Delta-selective opioid peptides containing a single aromatic residue in the message domain: an NMR conformational analysis

The sequence of deltorphin I, a delta-selective opioid agonist, has been systematically modified by inserting conformationally constrained C alpha, alpha disubstituted apolar residues in the third position. As expected, substitution of Phe with Ac6c, Ac5c and Ac3c yields analogues with decreasing but sizeable affinity. Surprisingly, substitution with Aib yields an analogue with almost the same binding affinity of the parent compound but with a greatly increased selectivity. This is the first case of a potent and very selective opioid peptide containing a single aromatic residue in the message domain, that is, only Tyr1. Here we report a detailed conformational analysis of [Aib3]deltorphin I and [Ac6c3]deltorphin I in DMSO at room temperature and in a DMSO/water cryomixture at low temperature, based on NMR spectroscopy and energy calculations. The peptides are highly structured in both solvents, as indicated by the exceptional finding of a nearly zero temperature coefficient of Val5 NH resonance. NMR data cannot be explained on the basis of a single structure but it was possible to interpret all NMR data on the basis of a few structural families. The conformational averaging was analysed by means of an original computer program that yields qualitative and quantitative composition of the mixture. Comparison of the preferred solution conformation with two rigid delta-selective agonists shows that the shapes of [Aib3]deltorphin I and [Ac6c3]deltorphin I are consistent with those of rigid agonists and that the message domain of opioid peptides can be defined only in conformational terms.

3(10)-Helices, helix screw sense and screw sense reversal in the dehydro-peptide Boc-Val-delta Phe-Gly-delta Phe-Val-OMe

The pentapeptide Boc-Val-delta Phe-Gly-delta Phe-Val-OME, containing two dehydro-phenylalanine (delta Phe) residues, has been synthesized and its structure investigated. In the crystalline state, the molecule adopts a right-handed 3(10)-helical conformation stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds between CO of Val1 and NH of delta Phe4, and between CO of delta Phe2 and NH of Val5, respectively. NMR measurements are consistent with the presence of 3(10)-helical structures also in acetonitrile and dimethylsulphoxide solution: the distances between backbone protons estimated from NOE connectivities are in overall agreement with those observed in the solid state; the chemical shifts of the amide protons show the smaller temperature coefficients for the NHs that in solid state are involved in intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The CD spectra in acetonitrile, chloroform, methanol and dimethylsulphoxide display exciton couplets of bands corresponding to the delta Phe electronic transition at 280 nm; the sign of the bands is consistent with the presence of helical structures having a prevalent left-handed screw sense. Addition of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-propan-2-ol gives rise to the gradual appearance of a couplet of opposite sign, suggesting the helix reversal from left-handed sense to right-handed sense. The conformational behaviour is discussed on the basis of the specific sequence of the peptide.

Conformational analysis of potent and very selective delta opioid dipeptide antagonists

The delta selectivity and antagonism of peptides containing L-tetrahydro-3-isoquinoline carboxylic acid (Tic) in second position can be attributed mainly to the Tyr-Tic unit. These properties can be further enhanced by substituting Tyr1 with 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl (Dmt). Dmt-Tic-NH2, Dmt-Tic-OH, Dmt-Tic-Ala-NH2 and Dmt-Tic-Ala-OH are all more active and/or selective than the corresponding [Tyr1]-parent peptides. In fact the selectivities of Dmt-Tic-OH and Dmt-Tic-Ala-OH are the highest ever recorded for opioid molecules. 1H NMR spectra in a DMSO/water mixture at 278 K reveal the presence of two similar conformers, characterised by a cis or trans Dmt-Tic bond, in all four peptides. A detailed conformational analysis in solution of Dmt-Tic-NH2 shows that these conformers have a shape very similar to that of the bioactive conformation of Tyr-Tic-NH2 and to that of naltrindole.

