Alkenylation and Arylation of Peptides via Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of α--Tosyl Peptides with Csp Triflates/Halides.

A Ni-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling between α-C-tosyl peptides and Csp triflates/halides has been developed. This protocol enables the formation of various unnatural di- and tripeptides containing vinyl and aryl side chains, and it expands the applications of Ni-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling in late-stage diversification of peptides.

Design and Characterization of a Human Monoclonal Antibody that Modulates Mutant Connexin 26 Hemichannels Implicated in Deafness and Skin Disorders.

Mutations leading to changes in properties, regulation, or expression of connexin-made channels have been implicated in 28 distinct human hereditary diseases. Eight of these result from variants of connexin 26 (Cx26), a protein critically involved in cell-cell signaling in the inner ear and skin. Lack of non-toxic drugs with defined mechanisms of action poses a serious obstacle to therapeutic interventions for diseases caused by mutant connexins.