Peptide N-Amination Supports β-Sheet Conformations

Abstract

The conformational heterogeneity of backbone N-substituted peptides limits their ability to adopt stable secondary structures. Herein, we describe a practical synthesis of backbone aminated peptides that readily adopt β-sheet folds. Data derived from model N-amino peptides suggest that extended conformations are stabilized through cooperative steric, electrostatic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Keywords: foldamers; peptidomimetics; secondary structures; β-hairpins; β-strands.