Factors influencing the catalytic activity of metal-dependent histidine-rich peptides: sequence, conformation, stereochemistry, self-assembly or their interplay?†

The sequence-to-function relationship of peptide-based catalysts remains a challenge, as even subtle modifications at the sequence level can alternate their catalytic activity. A set of linear and cyclic histidine-rich peptides was synthesized to assess the impact of amino acid disposition, cyclization, and incorporation of D-amino acids on their ability to self-assemble, coordinate Zn²⁺ ions, and show intrinsic hydrolase-like activity. Self-assembly into β-sheets was confirmed for both linear peptides and one cyclic analogue (cy-hh) by FTIR, ThT binding, CD, and AFM. Interestingly, only peptide A demonstrated efficient ester hydrolysis of p-NPA, p-NPB and p-NPO substrates, indicative of its effective Zn²⁺ coordination. Our findings highlight that increased rigidity of the peptide can hinder metal ion coordination by limiting the necessary conformational adjustments for optimal Zn²⁺ binding. These insights into the structural changes underlying the function of short peptides offer valuable knowledge for the design of metal-dependent peptide-based catalysts.