RNA-binding and viral reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity of a novel cationic diamino acid-based peptide

J Med Chem. 2011 Apr 14;54(7):2095-101. doi: 10.1021/jm1012769. Epub 2011 Mar 10.

Abstract

A novel cationic peptide based on L-lysine and L-diaminobutyric acid was prepared for the first time by solid phase synthesis. After HPLC purification and ESI MS characterization, we studied by CD and IR spectroscopy the structural features of the novel basic peptide, which is able to form a β-turn-like structure. Furthermore, its interaction with DNA and RNA was investigated by CD and UV spectroscopy, which revealed a preferential RNA-binding ability of the sequential peptide, whereas its inhibitory activity toward HIV and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) reverse transcriptase action was evaluated by semiquantitative PCR. The cationic sequential peptide was able to inhibit the reverse transcriptase activity in both cases, even if our PCR data suggested a major activity in the case of HIV-RT, probably due to the stronger cationic peptide-protein interaction evidenced by UV spectroscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • HIV / enzymology*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Moloney murine leukemia virus / enzymology*
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / pharmacology

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Peptides
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • RNA
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase