SYNTHESIS OF ZINC FINGER TEMPLATE

The zinc finger template brings about protein-DNA recognition. The first synthesis of a metal template which incorporates the essential features of the zinc finger motif and represented by structure (1) has been achieved from the key tripeptide, bis-N-benzyloxycarbonyl cystinyl di-histidine methyl ester (2), using a novel thiol-disulfide exchange and subsequent complexation. The cobalt motif (5) has been similarly prepared. FAB mass spectrum, 1D nmr, COSY and NOESY spectra, difference NOe of (1) and the UV of (5) are in very good agreement with a ligand distribution profile around the central tetrahedral metal ion similar to that deduced for natural and synthetic zinc finger proteins. The potential of (1) or its appropriate variants in the understanding of diverse facets of DNA recognition is discussed.