Search

The study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of two opioid analogs, a monomer and a dimer, obtained as products of the solid-phase, side-chain to side-chain cyclization of the pentapeptide Tyr-d-Lys-Phe-Phe-AspNH2 . The binding affinities to the mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, as well as results obtained in a calcium mobilization functional assay are reported. Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 1 was a potent and selective full agonist of mu with sub-nanomolar affinity, while the dimer (Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 )2 2 showed a significant mixed mu/kappa affinity, acting as an agonist at the mu. Molecular docking computations were utilized to explain the ability of the dimeric cyclopeptide 2 to interact with the receptor. Interestingly, in spite of the increased ring size, the higher flexibility allowed 2 to fold and fit into the mu receptor binding pocket. Both cyclopeptides were shown to elicit strong antinociceptive activity after intraventricular injection but only cyclomonomer 1 was able to cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the cyclodimer 2 displayed a potent peripheral antinociceptive activity in a mouse model of visceral inflammatory pain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 309-317, 2016., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Cyclic pentapeptide Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), which shows high affinity to the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and a very strong antinociceptive activity in mice was used as a parent compound for the structure-activity relationship studies. In this report we synthesized analogs of a general sequence Dmt-c[D-Lys-Xaa-Yaa-Asp]NH2, with D-1- or D-2-naphthyl-3-alanine (D-1-Nal or D-2-Nal) in positions 3 or 4. In our earlier papers we have indicated that replacing a phenylalanine residue by the more extended aromatic system of naphthylalanines may result in increased bioactivities of linear analogs. The data obtained here showed that only cyclopeptides modified in position 4 retained the sub-nanomolar MOR and nanomolar κ-opioid receptor (KOR) affinity, similar but not better than that of a parent cyclopeptide. In the in vivo mouse hot-plate test, the most potent analog, Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-D-1-Nal-Asp]NH2, exhibited higher than EM-2 but slightly lower than the cyclic parent peptide antinociceptive activity after peripheral (ip) and also central administration (icv). Conformational analyses in a biomimetic environment and molecular docking studies disclosed the structural determinants responsible for the different pharmacological profiles of position 3- versus position 4-modified analogs., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

The study reports the solid-phase synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new side chain-to-side chain cyclized opioid peptide analogs of the general structure Tyr-[D-Xaa-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, where Xaa = Lys (1), Orn (2), Dab (3), or Dap (4) (Dab = 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, Dap = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid), containing 17- to 14-membered rings. The influence of the ring size on binding to the MOP, DOP and KOP opioid receptors was studied. In general, the reduction of the size of the macrocyclic ring increased the selectivity for the MOP receptor. The cyclopeptide incorporating Xaa = Lys displayed subnanomolar MOP affinity but modest selectivity over the KOP receptor, while the analog with the Orn residue showed increased affinity and selectivity for MOP. The analog with Dab was a weak MOP agonist and did not bind to the other two opioid receptors. Finally, the peptide with Xaa = Dap was completely MOP receptor-selective with subnanomolar affinity. Interestingly, the deletion of one Phe residue from 1 led to the 14-membered Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2 (5), a potent and selective MOP receptor ligand. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in a calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. A good correlation between binding and the functional test results was observed. The influence of the ring size, solid support and the N-terminal protecting group on the formation of cyclodimers was studied.

As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2 (EM-2), we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogues of a general sequence Tyr/Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (where Dmt = 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), incorporating fluorinated amino acids: 4-fluorophenylalanine (4-F-Phe), 2,4-difluorophenylalanine (2,4-F-Phe), or 4-trifluoromethylphenylalanine (4-CF3-Phe) instead of the Phe residue in position 3 or 4. Depending on the fluorinated amino acid residue and its position in the sequence, analogues were mixed, high affinity MOP/KOP receptor agonists, MOP/DOP/KOP agonists, or selective KOP agonists. The in vitro potencies and efficacies of all novel analogues were assessed in calcium mobilization assay. The most potent analogues, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2 and Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-2,4-F-Phe-Asp]NH2, were tested in vivo in the mouse hot-plate test. They produced strong antinociceptive effect not only after intracerebroventricular but also after intraperitoneal injection, indicating that they were able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Cyclization of linear sequences is a well recognized tool in opioid peptide chemistry for generating analogs with improved bioactivities. Cyclization can be achieved through various bridging bonds between peptide ends or side-chains. In our earlier paper we have reported the synthesis and biological activity of a cyclic peptide, Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (1), which can be viewed as an analog of endomorphin-2 (EM-2, Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2). Cyclization was achieved through an amide bond between side-chains of D-Lys and Asp residues. Here, to increase rigidity of the cyclic structure, we replaced d-Lys with cis- or trans-4-aminocyclohexyl-D-alanine (D-ACAla). Two sets of analogs incorporating either Tyr or Dmt (2',6'-dimethyltyrosine) residues in position 1 were synthesized. In the binding studies the analog incorporating Dmt and trans-D-ACAla showed high affinity for both, μ- and δ-opioid receptors (MOR and DOR, respectively) and moderate affinity for the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), while analog with Dmt and cis-D-ACAla was exceptionally MOR-selective. Conformational analyses by NMR and molecular docking studies have been performed to investigate the molecular structural features responsible for the noteworthy MOR selectivity.

