CHAPTER 6: Biology and Synthesis of the Argyrins

Argyrins A–F, isolated in 2002, are non-ribosomal cyclic peptides exhibiting a unique framework. Their remarkable bioactivity includes antibiotic, immunosuppressive and antitumor properties. The explanation of their properties can be found in the inhibition of bacterial elongation factor G and p27^kip1 inhibition. Synthetic studies towards argyrins A–F have been investigated by four groups using different novel pathways of polypeptide chemistry in three convergent approaches and one linear solid-phase peptide synthesis.