Synthesis and cell-adhesion properties of cyclo(-arg-gly-asp-ser-lys-), a constrained analogue of the active domain of fibronectin

Details of the synthesis of the protected pentapeptide linear precursor on a resin with an acid-labile linker, and its subsequent cyclisation to cyclo(-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Lys-) are presented. The cyclopentapeptide, which is known to exist in solution in a β- and γ-turn conformation, shows specific differences in its effect on adhesion and cell spreading for fibroblast 3T3 and macrophage Bac 1 cells.