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Updated: Jul 25, 2025
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Split-and-pool Synthesis and Characterization of Peptide Tertiary Amide Library
Published on: June 20, 2014
18.2K
Non-Canonical Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Peptidomimetics: Structure, Function, and Applications
Tarsila G Castro1,2, Manuel Melle-Franco3, Cristina E A Sousa4
1CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Biomolecules
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Non-canonical amino acids enhance peptide stability and function. This review classifies these unique residues and their use in designing novel peptidomimetics for new molecules and materials.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) are prevalent in nature, influencing peptide stability and biological activity.
- Unlike standard amino acids, the structural and functional roles of ncAAs are not fully elucidated.
- This review focuses on ncAAs and their application in peptidomimetic design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of non-canonical amino acids.
- To classify ncAAs based on their ability to induce secondary structures and enhance stability.
- To explore the application of ncAAs in peptidomimetics.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of experimental and molecular modeling data.
- Classification of ncAAs based on structural modifications (side-chain and backbone).
- Review of specific ncAAs including dialkyl glycines, cyclized amino acids, proline analogues, and dehydro amino acids.
Main Results:
- Identified various classes of ncAAs with distinct structural and functional properties.
- Demonstrated that ncAAs can induce specific secondary structures, improving peptide stability.
- Highlighted backbone modifications like retro-inverso peptidomimetics and depsipeptides.
Conclusions:
- Non-canonical amino acids are crucial for enhancing peptide stability and biological function.
- Understanding ncAAs facilitates the design of advanced peptidomimetics.
- Peptidomimetics derived from ncAAs hold promise for developing new therapeutics and materials.
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