1
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Castro TG, Melle-Franco M, Sousa CEA, Cavaco-Paulo A, Marcos JC. Non-Canonical Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Peptidomimetics: Structure, Function, and Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:981. [PMID: 37371561 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a fresh overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in the design of peptidomimetics. Non-canonical amino acids appear widely distributed in nature and are known to enhance the stability of specific secondary structures and/or biological function. Contrary to the ubiquitous DNA-encoded amino acids, the structure and function of these residues are not fully understood. Here, results from experimental and molecular modelling approaches are gathered to classify several classes of non-canonical amino acids according to their ability to induce specific secondary structures yielding different biological functions and improved stability. Regarding side-chain modifications, symmetrical and asymmetrical α,α-dialkyl glycines, Cα to Cα cyclized amino acids, proline analogues, β-substituted amino acids, and α,β-dehydro amino acids are some of the non-canonical representatives addressed. Backbone modifications were also examined, especially those that result in retro-inverso peptidomimetics and depsipeptides. All this knowledge has an important application in the field of peptidomimetics, which is in continuous progress and promises to deliver new biologically active molecules and new materials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarsila G Castro
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melle-Franco
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cristina E A Sousa
- BioMark Sensor Research-School of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João C Marcos
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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2
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Lee YS. Peptidomimetics and Their Applications for Opioid Peptide Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091241. [PMID: 36139079 PMCID: PMC9496382 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite various advantages, opioid peptides have been limited in their therapeutic uses due to the main drawbacks in metabolic stability, blood-brain barrier permeability, and bioavailability. Therefore, extensive studies have focused on overcoming the problems and optimizing the therapeutic potential. Currently, numerous peptide-based drugs are being marketed thanks to new synthetic strategies for optimizing metabolism and alternative routes of administration. This tutorial review briefly introduces the history and role of natural opioid peptides and highlights the key findings on their structure-activity relationships for the opioid receptors. It discusses details on opioid peptidomimetics applied to develop therapeutic candidates for the treatment of pain from the pharmacological and structural points of view. The main focus is the current status of various mimetic tools and the successful applications summarized in tables and figures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Sun Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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3
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Synthesis, Pharmacological Evaluation, and Computational Studies of Cyclic Opioid Peptidomimetics Containing β3-Lysine. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010151. [PMID: 35011383 PMCID: PMC8747000 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our formerly described pentapeptide opioid analog Tyr-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (designated RP-170), showing high affinity for the mu (MOR) and kappa (KOR) opioid receptors, was much more stable than endomorphine-2 (EM-2) in the rat brain homogenate and displayed remarkable antinociceptive activity after central (intracerebroventricular) and peripheral (intravenous ) administration. In this report, we describe the further modification of this analog, which includes the incorporation of a β3-amino acid, (R)- and (S)-β3-Lys, instead of D-Lys in position 2. The influence of such replacement on the biological properties of the obtained analogs, Tyr-c[(R)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2 (RP-171) and Tyr-c[(S)-β3-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, (RP-172), was investigated in vitro. Receptor radiolabeled displacement and functional calcium mobilization assays were performed to measure binding affinity and receptor activation of the new analogs. The obtained data revealed that only one of the diastereoisomeric peptides, RP-171, was able to selectively bind and activate MOR. Molecular modeling (docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations) suggests that both compounds should be accommodated in the MOR binding site. However, in the case of the inactive isomer RP-172, fewer hydrogen bonds, as well as instability of the canonical ionic interaction to Asp147, could explain its very low MOR affinity.
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4
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β 2- Homo-Amino Acid Scan of µ-Selective Opioid Tetrapeptide TAPP. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102461. [PMID: 32466333 PMCID: PMC7288052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
TAPP (H-Tyr-d-Ala-Phe-Phe-NH2) is a potent, µ-selective opioid ligand. In order to gain further insights into pharmacophoric features of this tetrapeptide, we have performed a β2-Homo-amino acid (β2hAA) scan of the TAPP sequence. To this aim, 10 novel analogues have been synthesized and evaluated for µ-opioid and δ-opioid receptor affinity as well as for stability in human plasma. The derivatives included compounds in which a (R)- or (S)-β2-Homo-Homologue replaced the amino acids in the TAPP sequence. The derivatives with (R)- or (S)-β2hPhe4 turned out to bind µOR with affinities equal to that of the parent. β2hAAs in position 1 and 3 resulted in rather large affinity decreases, but the change differed depending on the stereochemistry. β2-Homologation in the second position gave derivatives with very poor µOR binding. According to molecular modelling, the presented α/β-peptides adopt a variety of binding poses with their common element being an ionic interaction between a protonable amine of the first residue and Asp147. A feature required for high µOR affinity seems the ability to accommodate the ring in the fourth residue in a manner similar to that found for TAPP. Contrary to what might be expected, several compounds were significantly less stable in human plasma than the parent compound.
