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Chemoselective small molecules that covalently modify one lysine in a non-enzyme protein in plasma

Journal Article · · Nat. Chem. Biol.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.281· OSTI ID:1002276

A small molecule that could bind selectively to and then react chemoselectively with a non-enzyme protein in a complex biological fluid, such as blood, could have numerous practical applications. Herein, we report a family of designed stilbenes that selectively and covalently modify the prominent plasma protein transthyretin in preference to more than 4,000 other human plasma proteins. They react chemoselectively with only one of eight lysine {epsilon}-amino groups within transthyretin. The crystal structure confirms the expected binding orientation of the stilbene substructure and the anticipated conjugating amide bond. These covalent transthyretin kinetic stabilizers exhibit superior amyloid inhibition potency compared to their noncovalent counterparts, and they prevent cytotoxicity associated with amyloidogenesis. Though there are a few prodrugs that, upon metabolic activation, react with a cysteine residue inactivating a specific non-enzyme, we are unaware of designed small molecules that react with one lysine {epsilon}-amine within a specific non-enzyme protein in a complex biological fluid.

Research Organization:
Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1002276
Journal Information:
Nat. Chem. Biol., Journal Name: Nat. Chem. Biol. Journal Issue: 02, 2010 Vol. 6; ISSN 1552-4469; ISSN 1552-4450
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH