Conformational changes in the cyclic undecapeptide cyclosporin induced by interaction with metal ions. An FTIR study

Infra-red spectra have been measured for the cyclic undecapeptide cyclosporin A (CsA) and three analogues CsC, CsD and CsH in acetonitrile and in the presence of 10:1 molar excess of Mg 2+, Ca 2+, Na + or Li + in the same solvent. Interaction with each of these ions is suggested by marked changes in band positions over the amide 1 region (1600–1700 cm −1). The formation of complexes of cyclosporin with calcium and magnesium ions is indicated by the presence of CO stretching bands well outside the range normally expected for the amide I absorptions of free peptides. Although they share this characteristic, the spectra indicate that the mode and/or strength of Ca 2+ binding is quite different from that of Mg 2+ binding. In contrast, the two monovalent ions interact with CsA, CsC and CsD to yield spectra that are very similar to one another. The spectra are consistent with binding of the monovalent ions simultaneously to several carbonyl groups of the loop structure.