In our efforts to develop new candidate drugs with antinociceptive and/or antidepressant-like activity, two novel endomorphin-2 (EM-2, Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) analogs, containing proline surrogates in position 2 were synthesized using commercially available racemic trans-4-phenylpyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid (4-Ph-β-Pro). The obtained mixture of two diastereoisomeric peptides (2a and 2b) was separated by HPLC and both enantiopure analogs were used in the in vitro and in vivo studies. To assign the absolute configuration to the 4-Ph-β-Pro residues in both peptides, the stereoselective synthesis of (3R,4S)-4-phenylpyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid was performed and this enantiomer was introduced into position 2 of EM-2 sequence. Based on the HPLC retention times we were able to assign the absolute configuration of 4-Ph-β-Pro residues in both peptide analogs. Analog 2a incorporating (3R,4S)-4-Ph-β-Pro residue produced strong analgesia in mice after intracerebroventricular (icv) administration which was antagonized by the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist, β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA). This analog also influenced an emotion-related behavior of mice, decreasing immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, without affecting locomotor activity. The antidepressant-like effect was reversed by the δ-selective antagonist, naltrindole (NLT) and κ-selective nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). Thus, the experiments with selective opioid receptor antagonists revealed that analgesic action of analog 2a was mediated through the MOR, while the δ- and κ-receptors (DOR and KOR, respectively) were engaged in the antidepressant-like activity. Analog 2b with (3S,4R)-4-Ph-β-Pro in position 2 showed no antinociceptive or antidepressant-like activity in animal studies., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

As part of our continuing studies on the structure-activity relationships of cyclic pentapeptides based on the structure of endomorphin-2, we report here the synthesis and biological activities of a new series of analogs incorporating 2', 3' or 4'-methylphenylalanine (MePhe) residues into positions 3 or 4 of the parent cyclopeptide, Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (Dmt=2',6'-dimethyltyrosine). Analogs with MePhe in position 4 showed a row of magnitude increased μ-opioid receptor (MOP receptor) affinity as compared with a parent compound. The in vitro potencies of the new analogs were determined in calcium mobilization assay performed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing human recombinant opioid receptors and chimeric G proteins. All analogs were strong μ/κ (MOP/KOP) receptor agonists and weak δ (DOP) receptor agonists. In the in vivo hot-plate test in mice, the MePhe(4)-modified peptides showed remarkable antinociceptive activity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration which was most likely due to the concomitant activation of more than one opioid receptor type., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The cyclization of linear analogs based on endomorphin-2 structure, Tyr/Dmt-d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp-NH2 and Tyr/Dmt-d-Cys-Phe-Phe-Cys-NH2 (where Dmt=2',6'-dimethyltyrosine), resulting in obtaining lactam or disulfide derivatives, was studied using liquid chromatography combined with on-line mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In case of cyclization via an amide bond, the formation of the cyclic monomers, cyclic but not linear dimers and even traces of cyclic trimers was observed. Disulfide bridge containing peptides was obtained by the solid-phase synthesis of the linear sequences, followed by either in-solution or on-resin cyclization. In case of the in-solution cyclization, the expected cyclic monomers were the only products. When oxidation of the cysteine residues was performed when the peptides were still on the resin, cyclic monomer and two cyclodimers, parallel and antiparallel, were found. Digestion of the isolated cyclodimers with α-chymotrypsin allowed for their unambiguous identification. The comparison of the cyclic monomer/dimer ratios for analogs with Tyr versus Dmt in position 1 revealed that the presence of the exocyclic Dmt favored formation of the cyclic monomer, most likely due to the increased steric bulk of this amino acid side-chain as compared with Tyr., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In our previous paper we have reported the synthesis and biological activity of a cyclic analog, Tyr-c(D-Lys- Phe-Phe-Asp)-NH2, based on endomorphin-2 (EM-2) structure. This analog displayed high affinity for the µ-opioid receptor, was much more stable than EM-2 in rat brain homogenate and showed remarkable antinociceptive activity after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection. Even more importantly, the cyclic analog elicited weak analgesia also after peripheral administration, giving evidence that it was able to cross, at least to some extent, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here we describe further modifications of this analog aimed at enhancing brain delivery by increasing lipophilicity. Two new cyclic pentapeptides, Tyr-c(D-Lys-D-1-Nal-Phe-Asp)-NH2 and Tyr-c(D-Lys-D-2-Nal-Phe-Asp)-NH2 (where 1-Nal=1- naphthyl-3-alanine, 2-Nal=2-naphthyl-3-alanine) were synthesized and evaluated in biological assays. Both analogs showed high µ-opioid receptor affinity and agonist activity and were stable in the rat brain homogenates. Unfortunately, the increase of lipophilicity was achieved at the expense of water solubility. The analog with D-2-Nal residue showed strong analgesic effect when given i.c.v. but could not be tested after intravenous (i.v.) administration where higher concentrations of the compound are required. However, this analog showed inhibitory effect on gastrointestinal (GI) motility in vivo, providing an interesting approach to the development of peripherally restricted agents that could be useful for studying gastrointestinal disorders in animal models.

