Comparison of three gamma-turn mimetic scaffolds incorporated into angiotensin II

Rigidification of peptides by cyclization and iterative incorporation of well-defined secondary structure mimetics constitutes one approach to the design of non-peptidergic structures with better defined conformations. We herein present the synthesis of a potential gamma-turn mimetic scaffold, and its incorporation in the 3-5 position of angiotensin II. Two analogues of angiotensin II (Ang II) incorporating this 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzene gamma-turn scaffold were synthesized. Evaluation of the compounds in a radioligand binding assay showed that they lacked affinity to the AT1 receptor. To rationalize these results a geometrical and electrostatical comparison with Ang II analogues encompassing a bicyclic scaffold that delivered inactive pseudo peptides and an azepine scaffold producing highly active ligands was made. This analysis did not provide a clear rationale for the inactivity of the benzene gamma-turn scaffolds.     

Design,Synthesis, Structural and Functional Characterization of Novel Melanocortin Agonists Based on the Cyclotide Kalata B1

Obesity is an increasingly important global health problem that lacks current treatment options. The melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) is a target for obesity therapies because its activation triggers appetite suppression and increases energy expenditure. Cyclotides have been suggested as scaffolds for the insertion and stabilization of pharmaceutically active peptides. In this study, we explored the development of appetite-reducing peptides by synthesizing MC4R agonists based on the insertion of the His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence into the cyclotide kalata B1. The ability of the analogues to fold similarly to kalata B1 but display MC4R activity were investigated. Four peptides were synthesized using t-butoxycarbonyl peptide chemistry with a C-terminal thioester to facilitate backbone cyclization. The structures of the peptides were found to be similar to kalata B1, evaluated by Hα NMR chemical shifts. KB1(GHFRWG;23–28) had a K_i of 29 nm at the MC4R and was 107 or 314 times more selective over this receptor than MC1R or MC5R, respectively, and had no detectable binding to MC3R. The peptide had higher affinity for the MC4R than the endogenous agonist, α-melanocyte stimulation hormone, but it was less potent at the MC4R, with an EC₅₀ of 580 nm for activation of the MC4R. In conclusion, we synthesized melanocortin analogues of kalata B1 that preserve the structural scaffold and display receptor binding and functional activity. KB1(GHFRWG;23–28) is potent and selective for the MC4R. This compound validates the use of cyclotides as scaffolds and has the potential to be a new lead for the treatment of obesity.     

Radical cyclization of beta-alkoxyacrylates: synthesis of a C2-symmetric, L-shaped molecule with four fused tetrahydropyran rings

A C2-symmetric, L-shaped tetracycle with four fused tetrahydropyran rings was synthesized from (3R, 4R)-1, 6-dibenzoyloxy-hexane-3, 4-diol employing radical cyclization reactions of beta-alkoxyacrylates.     

The effect of backbone cyclization on PK/PD properties of bioactive peptide-peptoid hybrids: The melanocortin agonist paradigm

A peptide–peptoid hybrid (peptomer) library was designed and synthesized, based on the sequence Phe-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly. This sequence was previously found to specifically activate the melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) which participates in regulation of energy homeostasis and appetite. The library of peptomers included a peptoid bond in the Phe and/or d-Phe position and consisted of linear and backbone cyclic analogs, differed in their ring size. While the linear peptides rapidly degraded in serum and in brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV’s), the linear peptomers were more stable. Backbone cyclic peptomers were also stable under the same conditions. Backbone cyclization significantly increased the intestinal permeability of two peptomers compared to their linear counterparts, in the Caco-2 model. Pharmacological evaluation revealed that two linear and one backbone cyclic peptomer, were found active towards MC4R at the nanomolar range. Thus, the conformational constrains imposed by these local and global modifications affect both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the parent peptide. This study demonstrates the potential of imposing backbone cyclization on bioactive peptomers as a promising approach in developing an orally available peptidomimetic drug leads.     

Optimization of a somatostatin mimetic via constrained amino acid and backbone incorporation

Constrained analogues 5–7 of the potent and subtype selective somatostatin mimetic 1 were prepared by incorporating conformational constraints into the nine-membered heterocyclic scaffold. Each constrained peptidomimetic showed an altered activity profile relative to lead compound 1, with compound 7 exhibiting a 25-fold and 2-fold binding enhancement against somatostatin receptor subtypes sst4 and sst5, respectively.     

