Low Molecular Weight Di‐ to Tetrapeptide Transmembrane Cation Transporters

Low molecular weight di‐, tri‐ and tetrapeptide transmembrane ion transporters containing aminobenzoic acid and l/d alanine are reported. These short peptides transport alkali metal cations in preference to halides across the lipid bilayer most likely through a carrier mechanism. Easy access to these peptides and the ability to install diverse functional groups into the peptidic scaffold make them attractive scaffolds for therapeutic use. Small peptides derived from alanine and aminobenzoic acid ferry cations across lipid membranes as ion carriers. The aromatic unit is essential for the transport activity. Such readily accessible peptides are attractive scaffolds for therapeutic use.