Selective Late-Stage Functionalization of Tryptophan-Containing Peptides To Facilitate Bioorthogonal Tetrazine Ligation

Org Lett. 2024 Mar 29;26(12):2489-2494. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00709. Epub 2024 Mar 18.

Abstract

Site-selective modification of complex peptides and the functionalization of their C-H bonds hold great promise for expanding their use in therapeutics and biomedical research. Herein, we leverage the power of late-stage chemoenzymatic catalysis using an indole prenyltransferase (IPT) enzyme and alkyl diphosphates to specifically modify the indole ring of tryptophan in clinically relevant peptides. Furthermore, the installed handle enables bioorthogonal click chemistry through an inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction with a biotin-conjugated tetrazine probe.

MeSH terms

  • Cycloaddition Reaction
  • Heterocyclic Compounds*
  • Indoles
  • Peptides
  • Tryptophan*

Substances

  • Tryptophan
  • Peptides
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Indoles