Anion Binding to Ammonium and Guanidinium Hosts: Implications for the Reverse Hofmeister Effects Induced by Lysine and Arginine Residues.

Anions have a profound effect on the properties of soluble proteins. Such Hofmeister effects have implications in biologics stability, protein aggregation, amyloidogenesis, and crystallization. However, the interplay between the important noncovalent interactions (NCIs) responsible for Hofmeister effects is poorly understood. To contribute to improving this state of affairs, we report on the NCIs between anions and ammonium and guanidinium hosts 1 and 2, and the consequences of these. Specifically, we investigate the properties of cavitands designed to mimic two prime residues for anion-protein NCIs─lysines and arginines─and the solubility consequences of complex formation. Thus, we report NMR and ITC affinity studies, X-ray analysis, MD simulations, and anion-induced critical precipitation concentrations. Our findings emphasize the multitude of NCIs that guanidiniums can form and how this repertoire qualitatively surpasses that of ammoniums. Additionally, our studies demonstrate the ease by which anions can dispense with a fraction of their hydration-shell waters, rearrange those that remain, and form direct NCIs with the hosts. This raises many questions concerning how solvent shell plasticity varies as a function of anion, how the energetics of this impact the different NCIs between anions and ammoniums/guanidiniums, and how this affects the aggregation of solutes at high anion concentrations.

Assessing Weak Anion Binding to Small Peptides.

Since Hofmeister's seminal studies in the late 19th century, it has been known that salts and buffers can drastically affect the properties of peptides and proteins. These Hofmeister effects can be conceived of in terms of three distinct phenomena/mechanisms: water-salt interactions that indirectly induce the salting-out of a protein by water sequestration by the salt, and direct salt-protein interactions that can either salt-in or salt-out the protein. Unfortunately, direct salt-protein interactions responsible for Hofmeister effects are weak and difficult to quantify. As such, they are frequently construed of as being nonspecific. Nevertheless, there has been considerable effort to better specify these interactions. Here, we use pentapeptides to demonstrate the utility of the H-dimension of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to assess anion binding using N-H signal shifts. We qualify binding using these, demonstrating the upfield shifts induced by anion association and revealing how they are much larger than the corresponding downfield shifts induced by magnetic susceptibility and other ionic strength change effects. We also qualify binding in terms of how the pattern of signal shifts changes with point mutations. In general, we find that the observed upfield shifts are small compared with those induced by anion binding to amide-based hosts, and MD simulations suggest that this is so. Thus, charge-diffuse anions associate mostly with the nonpolar regions of the peptide rather than directly interacting with the amide N-H groups. These findings reveal the utility of 1H NMR spectroscopy for qualifying affinity to peptides─even when affinity constants are very low─and serve as a benchmark for using NMR spectroscopy to study anion binding to more complex systems.

Proximal charge effects on guest binding to a non-polar pocket.

Science still does not have the ability to accurately predict the affinity that ligands have for proteins. In an attempt to address this, the Statistical Assessment of Modeling of Proteins and Ligands (SAMPL) series of blind predictive challenges is a community-wide exercise aimed at advancing computational techniques as standard predictive tools in rational drug design. In each cycle, a range of biologically relevant systems of different levels of complexity are selected to test the latest modeling methods. As part of this on-going exercise, and as a step towards understanding the important factors in context dependent guest binding, we challenged the computational community to determine the affinity of a series of negatively and positively charged guests to two constitutionally isomeric cavitand hosts: octa-acid 1, and exo-octa acid 2. Our affinity determinations, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, reveal asymmetries in affinities between host-guest pairs that cannot alone be explained by simple coulombic interactions, but also point to the importance of host-water interactions. Our work reveals the key facets of molecular recognition in water, emphasizes where improvements need to be made in modelling, and shed light on the complex problem of ligand-protein binding in the aqueous realm.

Ion-Hydrocarbon and/or Ion-Ion Interactions: Direct and Reverse Hofmeister Effects in a Synthetic Host.

