Chemoselective Solution- and Solid-Phase Synthesis of Disulfide-Linked Glycopeptides

J Org Chem. 2022 Nov 4;87(21):14026-14036. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01651. Epub 2022 Oct 20.

Abstract

Glycosylation of peptides and proteins is a widely employed strategy to mimic important post-translational modifications or to modulate the physicochemical properties of peptides to enhance their delivery. Furthermore, glycosylation via a sulfur atom imparts increased chemical and metabolic stability to the resulting glycoconjugates. Herein, we report a simple and chemoselective procedure to prepare disulfide-linked glycopeptides. Acetate-protected glycosylsulfenyl hydrazines are shown to be highly reactive with the thiol group of cysteine residues within peptides, both in solution and as part of conventional solid-phase peptide synthesis protocols. The efficiency of this glycosylation methodology with unprotected carbohydrates is also demonstrated, which avoids the need for deprotection steps and further extends its utility, with disulfide-linked glycopeptides produced in excellent yields. Given the importance of glycosylated peptides in structural glycobiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics, the methodology outlined provides easy access to disulfide-linked glycopeptides as molecules with multiple biological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Disulfides
  • Glycopeptides*
  • Glycosylation
  • Peptides
  • Solid-Phase Synthesis Techniques*

Substances

  • Glycopeptides
  • Disulfides
  • Peptides