Delta opioidmimetic antagonists: prototypes for designing a new generation of ultraselective opioid peptides

BACKGROUND

Tyr-Tic (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) and Tyr-Tic-Ala were the first peptides with delta opioid antagonist activity lacking Phe, considered essential for opioid activity based on the N-terminal tripeptide sequence (Tyr-D-Xaa-Phe) of amphibian skin opioids. Analogs were then designed to restrain the rotational flexibility of Tyr by the substitution of 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine (Dmt).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tyr and Dmt peptides were synthesized by solid phase and solution methods using Fmoc technology or condensing Boc-Dmt-OH or Boc-Tyr(But)-OH with H-L-Tic-OBut or H-D-Tic-OBut, respectively. Peptides were purified (> 99%) by HPLC and characteristics determined by 1H-NMR, FAB-MS, melting point, TLC, and amino acid analyses.

RESULTS

H-Dmt-Tic-OH had high affinity (Ki delta = 0.022 nM) and extraordinary selectivity (Ki mu/Ki delta = 150,000); H-Dmt-Tic-Ala-OH had a Ki delta = 0.29 nM and delta selectivity = 20,000. Affinity and selectivity increased 8700- and 1000-fold relative to H-Tyr-Tic-OH, respectively. H-Dmt-Tic-OH and H-Dmt-Tic-NH2 fitted one-site receptor binding models (eta = 0.939-0.987), while H-Dmt-Tic-ol, H-Dmt-Tic-Ala-OH and H-Dmt-Tic-Ala-NH2 best fitted two-site models (eta = 0.708-0.801, F 18.9-26.0, p < 0.0001). Amidation increased mu affinity by 10- to 100-fold and acted synergistically with D-Tic2 to reverse selectivity (delta-->mu). Dmt-Tic di- and tripeptides exhibited delta antagonist bioactivity (Ke = 4-66 nM) with mouse vas deferens and lacked agonist mu activity (> 10 microM) in guinea-pig ileum preparations. Dmt-Tic analogs weakly interacted with kappa receptors in the 1 to > 20 microM range.

CONCLUSIONS

Dmt-Tic opioidmimetic peptides represent a highly potent class of opioid peptide antagonists with greater potency than the nonopioid delta antagonist naltrindole and have potential application as clinical and therapeutic compounds.

Solution and solid-state structure of the diketopiperazine of tyrosyl-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid

delta-Selective antagonism of [L-Tic2]-peptides, including the simple dipeptide Tyr-L-Tic-NH2, is linked to the Tyr-Tic-"recognition site". In order to gain further information on the conformational preferences of the Tyr-Tic-moiety we have undertaken a structural study of a cyclic analog, the diketopiperazine of Tyr-Tic. A conformational study of cyclo[-Tyr-Tic-], that is almost devoid of opioid activity, can also be useful to discriminate between the role of the two aromatic rings and of the basic nitrogen in determining antagonism. The structure of cyclo[-Tyr-Tic-] has been solved in a DMSO/water solution at 278 K by NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray diffraction methods. The two informations are almost identical, with an arrangement of the aromatic rings rather different from that of the putative bioactive conformation of the parent linear dipeptide. This difference points to the importance of conformational effects and is in agreement with the hypothesis that the positive center may be not essential for antagonism.

Assignment and secondary-structure determination of monomeric bovine seminal ribonuclease employing computer-assisted evaluation of homonuclear three-dimensional 1H-NMR spectra

Monomeric bovine seminal ribonuclease (mBS-RNase), the subunit of dimeric bovine seminal ribonuclease (BS-RNase), is an unusual monomer: for its structural stability, its catalytic activity, which is even higher than that of the parent dimeric enzyme, and for its role as an intermediate in the refolding of dimeric BS-RNase. Here we present the proton NMR assignment and secondary-structure determination of mBS-RNase, with a comparison of its structure to the structure of its parent protein, and to the structure of RNase A, a homologue with more than 80% identity in amino acid sequence. Proton NMR assignment was performed using a computer-assisted procedure, through a partially automated analysis of homonuclear three-dimensional spectra [Oschkinat, H., Holak, T. A. & Cieslar, C. (1991) Biopolymers 31, 699-712]. The secondary structures of mBS-RNase, of the A chain of dimeric BS-RNase, and of RNase A, are found to be similar. Significant differences are found instead, between mBS-RNase and RNase A in the more flexible stretches of the molecule, where a higher number of substitutions is present. Furthermore, a preliminary tertiary-structure model is reported, showing that the overall folding of mBS-RNase is closer to that of RNase A rather than that of (dimeric) BS-RNase.