A combination of 1H NMR spectroscopy, DLS, and turbidity measurements reveal that polarizable anions engender both the Hofmeister and reverse Hofmeister effects in positand 2. Host 2 possesses two principal and distinctly different binding sites: a "soft" nonpolar pocket and a "hard" crown of ammonium cations. NMR spectroscopy reveals that anion affinity to both sites is comparable, with each site showing characteristic selectivities. NMR spectroscopy also reveals that anions competitively bind to the pocket and induce the Hofmeister effect in host-guest binding at very low concentrations (∼2 mM). Furthermore, the suite of techniques utilized demonstrates that anion binding to both sites leads to charge attenuation, aggregation, and finally precipitation (the reverse Hofmeister effect). Anion-induced precipitation generally correlated with affinity, and comparisons between the free host and its adamantane carboxylate (Ada-CO2-) complex reveals that the reverse Hofmeister effect is attenuated by blocking anion binding/charge attenuation at the nonpolar pocket.

Tuning the Binding Dynamics of a Guest-Octaacid Capsule through Noncovalent Anchoring.

Hydrophobic or hydrophilic substituents have different effects on the binding dynamics of pyrene derivatives with a 2:1 capsule formed from two octaacid cavitands, showing a subtle interplay of different kinetic factors. Anchoring of the methyl group of 1-methylpyrene within one cavitand slowed the association and dissociation dynamics of the 1:1 complex by at least 1000 times when compared to the 1:1 complex for pyrene. This slow down for the transient formation of the 1:1 complex is responsible for the overall increase in stability of the 2:1 complex without affecting the overall capsule dissociation. For 1-pyrenemethanol, its residence time in the 2:1 capsule is shorter compared to that of pyrene despite both guests having similar equilibrium constants for the binding of the second cavitand, suggesting that the hydroxymethyl substituent close to the equatorial region of the capsule can interact with water during the partial opening of the capsule.

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Deep-Cavity Cavitands.

An efficient, four-step synthesis of a range of water-soluble, deep-cavity cavitands is presented. Key to this approach are octahalide derivatives (4, X = Cl or Br) that allow a range of water-solubilizing groups to be added to the outer surface of the core host structure. In many cases, the conversion of the starting dodecol (1) resorcinarene to the different cavitands avoids any chromatographic procedures.

Thermodynamic profiles of salt effects on a host-guest system: new insight into the Hofmeister effect.

Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to probe how salts influence the thermodynamics of binding of guests to cavitand 1. Studies involved six Hofmeister salts covering the range of salting-in to strongly salting-out. The latter were found to reduce affinity. The cause of this was competitive binding of the weakly solvated anion to the hydrophobic pocket of the host. At the other extreme of the Hofmeister series, salts increased guest affinity. Two factors for this were evident. At low concentrations the data fitted a previously reported model that accounts for cation condensation to the outer carboxylates of the host (Carnagie, R.; Gibb, C. L. D.; Gibb, B. C., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53 (43), 11498-11500). At higher concentrations, an as of yet unidentified contribution was observed that was noted to be guest dependent. Midcontinuum salts such as NaClO3 were found to enhance affinity at low concentrations, but weaken it at high concentrations; a nonmonotonic trend attributed to the aforementioned competing phenomena. In combination with previous work, the data presented here reveal that the Hofmeister effect evident in this system can be mostly attributed to solute-salt interactions.

Anion complexation and the Hofmeister effect.

The (1)H NMR spectroscopic analysis of the binding of the ClO4(-) anion to the hydrophobic, concave binding site of a deep-cavity cavitand is presented. The strength of association between the host and the ClO4(-) anion is controlled by both the nature and concentration of co-salts in a manner that follows the Hofmeister series. A model that partitions this trend into the competitive binding of the co-salt anion to the hydrophobic pocket of the host and counterion binding to its external carboxylate groups successfully accounts for the observed changes in ClO4(-) affinity.

Binding of cyclic carboxylates to octa-acid deep-cavity cavitand.

As part of the fourth statistical assessment of modeling of proteins and ligands (sampl.eyesopen.com) prediction challenge, the strength of association of nine guests (1-9) binding to octa-acid host was determined by a combination of (1)H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry. Association constants in sodium tetraborate buffered (pH 9.2) aqueous solution ranged from 5.39 × 10(2) M(-1) in the case of benzoate 1, up to 3.82 × 10(5) M(-1) for trans-4-methylcyclohexanoate 7. Overall, the free energy difference between the free energies of complexation of these weakest and strongest binding guests was ΔΔG° = 3.88 kcal mol(-1). Based on a multitude of previous studies, the anticipated order of strength of binding was close to that which was actually obtained. However, the binding of guest 3 (4-ethylbenzoate) was considerably stronger than initially estimated.

