Synthesis of a template-associated peptide designed as a transmembrane ion channel former

We describe the design and the Fmoc/tBu solid phase synthesis of a 20 residue long peptide containing five regularly distributed lysines. Cyclization of this peptide was achieved using BOP as coupling agent. After side-chain deprotection, all the basic residues were iodoacetylated and then allowed to react either with a C-terminal free COOH peptide or with peptides bearing a cysteamide group. The final pentameric templates were identified by mass and amino acid analysis which gave data compatible with the expected values.