Solution conformation of c-[Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met], a NK-2 tachykinin antagonist

The conformation of cyclo-[Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met], a potent tachykinin antagonist selective for the NK-2 receptor, has been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy in DMSO-d6 and in a DMSO-d6/H2O cryoprotective mixture in the temperature range 280-320 K. The NMR data cannot be interpreted on the basis of a single ordered conformation. An exhaustive search, based mainly on missing NOEs among skeleton protons, yields a description of the conformational state in solution consisting of a few interconverting structures that can explain all observed NMR parameters. The relative position of the side chains of key residues may be interpreted in terms of bioactive conformations.

Conversion of enkephalin and dermorphin into delta-selective opioid antagonists by single-residue substitution

The properties of di- and tri-peptides containing 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic) in second position suggest that the message domain of opioid peptides can be composed of only two residues [Temussi, P. A., Salvadori, S., Amodeo, P., Guerrini, R., Tomatis, R., Lazarus, L. H., Picone, D. & Tancredi, T. (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 198, 933-939]. As a crucial test of the possibility that the Tyr-Tic segment be a message domain in longer peptide sequences, we have inserted it in the sequences of two typical opioid peptides: [Leu]enkephalin, a non-selective agonist, and dermorphin, a selective mu agonist. Here we report the synthesis and biological activity of [L-Tic2]enkephalin, [L-Tic2]dermorphin, [L-Tic2]dermorphin carboxylic acid and [D-Tic2]dermorphin: all [L-Tic2]peptides were converted from agonists to delta-selective antagonists. The NMR conformational study in a dimethylsulfoxide/water cryoprotective mixture at low temperature shows diagnostic side-chain--side-chain NOEs in the spectra of all [L-Tic2]peptides and hints that the 90 degrees arrangement of the the two aromatic rings found in the cis-Tyr-L-Tic moiety, typical of N-methyl naltrindole and other delta-selective opiate antagonists, is responsible for the antagonist activity of all these peptides.

Selective opioid dipeptides

The surprising change of selectivity induced by the change of chirality in peptides containing the tetrahydro-3-isoquinoline carboxylic acid (Tic) in second position, interpreted as a conformational preference induced on the Tyr-Xaa-Phe domain, can instead be attributed to the Tyr-Tic message domain. The relative spatial disposition of the aromatic ring of delta-selective non peptidic opiates is compatible with a message domain, in opioid peptides, of only two residues. This hypothesis was tested through the synthesis of Tyr-L-Tic-NH2, Tyr-D-Tic-NH2, Tyr-L-Tic-Ala-NH2, Tyr-L-Tic-Ala-OH and Tyr-D-Tic-Ala-NH2. Peptides containing Tyr-L-Tic- behave as very selective delta antagonists and those containing Tyr-DTic- as non selective agonists. This is the first case of opioid peptides containing a two-residue message domain and of opioid dipeptides with substantial opioid activity.

Solid state and solution structure of Boc-L-Ala-delta Phe-delta Phe-NHMe: a dehydropeptide showing propensity for 3(10)-helices of both screw senses

The crystal and molecular structure of the peptide Boc-L-Ala-delta Phe-delta Phe-NHMe, containing two consecutive dehydro-phenylalanine (delta Phe) residues, has been solved by x-ray diffraction. Two independent molecules, X and Y, are present in the crystallographic unit. Their conformation corresponds approximately to an incipient 3(10)-helix stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The (phi, psi) torsion angles, however, have negative and positive signs in the two molecules X and Y, respectively. Therefore, in spite of the presence of an amino acid residue of the L configuration, the two helical molecules have opposite screw senses, even though the right-handed helix is less distorted than the left-handed one in correspondence of the L-Ala residue. The CD spectra in various solvents exhibit exciton bands originating from dipole-dipole interaction between the delta Phe side chains. Addition of DMSO to the chloroform solution produces, as a first step, a strong increasing of the CD bands, which are then progressively canceled by increasing DMSO concentration. The nmr data parallel the behavior observed in the CD spectra. In CDCl3 solution, the temperature coefficients of the NH resonances are consistent with the involvement of the last two amide protons of the sequence in intramolecular hydrogen bonds, but only negligibly small nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) are observed. Addition of 5% DMSO-d6 allows the observation of diagnostic NOEs. CD and nmr data indicate that the solid state structure is retained in solution, and are consistent with the presence of right-handed and left-handed conformers, with a prevalence of the more stable right-handed one.

