologic and pathologic biological processes but are difficult to target due to their large and/or shallow interaction surfaces unsuitable for small molecules. Linear peptides found in nature interact with some PPIs, and protein active regions can be used to design synthetic peptide compounds for inhibition of PPIs. However, linear peptides are limited therapeutically by poor metabolic and conformational stability, which can compromise their bioactivity and half-life. Cyclic peptidomimetics (modified peptides) can be used to overcome these challenges because they are more resistant to metabolic degradation and can be engineered to adopt desired conformations. Backbone cyclization is a strategy that we developed to improve drug-like properties of linear peptide leads without jeopardizing the integrity of functionally relevant side-chains. Here, we provide the first description of an entire approach for developing backbone cyclized peptide compounds, based upon two straightforward ‘ABC’ and ‘DEF’ processes. We present practical examples throughout our discussion of revealing active regions important for PPIs and identifying critical pharmacophores, as well as developing backbone cyclized peptide libraries and screening them using cycloscan. Finally, we review the impact of these advances and provide a summary of current ongoing work in the field.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)556-565
Number of pages10
JournalCurrent Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
Volume18
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.

Funding

Yftah Tal-Gan thanks the Nevada INBRE (NIH GM103440) for the generous support of research in his laboratory.

FundersFunder number
INBRE
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of General Medical SciencesP20GM103440

    Keywords

    • Backbone cyclization
    • Cyclization
    • Peptides
    • Peptidomimetics
    • Protein-protein interactions
    • Therapeutic

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Conversion of protein active regions into peptidomimetic therapeutic leads using backbone cyclization and cycloscan – how to do it yourself'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this