Collagen mimics
A novel collagen mimic comprising a tripeptide unit having the formula (flpYaaGly) n , where flp is 4(S)-fluoro-L-proline, is disclosed. The collagen mimic has increased stability relative to the collagen-related triple helices (ProYaaGly) n , (hypYaaGly) n , and (HypYaaGly) n .
1. A collagen mimic comprising a tripeptide having the formula:
(flp-Yaa-Gly)n,
where Yaa is any amino acid residue or any modified amino acid residue,
flp is 4(S)-fluoroproline,
and n is a positive integer.
2. The peptide of claim 1 , wherein n is at least 3.
3. The peptide of claim 1 , wherein n is at least 7.
4. A composition of matter comprising a triple helix of collagen mimic molecules in which each of the molecules in the helix comprises tripeptides of the formula:
(flp-Yaa-Gly)n,
where Yaa is any amino acid residue or a modified amino acid residue,
flp is 4(S)-fluoroproline, and
n is a positive integer.
5. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 4 wherein n is at least 3.
6. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 4 wherein Yaa is proline and n is at least 7.
7. The peptide of claim 4 , wherein the Yaa residue is selected from the group consisting of 4(R)-hydroxyproline or an O-modified 4(R)-hydroxyproline.
8. A collagen mimic peptide comprising a tripeptide having the formula (flp-Pro-Gly)n.
9. The peptide of claim 8 , wherein n is at least 3.
10. The peptide of claim 8 , wherein n is at least 7.