Synthesis, biological activity, and conformational analysis of [pGlu6,N-MePhe8,Aib9] substance P (6-11): a selective agonist for the NK-3 receptor

A highly potent and selective agonist to the tachykinin NK-3 receptor, [pGlu6,N-MePhe8,Aib9] substance P (6-11) (I), was synthesized via the solid phase method. The ED50 of I was 4 nM in the guinea pig ileum in the absence of atropine (NK-1+NK-3 receptors) and this agonist was 5000-fold less potent in the presence of atropine (NK-1 receptor). The analogue was virtually inactive in the rat vas deferens (NK-2 receptor). A detailed analysis of the solution conformation of this analogue in DMSO-d6 and in a DMSO-d6/H2O cryomixture was carried out by a combination of 1H-nmr 2D techniques (DQF-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY and ROESY) and model building based on empirical energy calculations. Peptide I exists as a mixture of isomers containing cis and trans Phe-N-MePhe peptide bonds. The main isomer, containing a cis Phe-N-MePhe peptide bond, shows a preferred folded conformation characterized by a type VI beta-turn with Phe and N-MePhe in the i + 1 and i + 2 positions. The turn is followed by a helical segment extending to the C-terminal. This conformation is compared to previously reported conformations of other selective tachykinin agonists and may be a promising lead for the design of novel NK-3 agonists with additional conformational constraints.

Solution structure of casokefamide

Casokefamide (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-D-Ala-Tyr-NH2) is a synthetic peptide derived from the beta-casomorphin sequence, designed to increase the resistance to gastric proteases. Casokefamide binds to both mu and delta-opioid receptors, while beta-casomorphins and its fragments are typical mu-opioid receptor agonists. Furthermore, casokefamide can affect gastric acid and pancreatic exocrine secretions and also gastrointestinal motility. We have undertaken a conformational study on this peptide based on NMR measurements in a DMSOd6/H2O cryomixture at 265 K and energy calculations. The predominant conformation is characterised by the absence of regular structures and intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The conformation of the message domain is reminiscent of the shape of several peptidic and non peptidic opiates, with the D-Ala2CH3 group sandwiched between Tyr1 and Phe3 aromatic rings.

Solution conformation of CCK9, a cholecystokinin analog

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone endowed with several important biological activities, both in the central and peripheral nervous system. Previous conformational studies have dealt mainly with its C-terminal octapeptide fragment (CCK8), which represents the shortest fully circulating form of this hormone. We have undertaken a detailed NMR conformational study in a DMSOd6/H2O cryomixture at 278 K of the CCK analog H-Arg-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Thr-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-PheNH2 (CCK9) which retains all the bioactivities of CCK8, but was found to be remarkably more stable in acidic media and unaffected by air oxidation due to Met replacements. The predominant conformation contains a gamma-turn centered on Thr4, separated by Gly5 from a helical segment that comprises the C-terminal residues.

Relationship between receptor affinity and topography of N-terminally extended and bridged [Tyr1-->Asp4]deltorphin C analogues: novel probes for the delta-opioid receptor

Receptor binding of N-terminally extended Tyr1 deltorphin C analogues diminished delta and mu affinities, but with only a moderate loss in delta selectivity. Pseudopeptide bridged [Tyr1-->Aps4]deltorphin C analogues drastically decreased delta affinity to yield peptides with poor delta selectivity. Low energy conformers of the peptides revealed that the bridge modifies the spatial orientation of the backbone of the N- and C-terminal sequences with respect to deltorphin C. The data indicate that the delta receptor site can accommodate an opioid peptide containing an N-terminal aliphatic extension on amino-Tyr1, but not a heptapeptide conformationally constrained between residues 1 and 4.

