Synthesis and structural investigation of peptides and polymers: from improvement of the synthesis methodology to the study of some physiologically relevant peptídes.

Abstract

SUMMARYInitially, we will proceed with our continuous efforts to improve the complex methodology of peptide synthesis performed on resins. Emphasis will be given to the strategy of development of novel resins but now, extending this approach also to the copolymer necessary for the synthesis of these resins. We are going also to evaluate the possibility of applying these materials as fixed phase of column chromatography. Another highlighted item in this study involves the investigation of the complex physico-chemical process of solvation in different solvents of the polymer matrix during peptide synthesis aiming to improve the chemical reactions occurring within the resin beads. Also related to this field, we intend to develop an alternative strategy to optimize the crucial step of removing the peptide chains from the resin matrix. Still related to these strong chemical approaches, we also intend to synthesize peptides but preferably containing amino acid derivatives in their sequences for further structural, pharmacological and enzymatic studies also involving in the latter case, the angiotensin converting enzyme and renin. The peptides to be labeled with these compounds will those present in the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems and structural investigations will involve different spectroscopic methods. Peptide derivatives containing two spin labels introduced by our group for use in peptides and polymers areas (Toac and Poac) will be obtained, although the chiral chromatographic purification of the latter´s enantiomers need to be properly achieved. We believe that as a whole, this project is characterized by a reasonable diversification of objectives and all, with outstanding potential in the field of biotechnological applications. (AU)