High-Throughput Screening of Stapled Helical Peptides in Drug Discovery

J Med Chem. 2023 Jan 12;66(1):95-106. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01541. Epub 2022 Dec 29.

Abstract

Therapeutic peptides have revolutionized treatment for a number of human diseases. In particular, the past two decades have witnessed rapid progress of stapled helical peptides in drug discovery. Stapled helical peptides are chemically modified and constrained in their bioactive α-helical conformation. Compared to unstabilized linear peptides, stapled helical peptides exhibit superior binding affinity and selectivity, enhanced membrane permeability, and improved metabolic stability, presenting exciting promise for targeting otherwise challenging protein-protein interfaces. In this Perspective, we summarize recent applications of high-throughput screening technologies for identification of potent stapled helical peptides with optimized binding properties. We expect to provide a broad reference to accelerate the development of stapled helical peptides as the next generation of therapeutic peptides for various human diseases.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Discovery
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays*
  • Humans
  • Peptides* / chemistry
  • Peptides* / pharmacology
  • Protein Conformation, alpha-Helical
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Peptides