MF STRC AND FCN (333034)

  https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/333034

  FP7 (2007-2013)

  Conformational Control in Designed Biomimetic Metallofoldamers: Towards Functional Materials

  Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG)

  proteins  ·  sensors  ·  catalysis  ·  amines  ·  spectroscopy

  2013-03-01 Start Date (YY-MM-DD)

  2017-02-28 End Date (YY-MM-DD)

  € 100,000 Total Cost

  Description

The established relationship between biopolymers structure and function has led to the design of “Foldamers” – synthetic oligomers that can fold into well-defined three-dimensional conformations stable in solution. Substantial progress has been made in establishing foldamers that emulate protein secondary and tertiary structures. Further advancement of foldamers requires design strategies that will enable their use as superior materials with unique functions. Metal ions are key cofactors in both the structure and function of proteins and essentially Nature’s choice for sophisticated tasks such as folding, catalysis, and recognition. Thus, the goal of this proposal is to generate metal-binding foldamers and investigate (i) whether metal binding can induce folding of biomimetic oligomers and stabilize 3D conformations, (ii) whether the interactions with foldamers can mediate the geometrical and chiral properties of the metal complexes formed, and (iii) their use as enantioselective catalysts and chiral sensors. We study the class peptidomimetic foldamers called “peptoids” – N-substituted glycine oligomers. Their facile and efficient synthesis on solid phase support, which employs primary amines, enables the incorporation of various functional groups at specified N-positions along their spine. We will design and synthesize a diverse range of peptoid sequences, with different degrees of conformational order, incorporating at least one metal chelator. The various sequences will enable systematic investigation of the oligomers folding behavior upon metal coordination. Conformational changes and chirality will be detected by Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Based on our findings we will generate unique chiral sensors and multifunctional asymmetric catalysts: helical metallofoldamers incorporating an organic co-catalyst and an activation reagent on the same backbone will be evaluated for their ability to act cooperatively, thus emulating biomimetic function.

  Complicit Organisations

1 Israeli organisation participates in MF STRC AND FCN.