Reversible α-helix formation controlled by a hydrogen bond surrogate

Tetrahedron. 2012 Jun 10;68(23):4434-4437. doi: 10.1016/j.tet.2011.12.068. Epub 2011 Dec 29.

Abstract

Strategically placed covalent linkages have been shown to stabilize helical conformations in short peptide sequences. Here we report the synthesis of a stabilized α-helix that utilizes an internal disulfide linkage. Structural analysis indicates that the dynamic nature of the disulfide bridge allows for the reversible formation of an α-helix through oxidation and reduction reactions.