A Physical Organic Approach to Tuning Reagents for Selective and Stable Methionine Bioconjugation

J Am Chem Soc. 2019 Aug 14;141(32):12657-12662. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b04744. Epub 2019 Jul 30.

Abstract

We report a data-driven, physical organic approach to the development of new methionine-selective bioconjugation reagents with tunable adduct stabilities. Statistical modeling of structural features described by intrinsic physical organic parameters was applied to the development of a predictive model and to gain insight into features driving the stability of adducts formed from the chemoselective coupling of oxaziridine and methionine thioether partners through Redox Activated Chemical Tagging (ReACT). From these analyses, a correlation between sulfimide stabilities and sulfimide ν (C═O) stretching frequencies was revealed. We exploited the rational gains in adduct stability exposed by this analysis to achieve the design and synthesis of a bis-oxaziridine reagent for peptide stapling. Indeed, we observed that a macrocyclic peptide formed by ReACT stapling at methionine exhibited improved uptake into live cells compared to an unstapled congener, highlighting the potential utility of this unique chemical tool for thioether modification. This work provides a template for the broader use of data-driven approaches to bioconjugation chemistry and other chemical biology applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aziridines / chemistry*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents / chemistry*
  • Methionine / chemistry*
  • Molecular Probes / chemistry*
  • Peptides, Cyclic / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides, Cyclic / chemistry*
  • Peptides, Cyclic / metabolism

Substances

  • Aziridines
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Molecular Probes
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Methionine