Novel selective melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist induces food intake after peripheral administration

We synthesized a new series of small cyclic melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) analogues and screened them for binding affinity at the four MSH binding melanocortin (MC) receptors. We identified a novel substance HS131, with about 20-fold higher affinity for the MC4 receptor than the MC3 receptor. This substance proved to be antagonist for all the four MC receptors in a cAMP assay. HS131 is a six amino acid long peptide, has a molecular weight below 1000, and has only two amino acids in common with the natural MSH peptides. HS131 potently and dose dependently increased food intake after i.c.v. administration. Moreover, s.c. administration of HS131 (1.0 mg/kg) increased food intake, suggesting that HS131 may be able to pass the blood brain barrier. This cyclic low molecular weight peptidomimetic will enable studies of the functional role of the MC4 receptors by peripheral administration and it may be used as a template for further development of low molecular weight substances for the MC receptors.     

In search of AKT kinase inhibitors as anticancer agents: structure-based design,docking, and molecular dynamics studies of 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridines

The AKT isoforms are a group of key kinases that play a critical role in tumorigenesis. These enzymes are overexpressed in different types of cancers, such as breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, and lung. Because of its relevance the AKT isoforms are attractive targets for the design of anticancer molecules. However, it has been found that AKT1 and AKT3 isoforms have a main role in tumor progression and metastasis; thus, the identification of AKT isoforms specific inhibitors seems to be a challenge. Previously, we identified an ATP binding pocket pan-AKT inhibitor, this compound is a 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridine (compound 11), which represents a new interesting scaffold for the developing of AKT inhibitors. Starting from the 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridine scaffold, and guided by structure-based design technique, 42 new inhibitors were designed and further evaluated in the three AKT isoforms by multiple docking approach and molecular dynamics. Results showed that seven compounds presented binding selectivity for AKT1 and AKT3, better than for AKT2. The binding affinities of these seven compounds on AKT1 and AKT3 isoforms were mainly determined by hydrophobic contributions between the aromatic portion at position 4 of the pyridine ring with residues Phe236/234, Phe237/235, Phe438/435, and Phe442/439 in the ATP binding pocket. Results presented in this work provide an addition knowledge leading to promising selective AKT inhibitors.     

Peripheral effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone on fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle

To study the peripheral effects of melanocortin on fuel homeostasis in skeletal muscle, we assessed palmitate oxidation and AMP kinase activity in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)-treated muscle cells. After alpha-MSH treatment, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) increased in a dose-dependent manner. A strong melanocortin agonist, NDP-MSH, also stimulated FAO in primary culture muscle cells and C2C12 cells. However, [Glu6]alpha-MSH-ND, which has ample MC4R and MC3R agonistic activity, stimulated FAO only at high concentrations (10(-5) M). JKC-363, a selective MC4R antagonist, did not suppress alpha-MSH-induced FAO. Meanwhile, SHU9119, which has both antagonistic activity on MC3R and MC4R and agonistic activity on both MC1R and MC5R, increased the effect of alpha-MSH on FAO in both C2C12 and primary muscle cells. Small interference RNA against MC5R suppressed the alpha-MSH-induced FAO effectively. cAMP analogues mimicked the effect of alpha-MSH on FAO, and the effects of both alpha-MSH and cAMP analogue-mediated FAO were antagonized by a protein kinase A inhibitor (H89) and a cAMP antagonist ((Rp)-cAMP). Acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity was suppressed by alpha-MSH and cAMP analogues by phosphorylation through AMP-activated protein kinase activation in C2C12 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that alpha-MSH increases FAO in skeletal muscle, in which MC5R may play a major role. Furthermore, these results suggest that alpha-MSH-induced FAO involves cAMP-protein kinase A-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase activation.     

Design and bioactivities of melanotropic peptide agonists and antagonists: Design based on a conformationally constrained somatostatin template

Summary α-Melanotropin and ACTH, POMC peptides, initiate biological activity by interaction with the classical pigment cell (α-MSH receptor, MC1R) and adrenal gland (ACTH receptor, MC2R) melanocortin receptors, respectively. The recently discovered MC3R, MC4R and MC5R receptors provide new targets and new biological functions for POMC peptides. We have developed conformationally constrained α-melanotropin peptides that interact with all of these receptors as agonists and antagonists and are examining new approaches to obtain highly selective ligands for each of these melanocortin receptors. Previously, we had converted somatostatin-derived peptides into potent and highly selective analogues that act as antagonists at the μ opioid receptors. Using the reverse turn template that came out of these studies, we have designed, de novo, agonist and antagonist peptide analogues that interact with melanocortin receptors.     