Dynamics of a supramolecular capsule assembly with pyrene.

Water-soluble octaacid cavitands (OAs) form dimeric capsules suitable for guest incorporation. Our studies reveal that the mechanism of pyrene (Py) binding involves the rapid (<1 ms) formation of the Py·OA complex followed by slower binding with the second OA. The dissociation of the capsular OA·Py·OA complex occurs with a lifetime of 2.7 s, which is 5 orders of magnitude slower than the microsecond opening/closing ("breathing") previously observed to provide access of small molecules to the encapsulated guest. These different dynamics of the capsules have a potential impact on how the chemistry of included guests could be altered.

An improved synthesis of 'octa-acid' deep-cavity cavitand.

An improved synthesis of a water-soluble deep-cavity cavitand (octa-acid, 1) is presented. Previously (Gibb, C. L. D. & Gibb, B. C., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2004, 126, 11408-11409) we documented access to host 1 in eight (non-linear) steps starting from resorcinol; a synthesis that required four steps involving chromatographic purification. Here we reveal a modified synthesis of host 1. Consisting of seven (non-linear) steps, this new synthesis involves only one chromatographic step, and avoids a minor impurity observed in the original approach. This improved synthesis will therefore be useful for the laboratories that are investigating the properties of these types of host.

Anion binding to hydrophobic concavity is central to the salting-in effects of Hofmeister chaotropes.

For over 120 years it has been appreciated that certain salts (kosmotropes) cause the precipitation of proteins, while others (chaotropes) increase their solubility. The cause of this "Hofmeister effect" is still unclear, especially with the original concept that kosmotropic anions "make" water structure and chaotropes "break" it being countered by recent studies suggesting otherwise. Here, we present the first direct evidence that chaotropic anions have an affinity for hydrophobic concavity and that it is competition between a convex hydrophobe and the anion for a binding site that leads to the apparent weakening of the hydrophobic effect by chaotropes. In combination, these results suggest that chaotropes primarily induce protein solubilization by direct binding to concavity in the molten globule state of a protein.

Chiral photochemistry within a confined space: diastereoselective photorearrangements of a tropolone and a cyclohexadienone included in a synthetic cavitand.

The value of a supramolecular assembly to enforce a closer interaction between a chiral auxiliary and a reaction center has been established using photoreactions of tropolone and cyclohexadienone derivatives. Two probe molecules utilized to establish the concept undergo 4 e- electrocyclization and oxa-di-pi-methane rearrangement from excited singlet and triplet state, respectively. The chiral auxiliaries investigated here has no/little effect in acetonitrile solution during phototransformations of the probe molecules to yield products with new chiral centers. On the other hand the same ones are able to enforce diastereoselectivities to the extent of approximately 30% when the reactions occur within the restricted space of a capsule made up of a synthetic cavitand commonly known as octa acid. Extensive NMR studies have been utilized to characterize the guest-host supramolecular structures. The results presented here should be of value in the overall understanding of chiral induction in photochemical reactions.

Chiral Photochemistry in a Confined Space: Torquoselective Photoelectrocyclization of Pyridones within an Achiral Hydrophobic Capsule.

Chiral induction during the photoelectrocyclization of pyridones included within octa acid (OA) capsule has been established. Chiral induction is brought about by a chiral auxiliary appended to the reactive pyridone moiety. Importantly, the same chiral auxiliary while ineffective in acetonitrile solution is found to be effective within the confined space of OA capsule. The diastereomeric excess of 92% obtained here is comparable only to that in solid state. OA capsule, we believe, provides restriction to the rotational motions of the reactant pyridone and chiral auxiliary and thus places the chiral auxiliary in a selective conformation with respect to the reactive pyridone part. A correlation between the position of the methyl group on the pyridone ring and diastereoselectivity was noted. Structures of the host-guest complexes were examined by (1)H NMR and the data was used to obtain preliminary information concerning the mechanism of chiral induction within the confined spaces of OA capsule.

Guests of Differing Polarities Provide Insight into Structural Requirements for Templates of Water-Soluble Nano-Capsules.

