In a new study, researchers from University College London, UK, reported a chemoselective, high-yield α-amino nitrile link. This α-amino nitrile connection only uses the molecules that may exist before the origin of life-hydrogen sulfide, thioacetate, ferricyanide or cyanoacetylene to produce α-peptides in water. The results of the study, entitled “Peptide ligation by chemoselective aminonitrile coupling in the water”, were published online in the journal Nature on July 10, 2019.

“Peptides are long chains of amino acids that are a key element of all life on Earth,” explained Professor Matthew Powner of University College London, who led the study, “they can further form proteins. In charge of the biological process. “Although scientists have clarified the relationship between amino acids, peptides, and proteins, a key question about the origin of life has never been solved: the synthesis of peptides from amino acids requires the involvement of enzymes; The enzyme that dominates this step is a protein; but to synthesize this protein, we need amino acids to synthesize peptides first. “This is a classic ‘chicken first or egg first’ question.” Professor Powner added.

Previously, many scientists have been studying how amino acids spontaneously form peptides. However, the conditions required for the reaction are extremely harsh and difficult to achieve. In the study, the team focused on aminonitriles, the precursor of amino acids. They found that these molecules are inherently reactive and can directly form peptides without first converting them into amino acids. In other words, the researchers have found a way to synthesize peptides without the need for amino acids.

α-amino nitrile coupling has high selectivity for α-amino nitrile coupling, so there is no need for the existence of the amino acids of these 20 proteins. Two basic characteristics make the peptide binding in water: the reactivity of α-amino nitrile and pK_aH make them connect under neutral pH. N-acylation keeps the peptide product produced by this connection stable and activates the peptide precursor, thus achieving biologically simulated N-C peptide binding.

This model unifies the synthesis of amino nitrile and biological α-peptide before the origin of life, and points out that the shorter N-acyl peptide nitrile is a potentially feasible substrate in the process of early evolution.

References

1. Canavelli, P., Islam, S., & Powner, M. W. (2019). Peptide ligation by chemoselective aminonitrile coupling in water. Nature.

Actually, with the advance of modern biotechnology, a wide range of chemical substances have been discovered for the further development of modern clinical applications, such as peptides, amino acids, antibiotics, and so on. While as for amino acids, the key elements are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. However, there are some other elements can be found in the side-chains. In terms of the rapid development of amino acids, nearly five hundred amino acids have been known for people, which can be divided into wide categories based on different functions. For example, they can be classified in terms of the location of core structural groups, they can also be classified for the relation with polarity or side-chain type.

Anyway, massive definitions can be used in the process of classification. Amino acids have developed an important role in recent years, namely comprising the second-largest component of human cells, as well as some certain tissues. On the other hand, they also help the process of neurotransmittertransport and biosynthesis to a large degree. Since amino acids are so important for people, they have been stressed a lot, but related concerns are increasing now because of their particular functions in modern technology. They can be helpful in assisting researchers discover more available biotechnological products, such as synthesis and phosphorylation. In addition, amino acids have played critical non-protein roles within the body as well. Taking the human brain as an example, the standard amino acid glycine is used in red blood cells, and the non-standard carnitine is used in lipid transport.

Considering their biological significance, amino acids are important in nutrition. They will be commonly used in nutritional supplements, fertilizers, and food technology in the future. Industrial uses include the production of drugs, biodegradable plastics, and chiral catalysts can also be the applicable areas. Maybe a new era for amino acids is upcoming.