Switching the N-Capping Region from all-L to all-D Amino Acids in a VEGF Mimetic Helical Peptide

Molecules. 2022 Oct 17;27(20):6982. doi: 10.3390/molecules27206982.

Abstract

The N-capping region of an α-helix is a short N-terminal amino acid stretch that contributes to nucleate and stabilize the helical structure. In the VEGF mimetic helical peptide QK, the N-capping region was previously demonstrated to be a key factor of QK helical folding. In this paper, we explored the effect of the chiral inversion of the N-capping sequence on QK folding, performing conformational analysis in solution by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. The effect of such a modification on QK stability in serum and the proliferative effect were also evaluated.

Keywords: D-amino acid; N-capping; NMR; peptide conformation; peptide folding; α-helix.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amino Acids*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Conformation
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Peptides

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.