Impact of β-perfluoroalkyl substitution of proline on the proteolytic stability of its peptide derivatives

Org Biomol Chem. 2022 Dec 7;20(47):9337-9350. doi: 10.1039/d2ob01430k.

Abstract

A series of all stereoisomers of β-CF3 or β-C2F5 substituted prolines and their dipeptide derivatives were synthesized. Mouse plasma stability assay was carried out to study the impact of fluoroalkyl substituents on the proteolytic stability of proline-derived peptides. The effect of the (R)-/(S)-configuration at the C-2 atom in combination with electronic and steric effects imposed by fluoroalkyl groups was addressed to rationalize the difference in the half-life stability of diastereomeric β-CF3-Pro-Gly and β-C2F5-Pro-Gly derivatives and compared to those of parent (S)-Pro-Gly and (R)-Pro-Gly dipeptides. The steric effect was predominant when the β-CF3 or β-C2F5 group was placed properly to create a spatial interference within the pockets of proteases, thereby protecting the substances from degradation (e.g., for cis-isomeric derivatives). Otherwise, a smaller electronic effect accelerating proteolysis was in charge (i.e., for the (2S,3S) isomers).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electronics*
  • Mice
  • Peptides
  • Proline*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Proline