Peptide-conjugated pterins as inhibitors of ricin toxin A

J Med Chem. 2013 Jan 10;56(1):320-9. doi: 10.1021/jm3016393. Epub 2012 Dec 19.

Abstract

Several 7-peptide-substituted pterins were synthesized and tested as competitive active-site inhibitors of ricin toxin A (RTA). Focus began on dipeptide conjugates, and these results further guided the construction of several tripeptide conjugates. The binding of these compounds to RTA was studied via a luminescence-based kinetic assay, as well as through X-ray crystallography. Despite the relatively polar, solvent exposed active site, several hydrophobic interactions, most commonly π-interactions not predicted by modeling programs, were identified in all of the best-performing inhibitors. Nearly all of these compounds provide IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Binding, Competitive
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Chemical Warfare Agents* / chemistry
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Kinetics
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oligopeptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry
  • Oligopeptides / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding
  • Pterins / chemical synthesis*
  • Pterins / chemistry
  • Pterins / pharmacology
  • Ricin / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Ricin / chemistry
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Oligopeptides
  • Pterins
  • Ricin