Stereorandomized Oncocins with Preserved Ribosome Binding and Antibacterial Activity

J Med Chem. 2024 Nov 14;67(21):19448-19459. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01768. Epub 2024 Oct 24.

Abstract

We recently showed that solid-phase peptide synthesis using racemic amino acids yields stereorandomized peptides comprising all possible diastereomers as homogeneous, single-mass products that can be purified by HPLC and that stereorandomization modulates activity, toxicity, and stability of membrane-disruptive cyclic and linear antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and dendrimers. Here, we tested if stereorandomization might be compatible with target binding peptides with the example of the proline-rich AMP oncocin, which inhibits the bacterial ribosome. Stereorandomization of up to nine C-terminal residues preserved ribosome binding and antibacterial effects including activities against drug-resistant bacteria and protected against serum degradation. Surprisingly, fully stereorandomized oncocin was as active as L-oncocin in dilute growth media stimulating peptide uptake, although it did not bind the ribosome, indicative of an alternative mechanism of action. These experiments show that stereorandomization can be compatible with target binding peptides and can help understand their mechanism of action.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests*
  • Ribosomes* / drug effects
  • Ribosomes* / metabolism
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • oncocin
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides