Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Stapled Oligosaccharides

Stapling short peptides to lock specific conformations and thereby obtain superior pharmacological properties is well established. However, similar concepts have not been applied to oligosaccharides. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of the first stapled oligosaccharides. Automated assembly of fi-(1,6)-glucans equipped with two alkenyl side chains was followed by on-resin Grubbs metathesis for efficient ring closure with a variety of cross-linkers of different sizes. Oligosaccharide stapling increases enzymatic stability and cell penetration, therefore opening new opportunities for the use of glycans in medicinal chemistry.

Automated summary

This article describes the design, synthesis, and characterization of the first stapled oligosaccharides, which increases enzymatic stability and cell penetration by applying the concept of stapling short peptides to oligosaccharides.