Guests covering a range of polarities were examined for their ability to bind to a water-soluble cavitand and trigger its assembly into a supramolecular capsule. Specifically the guests examined were: tridecane 2, 1-dodecanol 3, 2-nonyloxy ethanol (ethylene glycol monononyl ether) 4, 2-(2-hexyloxyethoxy) ethanol (Di(ethylene glycol) hexyl ether) 5, 2-[2-(2 propoxyethoxy)ethoxy] ethanol (Tri(ethylene glycol) propyl ether 6, and bis [2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] ether (tetra(ethylene glycol)) 7. In this series, guest 6 proved to signify the boundary between assembly and the formation of 2:1 complexes, and simple 1:1 complexation. Thus, guests 2-5 formed relatively kinetically stable capsules, guest 6 formed a capsule that was unstable relative to the NMR timescale, and guest 7 formed a simple 1:1 complex.

Encapsulation of ferrocene and peripheral electrostatic attachment of viologens to dimeric molecular capsules formed by an octaacid, deep-cavity cavitand.

In aqueous media the deep-cavity cavitand octaacid 1 forms stable dimeric molecular capsules 1(2), which are stabilized by hydrophobic effects. In this work we investigate the binding interactions in aqueous solution between these capsules and the redox active guests, ferrocene (Fc) and three 4,4'-bipyridinium (viologen) dications: methyl viologen (MV(2+)), ethyl viologen (EV(2+)), and butyl viologen (BV(2+)). Using NMR spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques we clearly show that the hydrophobic Fc guest is encapsulated inside 1(2). An interesting effect of this encapsulation is that the reversible voltammetric response of Fc is completely eliminated when it resides inside the 1(2) capsular assembly, a finding that is attributed to very slow electrochemical kinetics for the oxidation of Fc@1(2). Diffusion coefficient measurements (PGSE NMR spectroscopy) reveal that all three viologen guests are strongly bound to the dimeric capsules. However, the (1)H NMR spectroscopic data are not consistent with encapsulation and the measured diffusion coefficients indicate that two viologen guests can strongly associate with a single dimeric capsule. Furthermore, the (V(2+))(2)*1(2) complex is capable of encapsulating ferrocene, clearly suggesting that the viologen guests are bound externally, via coulombic interactions, to the anionic polar ends of the capsule. The electrochemical kinetic rate constants for the reduction of the viologen residue in the V(2+)*1(2) complexes were measured and found to be substantially lower than those for the free viologen guests.

Templation of the excited-state chemistry of alpha-(n-alkyl) dibenzyl ketones: how guest packing within a nanoscale supramolecular capsule influences photochemistry.

Excited-state behavior of eight alpha-alkyl dibenzyl ketones (alkyl = CH3 through n-C8H17) that are capable of undergoing type II and/or type I photoreactions has been explored in isotropic solution and within a water-soluble capsule. The study consisted of two parts: photochemistry that explored the excited-state chemistry and an NMR analysis that revealed the packing of each guest within the capsule. The NMR data (COSY, NOESY, and TOCSY experiments) revealed that ternary complexes between alpha-alkyl dibenzyl ketones and the capsule formed by two cavitands are kinetically stable, and the guests fall into three packing motifs modulated by the length of the alpha-alkyl chain. In essence, the host is acting as an external template to promote the formation of distinct guest conformers. The major products from all eight guests upon irradiation either in hexane or in buffer solution resulted from the well-known Norrish type I reaction. However, within the capsule the excited-state chemistry of the eight ketones was dependent on the alkyl chain length. The first group consisted of alpha-hexyl, alpha-heptyl, and alpha-octyl dibenzyl ketones that yielded large amounts of Norrish type II products within the host, while in solution the major products were from Norrish type I reaction. The second group consists of alpha-butyl and alpha-pentyl dibenzyl ketones that yield equimolar amounts of two rearranged starting ketones within the capsule (combined yield of ca 60%), while in solution no such products were formed. The third group consisted of alpha-methyl, alpha-ethyl, and alpha-propyl dibenzyl ketones that within the capsule yielded only one (not two) rearranged starting ketone in larger amounts (21-35%) while in solution no rearrangement product was obtained. Variation in the photochemistry of the guest within the capsule, with respect to the alpha-alkyl chain length of the guest, highlights the importance of how a small variation in supramolecular structure can influence the selectivity within a confined nanoscale reactor.

Straight-chain alkanes template the assembly of water-soluble nano-capsules.

Cavitand is sufficiently predisposed to form nano-scale capsules in the presence of templating straight-chain hydrocarbons; quaternary complexes are formed when two copies of smaller guests are encapsulated, whilst larger guests form ternary entities.