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G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical DNA secondary structures. The identification of selective tools to probe individual G4s over the ∼700 000 found in the human genome is key to unravel the biological significance of specific G4s. We took inspiration from a crystal structure of the bovine DHX36 helicase bound to the G4 formed in the promoter region of the oncogene c-MYC to identify a short peptide that preferentially binds MYC G4 with nM affinity over a small panel of parallel and non-parallel G4s tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and photophysical properties of a new class of α-amino acid bearing a rigid pyrazoloquinazoline chromophore are described. Confromational constraint of the amino acid side-chains resulted in high emission quantum yields, while the demonstration of two-photon-induced fluorescence via near-IR excitation signifies their potential for sensitive bioimaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of lipopeptidomimetics derived from teixobactin have been prepared that probe the role of residues (1–6) as a membrane anchor and the function of enduracididine. The most active compounds, with a farnesyl tail and End10 to Lys10 or Orn10 substitution have potent activity (MIC 8 μg mL−1) against S. aureus. These results pave the way for the synthesis of simple, cost-effective yet potent lipopeptidomimetic antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low molecular weight gelators that are not easily degraded by enzymes have a range of potential applications. Here, we report new Fmoc-protected dipeptides in which the amide carbonyl group has been replaced by an oxetane ring. Remarkably one of these peptidomimetics, but not the corresponding dipeptide, is an effective gelator, forming hydrogels at a concentration of 3 mg mL−1. On assembly, there is a lack of beta-sheet structure, implying that there is no requirement for this motif in such a gel. Furthermore, the modified dipeptide is also stable to proteolysis compared to the parent dipeptide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthetic scaffold that mimics a peptide β-strand has been designed and synthesised based on a 1,3-phenyl-linked hydantoin oligomer. The conformational preferences of this oligomer were investigated using molecular modelling and solution NMR experiments and suggest a planar conformation that accurately mimics the i, i + 2 and i + 4 residues of a peptide β-strand., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012)

In an effort to understand and enhance the stereochemical outcome of the MOM-ether directed rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidates we have investigated various reaction conditions for this process. A range of Pd(ii) and other metal catalysts have been shown to effectively catalyse the rearrangement providing the subsequent allylic amides in high selectivity (up to 11 : 1 ratio of diastereomers). The replacement of THF as a solvent in this reaction with non-coordinating solvents such as toluene has led to an enhancement of the directing effect resulting in a significant increase in the diastereoselective outcome (15 : 1 ratio). The reaction was also carried out for the first time, using a highly coordinating ionic solvent which disrupts binding of the Pd(ii)-catalyst to the MOM-ether yielding the allylic amide in only moderate diastereoselectivity. These results provide further evidence for the ether directed aza-Claisen rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidates.

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of (2S,3S)-beta-hydroxy-alpha-amino acids has been developed from enantiopure alpha-hydroxy acids using a MOM-ether-directed, palladium(II)-catalysed, aza-Claisen rearrangement of allylic acetimidates to effect the key step. This highly stereoselective process gave allylic amides in diastereomeric ratios of up to 14 : 1. Problems associated with the isolation of 1,3-products (anti-Claisen) from sterically demanding substrates via an insitu palladium(0)-catalysed rearrangement process were overcome by the addition of a re-oxidant, p-benzoquinone, leading to cleaner reactions and improved yields of the 3,3-products (Claisen). The target beta-hydroxy-alpha-amino acids are an important class of natural products that are also components of more complex organic compounds with significant biological properties.

A highly stereoselective rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidates to allylic trichloroamides has been achieved using adjacent ether groups to direct facial coordination of the palladium(II) catalyst.

A synthetic route towards the synthesis of (2S,3S,4R)-gamma-hydroxyisoleucine, the amino acid component of the natural product, funebrine has been developed using as the key step, a palladium(II) catalysed 3,3-sigmatropic rearrangement to create the (2S)-stereogenic centre.