Theoretical and experimental studies on alpha/epsilon-hybrid peptides: design of a 14/12-helix from peptides with alternating (S)-C-linked carbo-epsilon-amino acid [(S)-epsilon-Caa((x))] and L-ala.

An (S)-C-linked carbo-epsilon-amino acid [(S)-epsilon-Caa((x))] was prepared from the known (S)-delta-Caa. This monomer was utilized together with l-Ala to give novel alpha/epsilon-hybrid peptides in 1:1 alternation. Conformational analysis on penta- and hexapeptides by NMR (in CDCl(3)), CD, and MD studies led to the identification of robust 14/12-mixed helices. This is in agreement with the data from a theoretical conformational analysis on the basis of ab initio MO theory providing a complete overview on all formally possible hydrogen-bonded helix patterns of alpha/epsilon-hybrid peptides with 1:1 backbone alternation. The "new motif" of a mixed 14/12-helix was predicted as most stable in vacuum. Obviously, the formation of ordered secondary structures is also possible in peptide foldamers with amino acid constituents of considerable backbone lengths. Thus, alpha/epsilon-hybrid peptides expand the domain of foldamers and allow the introduction of desired functionalities via the alpha-amino acid constituents.

Synthesis and structure of alpha/delta-hybrid peptides--access to novel helix patterns in foldamers.

Stimulated by an overview on all periodic folding patterns of alpha/delta-hybrid peptides with 1:1 alternating backbone provided by ab initio molecular orbital theory, the first representatives of this foldamer class were synthesized connecting novel C-linked carbo-delta-amino acid constituents and L-Ala. In agreement with theoretical predictions, extensive NMR spectroscopic analyses confirm the formation of new motifs of 13/11-mixed helical patterns in these peptides supported by the rigidity of the D-xylose side chain in the selected delta-amino acid constituents. Relationships between possible helix types in alpha/delta-hybrid peptides and their counterparts in other 1:1 hybrid peptide classes and native alpha-peptides are discussed; these indicate the high potential of these foldamers to mimic native peptide secondary structures. The design of alpha/delta-hybrid peptides provides an opportunity to expand the domain of foldamers and allows the introduction of desired functionalities through the alpha-amino acid constituents.