Modulating Proteinâ Protein Interactions with Visibleâ Lightâ Responsive Peptide Backbone Photoswitches

Abstract

Life relies on a myriad of carefully orchestrated processes, in which proteins and their direct interplay ultimately determine cellular function and disease. Modulation of this complex crosstalk has recently attracted attention, even as a novel therapeutic strategy. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of two visibleâ lightâ responsive peptide backbone photoswitches based on azobenzene derivatives, to exert optical control over proteinâ protein interactions (PPI). The novel peptidomimetics undergo fast and reversible isomerization with low photochemical fatigue under alternatively blueâ /greenâ light irradiation cycles. Both bind in the nanomolar range to the protein of interest. Importantly, the best peptidomimetic displays a clear difference between isomers in its proteinâ binding capacity and, in turn, in its potential to inhibit enzymatic activity through PPI disruption. In addition, crystal structure determination, docking and molecular dynamics calculations allow a molecular interpretation and open up new avenues in the design and synthesis of future photoswitchable PPI modulators.Bright shot! Optical control of enzymatic activity by using visibleâ light photoswitchable proteinâ protein modulators. The synthesis and characterization of two visibleâ lightâ responsive peptide backbone photoswitches, based on azobenzene derivatives, are reported.