Solution structure of peptides containing two dehydro-phenylalanine residues: a CD investigation

The peptides Ac-delta Phe-Ala-delta Phe-NH-Me (1), Ac-delta Phe-Val-delta Phe-NH-Me (2), Ac-delta Phe-Gly-delta Phe-Ala-OMe (3), and Boc-Ala-delta Phe-Gly-delta Phe-Ala-OMe (4), containing two dehydro-phenylalanine (delta Phe) residues, were synthesized and the solution structure investigated in various solvents. The nmr and CD measurements indicate that all the dehydropeptides examined adopt 3(10)-helical conformations in solution. The tripeptides 1 and 2 exhibited an intense negative CD exciton couplet, which was assigned to the right-handed screw sense, while the tetrapeptide 3 displayed a CD couplet having opposite sign, which was assigned to the left-handed helical sense. In the pentapeptide 4 the sense of the helix was found to vary with solvent and temperature, as demonstrated by the sign reversal of the CD spectrum. The right-handed sense dominates in hexafluoro-2-propanol, whereas a left-handed helix prevails in chloroform, acetonitrile and methanol. A crucial role for this behavior is likely to be played by the two alanine residues positioned respectively at the head and tail of the sequence, which favor conformations having opposite screw senses.

Solution conformation of tuftsin

Tuftsin, a natural linear tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) of potential antitumor activity, has been studied in DMSO-d6 solution by 2D NMR spectroscopy. 1H and 13C spectra show the presence of two families of conformations characterized by a trans or cis Lys-Pro bond, respectively. The family of conformers containing the cis peptide bond is a mixture of extended structures as expected for a short linear peptide. On the contrary, the trans isomer appears to be a rigid, folded conformer, as indicated by crucial NOEs and by the exceptionally low temperature coefficient of Arg NH. Analysis of the solution data by means of energy calculations leads to a unique structure, characterized by a Lys-Pro inverse gamma-turn.

Structural determination of the active site of a sweet protein. A 1H NMR investigation of pMNEI

pMNEI, a single chain sweet protein related to monellin, has been studied by means of 1H NMR at 500 MHz. A partial sequential assignment performed by means of the MCD method allowed the determination of the secondary structure of a large portion of the beta-sheet of pMNEI that contains a likely 'sweet finger': the loop connecting the beta-strands from residue 59 to residue 78, corresponding to segment 16-35 of the A chain of monellin. The detailed three-dimensional structure of the loop (Tyr66-Ala67-Ser68-Asp69), determined from several interresidue and intraresidue NOEs and subsequent energy minimization, shows that the side chains of Tyr66 and Asp69 fit our model of the sweet receptor in a manner very similar to that of the side chains of Phe and Asp of aspartame.

Conformational analysis of an opioid peptide in solvent media that mimic cytoplasm viscosity

Many neuropeptides exert their action between the presynaptic vesicles and postsynaptic transmembrane receptors, crossing different layers of specialized cytoplasm. Biomimetic media usually employed to study bioactive peptides do not reproduce the physico chemical environment of cytoplasm--in particular, the high viscosity of this biological fluid. Here we describe a conformational study of a delta-selective opioid peptide, deltorphin I, at variable temperatures in several biocompatible media characterized by varying values of viscosity and dielectric constant. It was found that only viscosity, among these parameters, induces ordered conformations; that is, it acts as a conformational sieve. This finding suggests that the high viscosity of the intersynaptic fluid contributes, in addition to the membrane catalysis proposed by Schwyzer, in overcoming the so-called entropic barrier to the transition state of peptide-receptor interaction by selecting ordered conformations prior to receptor interaction. The folded conformer found in the 80:20 (v:v) DMSOd6/H2O cryoprotective mixture at 265 K has a shape consistent with those of rigid nonpeptidic opiates.

