Two synthetic strategies for incorporating diiron analogues of [FeFe]-hydrogenases into short peptides via phosphine functional groups are described. First, utilizing the amine side chain of lysine as an anchor, phosphine carboxylic acids can be coupled via amide formation to resin-bound peptides. Second, artificial, phosphine-containing amino acids can be directly incorporated into peptides vi...

Immunological synapse formation between T cells and target cells can affect the functional outcome of TCR ligation by a given MHC-peptide complex. Although synapse formation is usually induced by TCR signaling, it is not clear whether other factors can affect the efficiency of synapse formation. Here, we tested whether cytokines could influence synapse formation between murine CTLs and target c...

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) undergoes sequential cleavages to generate various polypeptides, including the amyloid b (1–42) peptide (Ab[1–42]), which is believed to play a major role in amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we provide evidence that, in contrast with its pathological role when accumulated, endogenous Ab in normal hippocampi mediates learning and memo...

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a phosphorylated and γ-carboxylated protein that has been shown to prevent the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals in the walls of blood vessels. MGP is also expressed in kidney and may inhibit the formation of kidney stones, which mainly consist of another crystalline phase, calcium oxalate monohydrate. To determine the mechanism by which MGP prevents soft-tissue ...

Self-assembly of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrillar aggregates is a key process thought to be the proximal event leading to development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, numerous attempts have been made to develop reagents that disrupt this process and prevent the formation of the toxic oligomers and aggregates. An attractive strategy for developing such reagen...

Several de novo designed ionic peptides that are able to undergo conformational change under the influence of temperature and pH were studied. These peptides have two distinct surfaces with regular repeats of alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains. This permits extensive ionic and hydrophobic interactions resulting in the formation of stable beta-sheet assemblies. The other definin...

The rising number of infections caused by biofilm formation and the difficulties associated with their treatment by conventional antimicrobial therapies have led to an intensive search for novel antibiofilm agents. Dermaseptins are antimicrobial peptides with a number of attractive properties that might offer alternative therapies against resistant microorganisms. In this study, we synthesized ...