Control of Synthetic Peptide Tertiary Structure

Abstract

The proposed research seeks to design and synthesize large organic molecules possessing precisely defined geometric shapes, A capability which will make possible the design of catalysis and receptors. The approach entails the design of unnatural amino acids which, when incorporated into peptides, will enforce tertiary structure on the overall molecule. Methods are also suggested whereby transiently stable noncovalent complexes of peptides might be permanently stabilized by covalent crosslinking, leading to the concept of 'self-assembly' of large, highly ordered organic molecules. The additional possibility of assembling large structures from smaller pieces by incorporation of temporary functionality which will initially spatially orient small pieces prior to covalent assembly is suggested, a concept termed 'directed assembly.' Keywords: Molecular structure; Peptide secondary structure; Molecular design; Circular dichroism; Alpha-helix; Protein thermostabilization.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA210339

Entities

People

  • Paul B. Hopkins

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amino Acids
  • Assembly
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemistry
  • Classification
  • Contracts
  • Dichroism
  • Military Research
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecules
  • Security
  • Self Assembly
  • Solid Phases

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Systems Analysis and Design