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5
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Wtorek K, Artali R, Piekielna-Ciesielska J, Koszuk J, Kluczyk A, Gentilucci L, Janecka A. Endomorphin-2 analogs containing modified tyrosines: Biological and theoretical investigation of the influence on conformation and pharmacological profile. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:527-536. [PMID: 31276897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
New analogs of the endogenous opioid agonist endomorphin-2 (EM-2, H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) have been obtained by introducing modified tyrosines at the position 1 of the sequence. For all analogs, the cis/trans conformation ratio about the tyramine-Pro amide bond, lipophilicity, receptor affinities, and functional activities, have been determined. Among the novel derivatives, [Dmt(3'-Cl)]1EM-2 (4) stood out for its subnanomolar μ-opioid receptor affinity and potent agonist activity, superior to that of the parent peptide EM-2. Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics docking computations supported the cis tyramine-Pro bioactive conformation, and allowed us to analyze the contribution of the substituents of the "message" tyramine to binding, highlighting the role of halogen-bonding in the higher receptor affinity of peptide 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Wtorek
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Roberto Artali
- Scientia Advice, di Roberto Artali, 20832, Desio, Monza and Brianza, Italy
| | | | - Jacek Koszuk
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Anna Janecka
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
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6
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Wang Y, Zhou J, Liu X, Zhao L, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang K, Wang L, Wang R. Structure-constrained endomorphin analogs display differential antinociceptive mechanisms in mice after spinal administration. Peptides 2017; 91:40-48. [PMID: 28363796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported a series of novel endomorphin analogs with unnatural amino acid modifications. These analogs display good binding affinity and functional activity toward the μ opioid receptor (MOP). In the present study, we further investigated the spinal antinociceptive activity of these compounds. The analogs were potent in several nociceptive models. Opioid antagonists and antibodies against several endogenous opioid peptides were used to determine the mechanisms of action of these peptides. Intrathecal pretreatment with naloxone and β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA) effectively inhibited analog-induced analgesia, demonstrating that activity of the analogs is regulated primarily through MOP. Antinociception induced by analog 2 through 4 was not reversed by δ opioid receptor (DOP) or κ opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist; antibodies against dynorphin-A (1-17), dynorphin-B (1-13), and Leu5/Met5-enkephalin had no impact on the antinociceptive effects of these analogs. In contrast, antinociceptive effects induced by a spinal injection of the fluorine substituted analog 1 were significantly reversed by KOP antagonism. Furthermore, intrathecal pretreatment with antibodies against dynorphin-B (1-13) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of analog 1. These results indicate that the antinociceptive activity exerted by intrathecally-administered analog 1 is mediated, in part, through KOP with increased release of dynorphin-B (1-13). The chemical modifications used in the present study may serve as a useful tool to gain insight into the mechanisms of endomorphins activity.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesia
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/antagonists & inhibitors
- Analgesics, Opioid/chemistry
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Antibodies/immunology
- Dynorphins/administration & dosage
- Dynorphins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Dynorphins/chemistry
- Dynorphins/pharmacology
- Enkephalin, Leucine/administration & dosage
- Enkephalin, Leucine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Enkephalin, Leucine/chemistry
- Enkephalin, Leucine/pharmacology
- Enkephalin, Methionine/administration & dosage
- Enkephalin, Methionine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Enkephalin, Methionine/chemistry
- Enkephalin, Methionine/pharmacology
- Fluorine/chemistry
- Injections, Spinal
- Male
- Mice
- Naloxone/administration & dosage
- Naloxone/pharmacology
- Naltrexone/administration & dosage
- Naltrexone/analogs & derivatives
- Naltrexone/pharmacology
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Oligopeptides/administration & dosage
- Oligopeptides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Oligopeptides/chemistry
- Oligopeptides/pharmacology
- Opioid Peptides/administration & dosage
- Opioid Peptides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Opioid Peptides/chemistry
- Opioid Peptides/pharmacology
- Pain/drug therapy
- Pain/metabolism
- Pain Measurement
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, sigma/antagonists & inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Zhaojuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Kezhou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Linqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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7
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Wang Y, Yang J, Liu X, Zhao L, Yang D, Zhou J, Wang D, Mou L, Wang R. Endomorphin-1 analogs containing α-methyl-β-amino acids exhibit potent analgesic activity after peripheral administration. Org Biomol Chem 2017; 15:4951-4955. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01115f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
C-Terminal substitution with aromatic β2,3-amino acids can improve the bioactivity and bioavailability of endomorphin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Junxian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Long Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Dongxu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Lingyun Mou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province
- Department of Pharmacology
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- School of Basic Medical Sciences
- Lanzhou University
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8
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Singh A, Tala SR, Flores V, Freeman K, Haskell-Luevano C. Synthesis and Pharmacology of α/β(3)-Peptides Based on the Melanocortin Agonist Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 Sequence. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:568-72. [PMID: 26005535 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors are expressed in the brain and play key roles in regulating feeding behavior, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. In the present study, incorporation of β(3)-amino acids into a melanocortin tetrapeptide template was investigated. Four linear α/β(3)-hybrid tetrapeptides were designed with the modifications at the Phe, Arg, and Trp residues in the agonist sequence Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2. The most potent mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R) agonist, Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-β(3)hTrp-NH2 (8) showed 35-fold selectivity versus the mMC3R. The study presented here has identified a new template with heterogeneous backbone for designing potent and selective melanocortin receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Singh
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Srinivasa R. Tala
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Viktor Flores
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Katie Freeman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carrie Haskell-Luevano
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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9
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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10
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Cabrele C, Martinek TA, Reiser O, Berlicki Ł. Peptides Containing β-Amino Acid Patterns: Challenges and Successes in Medicinal Chemistry. J Med Chem 2014; 57:9718-39. [DOI: 10.1021/jm5010896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cabrele
- Department
of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tamás A. Martinek
- SZTE-MTA
Lendulet Foldamer Research Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Analysis, University of Szeged, Somogyi u. 6., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Oliver Reiser
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Łukasz Berlicki
- Department
of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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