A double catgrip mixed L and D mini protein only 20 residues long

Stereochemistry limits but also defines proteins, as conformational constructs stereospecific for poly-L structure. Employed as a variable in sequence, stereochemistry could make proteins customizable in the letters of L and D amino acid alphabet. In proof of concept, we previously demonstrated stereochemical reengineering of canonical beta-hairpins as bracelet and boat shaped molecules. Illustrating the prospect for functional design, a 20-residue four-stranded mini-beta protein is now customized stereochemically as a canoe shaped molecule. A conformational construct of four side by side hydrogen-bonded strands in alternately (L)beta, (D)beta conformation, joined via Type-II/II' beta-turns, is planned to be preponderantly apolar in beta-sheet favoring residues, interspersing two ion pairs, and suitably L and D in sequence. Synthesis followed by MD, NMR, CD, and MALDI-MS studies established the molecule as a canoe shaped fold in water, demonstrable in affinity of alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions as expected given its catgrip like elements. Another success in accomplishing a synthetic miniprotein complex in stereochemistry and stereospecific in conformation, exceptionally small yet functional in metal ion affinity, affirms the value in combined L and D alphabet in programming molecular shapes and functions stereochemically. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.