Solution structure of deltorphin I at 265 K: a quantitative NMR study

Deltorphin I, a delta-selective opioid peptide, has been studied in a DMSOd6/H2O cryoprotective mixture by two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy in the temperature range 260 K to 305 K. The high viscosity of the solvent at low temperature mimics a distinctive physico-chemical feature of cytoplasm and allows the measurement of a NOESY spectrum rich in intra- and inter-residue effects. Backbone NOEs at 265 K can be calculated with good accuracy in terms of only two limiting conformers: one folded, with a mole fraction of 0.30, and another extended with a mole fraction of 0.70. This calculation is still a rough approximation of the complex conformational equilibria existing in solution but, to the best of our knowledge, is the first one for a flexible peptide, and represents an encouraging starting point for a quantitative evaluation of NMR data of small, flexible peptides in solution. The folded conformer consistent with observed NOEs has a shape surprisingly similar to those of unrelated, rigid, delta-selective opiates.

Conformation-activity relationship of tachykinin neurokinin A (4-10) and of some [Xaa8] analogues

NKA (4-10), the C-terminal heptapeptide fragment (Asp-Ser-Phe-Val-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2) of tachykinin NKA, is more active than the parent native compound in the interaction with the NK-2 receptor. Substitution of Gly8 with the more flexible residue beta-Ala8 increases its selectivity with respect to other two known receptors (NK-1 and NK-3), whereas substitution with either D-Ala8 or GABA8 deprives the peptide of its biological activity. These findings can be interpreted by a conformational analysis based on NMR studies in DMSO-d6 and in a DMSO-d6/H2O cryoprotective mixture combined with internal energy calculations. NKA(4-10) is characterized by a structure containing a type I beta-turn extending from Ser5 to Gly8, followed by a gamma-turn centered on Gly8, whereas for [beta-Ala8]NKA(4-10) is possible to suggest a type I beta-turn extending from Ser5 to beta-Ala8, followed by a C8 turn comprising beta-Ala8 and Leu9 and by another beta-turn extending from beta-Ala8 to the terminal NH2. The preferred conformation of [beta-Ala8]NKA(4-10) is not compatible with models for NK-1 and NK-3 agonists proposed on the basis of rigid peptide agonists [Levian-Teitelbaum et al. (1989) Biopolymers 28, 51-64; Sumner & Ferretti (1989) FEBS Lett. 253, 117-120]. The preferred solution conformation of [beta-Ala8]NKA(4-10) may thus be considered as a likely bioactive conformation for NK-2 selective peptides.

Ion binding of cyclolinopeptide A: an NMR and CD conformational study

CD and nmr techniques have been used to study, in acetonitrile solution, the ion-complexing capability of cyclolinopeptide A (CLA), a cyclic nonapeptide of sequence cyclo-(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val) endowed with remarkable cytoprotective ability in vitro, and the conformation of the Ba(2+)/CLA complex. At room temperature, CLA in acetonitrile shows a proton nmr spectrum characteristic of the coexistence of many different conformers in intermediate exchange. The backbone contains a cis Pro-Pro bond, with all other peptide bonds in the trans conformation. CLA binds Ba2+ more tightly than the other cations studied, namely K+, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+; CD data are indicative of the presence of both 1:2 (sandwich) and 1:1 (equimolar) type complexes, depending on the Ba2+ ion concentration, whereas nmr data are consistent with an equimolar form. The relevant conformational features of the equimolar Ba2+/CLA complex are that the backbone contains all trans peptide bonds, a type I 6----3 beta-turn and a 3----1 gamma-turn (or a distorted 3----9 beta-turn). The global shape of the complexed peptide can be described as a bowl, with the concave (polar) side hosting Ba2+ and the convex side predominantly apolar.