We report the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of a novel glycosylated analog of a potent and selective endogenous μ-opioid receptor (MOP) agonist, endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2, EM-2), obtained by the introduction in position 3 of the tyrosine residue possessing the glucose moiety attached to the phenolic function via a β-glycosidic bond. The improved blood-brain barrier permeability and enhanced antinociceptive effect of the novel glycosylated analog suggest that it may be a promising template for design of potent analgesics. Furthermore, the described methodology may be useful for increasing the bioavailability and delivery of opioid peptides to the CNS., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Endogenous opioid peptides have been studied extensively as potential therapeutics for the treatment of pain. The major problems of using natural opioid peptides as drug candidates are their poor receptor specificity, metabolic instability and inability to reach the brain after systemic administration. A lot of synthetic efforts have been made to opioid analogs with improved pharmacological properties. One important structural modification leading to such analogs is cyclization of linear sequences. Intramolecular cyclization has been shown to improve biological properties of various bioactive peptides. Cyclization reduces conformational freedom responsible for the simultaneous activation of two or more receptors, increases metabolic stability and lipophilicity which may result in a longer half-life and easier penetration across biological membranes. This review deals with various strategies that have been employed to synthesize cyclic analogs of opioid peptides. Discussed are such bridging bonds as amide and amine linkages, sulfur-containing bonds, including monosulfide, disulfide and dithioether bridges, bismethylene bonds, monosulfide bridges of lanthionine and, finally, carbonyl and guanidine linkages. Opioid affinities and activities of cyclic analogs are given and compared with linear opioid peptides. Analgesic activities of analogs evaluated in the in vivo pain tests are also discussed.

The search for effective plant-derived anti-cancer agents or their synthetic analogs has continued to gain interest in drug development. The anti-cancer activity of parthenolide (PTL) isolated from Tanacetum parthenium, has been attributed to the presence of α-methylene-γ-lactone skeleton. In the present study we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer potential of a new synthetic compound, 3-isopropyl-2-methyl-4-methyleneisoxazolidin-5-one (MZ-6), with the same as in PTL α-methylene-γ-lactone motif, on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. For comparison, PTL was included in the study. PTL and MZ-6 reduced the number of viable MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values between 6 and 9 μM. Both compounds dose-dependently inhibited incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine, up-regulated Bax and down regulated Bcl-2 mRNA. The levels of the end product of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, were significantly higher. In MCF-7 cells, MZ-6 induced early apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. The effect produced by MZ-6 was much stronger compared with PTL. In MDA-MB-231 cells, both tested compounds had similar effect and induced mostly late apoptosis. In conclusion, the observed anticancer activity makes MZ-6 an attractive drug candidate and shows that simple analogs of α-methylene-γ-lactones can be good substitutes for more complex structures isolated from plants.

Salvinorin A (SA) is the main active ingredient of Salvia divinorum, a naturally occurring hallucinogen plant from Mexico. Traditionally, herbal preparations obtained from Salvia were used by the Mazatec Indians for their divination rites and the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. SA is a selective K-opioid receptor agonist, producing antinociception in animals and humans and displaying regulatory effect on colonic function. Studies in humans demonstrated potent hallucinogenic effect of SA. The extensive research on SA and related neoclerodane diterpenes over the past few years resulted in a number of reports on their isolation, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization. In this review we try to summarize, from the pharmacological and synthetic point of view, the structure-activity relationship studies of SA and discuss the possible use of SA and its derivatives as therapeutics.

This study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new side-chain-to-side-chain cyclized endomorphin-2 (EM-2) and morphiceptin analogs of a general structure Tyr-c(Xaa-Phe-Phe-Yaa)NH(2) or Tyr-c(Xaa-Phe-D-Pro-Yaa)NH(2), respectively, where Xaa and Yaa were L/D Asp or L/D Lys. Further modification of these analogs was achieved by introduction of 2',6'-dimethyl-L-tyrosine (Dmt) instead of Tyr in position 1. Peptides were synthesized by solid phase method and cleaved from the resin by a microwave-assisted procedure. Dmt(1)-substituted analogs displayed high affinity at the μ-opioid receptors, remained intact after incubation with the rat brain homogenate and showed remarkable, long-lasting μ-opioid receptor-mediated antinociceptive activity after central, but not peripheral administration. Our results demonstrate that cyclization is a promising strategy in the development of new opioid analgesics, but further modifications are necessary to enhance the blood-brain barrier permeability., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)