Constrained beta-amino acid-containing miniproteins.

The construction of β-amino acid-containing peptides that fold to tertiary structures in solution remains challenging. Two model miniproteins, namely, Trp-cage and FSD, were scanned using a constrained β-amino acid in order to evaluate its impact on the folding process. Relationships between forces stabilizing the miniprotein structure and conformational stability of analogues were found.

4'-Methoxyphenacyl-Assisted Synthesis of β-Kdo Glycosides.

3-Deoxy-β-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (β-Kdo) glycosides are mainly found in capsular polysaccharides and extracellular exopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria. These compounds have profound biological implications in immune response and act as virulence factors. We have developed a novel methodology for the stereoselective synthesis of β-Kdo glycosides via the use of a 4'-methoxyphenacyl (Phen) auxiliary group at the C1 position of a peracetylated β-Kdo thioglycoside.

Synthesis of the Tetrasaccharide Repeating Unit of the β-Kdo-Containing Exopolysaccharide from Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. cepacia Complex.

The synthesis of the repeating unit of the immunogenic β-Kdo-containing exopolysaccharide produced by Burkholderia pseudomallei and bacteria of the B. cepacia complex is described. The target tetrasaccharide was synthesized via stereoselective 1,2-cis- and 1,2-trans-galactosylations and β-Kdosylation.