Versatile Picklocks To Access All Opioid Receptors: Tuning the Selectivity and Functional Profile of the Cyclotetrapeptide c[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] (CJ-15,208)

J Med Chem. 2016 Oct 13;59(19):9255-9261. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00420. Epub 2016 Sep 22.

Abstract

Recently, the tryptophan-containing noncationizable opioid peptides emerged with atypical structure and unexpected in vivo activity. Herein, we describe analogs of the naturally occurring mixed κ/μ-ligand c[Phe-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] 1 (CJ-15,208). Receptor affinity, selectivity, and agonism/antagonism varied upon enlarging macrocycle size, giving the μ-agonist 9 or the δ-antagonist 10 characterized by low nanomolar affinity. In particular, the μ-agonist c[β-Ala-d-Pro-Phe-Trp] 9 was shown to elicit potent antinociception in a mouse model of visceral pain upon systemic administration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / chemistry
  • Analgesics / pharmacology*
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Narcotic Antagonists / chemistry
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Peptides, Cyclic / chemistry
  • Peptides, Cyclic / pharmacology*
  • Peptides, Cyclic / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Opioid / agonists*
  • Receptors, Opioid / metabolism
  • Visceral Pain / drug therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • CJ 15,208
  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Receptors, Opioid