Thioamides in C5 Hydrogen Bonds: Implications for Protein β-Strands

Though thioamides are considered weaker hydrogen-bond acceptors than oxoamides, recent calculations suggest that they can enhance hydrogen bonds within the backbone of individual β-strands. We confirm this prediction through spectroscopic analysis of minimal amino-acid models. Further, incorporation of thioamides into the backbone of β-hairpin models highlights opportunities to control β-strand stability.