New insights on mu/delta selectivity of opioid peptides: conformational analysis of deltorphin analogues

The message domain of dermorphin (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe), a natural mu-opioid heptapeptide, has long been considered the main cause of the high mu selectivity of this peptide and of its analogues. The recent discovery, in the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei (i.e., the same natural source of dermorphin) and of Phyllomedusa bicolor of deltorphins, challenges this belief. Deltorphins, in fact, are three heptapeptides characterized by a message domain typical of mu-selective peptides, but endowed of an extremely high delta selectivity, the highest of all natural opioid peptides. A conformational analysis of dermorphin and deltorphins, based on nmr studies in DMSO and cryoprotective mixtures and internal energy calculations, showed that the enormous differences in receptor selectivity can be interpreted on the basis of receptor models for mu and delta opioids that recognize the same beta-turn in the N-terminal part, but discriminate for the conformation and polarity of the C-terminal part. Here we present the synthesis, biological activity, and conformational analysis in solution of three deltorphin analogues with very similar constitution, but with different net charge, different location of negative residues, or even without negative residues, which confirm these hypotheses and show that His4 can play a specific structural role.

A 1H NMR study of human calcitonin in solution

Human calcitonin (hCT) has been investigated by NMR at 400 MHz in DMSOd6 and in an 85% DMSOd6-15% 1H2O (v/v) cryoprotective mixture. All backbone and side-chain resonances have been assigned, and the secondary structure has been determined in both solvents. In DMSOd6, the simultaneous presence of d alpha N, dNN, and some specific weak medium-range nuclear Overhauser effects, together with the amide temperature coefficients and the analysis of the NH-alpha CH spin-spin coupling constants, indicates that hCT is highly flexible but with three domains (comprising segments Asn3-Gly10, Gln14-Thr21, and Thr25-Ala31) in extended conformations which dynamically transform into isolated beta turns in the N- and C-terminal regions and into adjacent tight turns, resembling a 3(10) helix structure, in the central part. The DMSO-water mixture rigidifies the polypeptide chain, favoring an ordered, extended conformation. NOESY data indicate the presence of a short double-stranded antiparallel beta sheet in the central region made by residues 16-21 and connected by a two-residue hairpin loop formed by residues 18 and 19. Two tight turns, formed by residues 3-6 and 28-31, were also identified. The central beta sheet does not favor an amphipathic distribution of the residues as found for salmon calcitonin [Motta, A., Castiglione Morelli, M. A., Goud, N., & Temussi, P. A. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 7998-8002]. This is in agreement with the smaller tendency of hCT to form the amphipathic alpha helix, postulated to be responsible for the interaction of hCT with lipids. The possible role of the cis-trans isomerism of Pro is discussed.

Conformational study of cyclolinopeptide A. A distance geometry and molecular dynamics approach

The conformation of cyclolinopeptide A, c(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val), a naturally occurring peptide with remarkable cytoprotective activity, has been investigated by means of distance geometry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The starting points for all the calculations were an X-ray structure and other structures obtained from distance geometry calculations based on NMR data. Restrained and unrestrained molecular dynamics simulations are reported in vacuo and in CCl4. Structural and dynamic properties are investigated and compared with those experimentally determined. The conformation obtained from the MD simulations which best reproduces the NMR parameters is at the same time one of the most stable ones and is also fairly similar to the crystal structure. An explanation for the occurrence of multiple conformations in solution at room temperature is given.

Cyclic hexapeptides related to somatostatin. Conformational analysis employing 1H-NMR and molecular dynamics

We report the conformational analysis of a series of cyclic hexapeptides related to the hormone somatostatin utilizing 1H NMR spectroscopy and NOE restrained molecular dynamics. The conformational preferences and results from biological analysis of these analogs (previous paper) allow for refinement of the current understanding of the structure-activity relationship of somatostatin. For most of the molecules examined, a beta II' turn about the D-tryptophan-lysine residues, postulated to be required for biological activity, was present. From the NOE restrained molecular dynamics, it can be seen that the turn structure is important for the maintenance of the proper orientation of the side chains of the adjacent phenylalanine, tryptophan and lysine. The biologically active analogs have the side chains of lysine and D-tryptophan extended away from the 18-membered ring in close proximity to each other for a significant portion of the dynamic simulations. Although other conformations are accessible and monitored during the simulations, we believe this is important for biological recognition. The absence of the beta II' turn at the D-tryptophan-lysine disrupts this side chain array producing inactive molecules. The role of the bridging region, the Phe-Pro dipeptide, is to stabilize the beta II' turn and help maintain the proper orientation of the biologically important side chains.