Synthesis of bicyclic alkene-/alkane-bridged nisin mimics by ring-closing metathesis and their biochemical evaluation as lipid II binders: toward the design of potential novel antibiotics

Ghalit, N., Reichwein, J.F., Hilbers, H.W., Breukink, E., Rijkers, D.T.S. and Liskamp, R.S.J. (2007) Synthesis of bicyclic alkene-/alkane-bridged nisin mimics by ring-closing metathesis and their biochemical evaluation as lipid II binders: toward the design of potential novel antibiotics. ChemBioChem, 8(13), pp. 1540-1554. (doi: 10.1002/cbic.200700244)

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Abstract

This report describes the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of alkene- and alkane-bridged AB(C)-ring mimics of the lantibiotic nisin. Nisin belongs to a class of natural antimicrobial peptides, and has a unique mode of action: its AB(C)-ring system binds to the pyrophosphate moiety of lipid II. This mode of action was the rationale for the design of smaller nisin-derived peptides to obtain novel potential antibiotics. As a conformational constraint the thioether bridge was mimicked by an alkene- or alkane isostere. The peptides of the linear individual ring precursors were synthesized on solid support or in solution, and cyclized by ring-closing metathesis in solution with overall yields of between 36 and 89 %. The individual alkene-bridged macrocycles were assembled in solution by using carbodiimide-based synthesis protocols for the corresponding AB(C)-ring mimics. These compounds were tested for their binding affinity toward lipid II by evaluation of their potency to inhibit nisin-induced carboxyfluorescein release from large unilamellar vesicles. It was found that these AB(C)-ring mimics were not able to induce membrane leakage; however, they acted by inhibiting nisin-induced carboxyfluorescein release; this indicates their affinity toward lipid II. These results imply that an alkene or alkane moiety is a suitable thioether bridge mimic.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Liskamp, Professor Robert
Authors: Ghalit, N., Reichwein, J.F., Hilbers, H.W., Breukink, E., Rijkers, D.T.S., and Liskamp, R.S.J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:ChemBioChem
ISSN:1439-4227
ISSN (Online):1439-7633

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