End-Capped α-Helices as Modulators of Protein Function.

Examination of complexes of proteins with other biomolecules reveals that proteins tend to interact with partners via folded sub-domains, in which the backbone possesses secondary structure. α-Helices, the largest class of protein secondary structures, play fundamental roles in a multitude of highly specific protein-protein and protein-nucleic acids interactions. Herein, we describe the potential of a helix nucleation strategy to afford modulators of protein-protein interactions.