Synthesis of phosphopeptides in the fmoc mode

The synthesis of phosphopeptides has played a major role in the characterization of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. The current range of synthesis protocols available provides a variety of possible routes by which to approach specific synthetic challenges, and this review article discusses these methods for the preparation of phosphopeptides and provides synthesis notes for each method. Phosphopeptide synthesis is achieved by either introduction of the phosphate group via post-synthetic ('global') phosphorylation of a resin-bound peptide or the incorporation of a pre-phosphorylated derivative into the growing peptide chain. Protocols and synthesis notes are provided for the synthesis of phosphoramidites, phosphotyrosyl, -seryl and -threonyl peptides and their mimetics, including thiophosphopeptides. The aim of this review was to provide a synthesis reference guide for Fmoc-based synthesis of both singly and multiply phosphorylated peptides, with particular emphasis given to the most successful and generally applicable methods.