Radiofluorinated rhenium cyclized α-MSH analogues for PET imaging of melanocortin receptor 1

In order to accomplish in vivo molecular imaging of melanoma biomarker melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), several α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogues have been labeled with N-succinimidyl-4-1?F-fluorobenzoate (1?)F-SFB) and studied as positron emission tomography (PET) probes in our recent studies. To further pursue a radiofluorinated α-MSH peptide with high clinical translation potential, we utilized 4-nitrophenyl 2-1?F-fluoropropionate (1?F-NFP) to radiofluorinate the transition metal rhenium cyclized α-MSH metallopeptides for PET imaging of MC1R positive malignant melanoma. Metallopeptides Ac-d,Lys-ReCCMSH(Arg11) (two isomers, namely RMSH-1 and RMSH-2) were synthesized using conventional solid phase peptide synthesis chemistry and rhenium cyclization reaction. The two isomers were then conjugated with 1?F-NFP or 1?F-NFP. The resulting cold or radiofluorinated metallopeptides, (1?/1?)F-FP-RMSH-1 and (1?/1?)F-FP-RMSH-2, were further evaluated for their in vitro receptor binding affinities, in vivo biodistribution, and small-animal PET imaging properties. The binding affinities of 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 and 1?F-FP-RMSH-2 were determined to be within low nanomolar range. In vivo studies revealed that both F-labeled metallopeptides possessed good tumor uptake in the B16F10 murine model with high MC1R expression, while possessing much lower uptake in A375M human melanoma xenografts. Moreover, 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 displayed more favorable in vivo performance in terms of higher tumor uptake and much lower accumulation in the kidney and liver, when compared to that of 1?F-FP-RMSH-2 at 2 h postinjection (p.i.). 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 also displayed lower liver and lung uptake when compared with that of the same peptide labeled with 1?F-SFB (named as 1?F-FB-RMSH-1). Small animal PET imaging of 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 in mice bearing B16F10 tumors at 1 and 2 h showed good tumor imaging quality. As expected, much lower tumor uptake and poorer tumor/normal organ contrast were observed for A375M model compared to those of the B16F10 model. 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 also exhibited higher tumor uptake and better tumor retention when compared with 1?F-FB-RMSH-1. 1?F-FP-RMSH-1 demonstrates significant advantages over 1?F-FB-RMSH-1 and 1?F-FP-RMSH-2. It is a promising PET probe for imaging MC1R positive melanoma and MC1R expression in vivo.     

Synthesis and biological activity of novel peptide mimetics as melanocortin receptor agonists

A series of novel peptidomimetic analogs was prepared containing cyclohexyl, phenyl, or heterocyclic groups to ostensibly orient the guanidine or mimic of an arginine in a putative melanocortin receptor ligand pharmacophore. Some binding affinity at the melanocortin receptors MC(3) and MC(4) was noted. In silico docking also indicated that the relative positions of the hydrogen-bonding sites and hydrophobic regions of the compounds are reasonably well matched to the receptor-binding site. This may present a lead entry into a selective series of MC(4)R agonists.     

Design of a new peptidomimetic agonist for the melanocortin receptors based on the solution structure of the peptide ligand,Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-Pro-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH(2)

The solution structure of a potent melanocortin receptor agonist, Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-Pro-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH(2) (1) was calculated using distance restraints determined from 1H NMR spectroscopy. Eight of the lowest energy conformations from this study were used to identify non-peptide cores that mimic the spatial arrangement of the critical tripeptide region, DPhe-Arg-Trp, found in 1. From these studies, compound 2a, containing the cis-cyclohexyl core, was identified as a functional agonist of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) with an IC(50) and EC(50) below 10 nM. Compound 2a also showed 36- and 7-fold selectivity over MC3R and MC1R, respectively, in the binding assays. Subtle changes in cyclohexane stereochemistry and removal of functional groups led to analogues with lower affinity for the MC receptors.     

Melanocortin 4 receptors interact with antimicrobial frog peptide analogues

We have developed fluorescence polarization (FP) assays of human melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) in 384-well microtiter plates using TAMRA-NDP-MSH as a tracer. The rank order of potency of agonists and antagonists agrees well relative to the published assays: SHU9119>MTII>NDP alphaMSH>alphaMSH. We have screened libraries of Korean plant extracts and frog peptide analogues in search of MC4R ligands using FP assays and cell-based CRE luciferase reporter assays. We report that FLGFLFKVASK, FLGWLFKVASK, FLGALFKWASK, and FLGWLFKWASK are the peptide analogues, which bind to human MC4R receptor with good affinity in vitro. FLGWLFKVASK and FLGWLFKWASK stimulated CRE-driven reporter gene via MC4R. In luciferase reporter assays, they possess the pharmacological and functional profiles of full agonists. We demonstrate the interaction of MC4R with 11-residue antimicrobial peptides derived from the Korean frog, Rana rugosa. The results suggest that MC4R interacts promiscuously with bioactive analogues of antimicrobial peptide, gaegurin-5.     

Optimization of piperazinebenzylamines with a N-(1-methoxy-2-propyl) side chain as potent and selective antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor

Piperazinebenzylamines bearing a small N-(1-methoxy-2-propyl) side chain were found to be potent and selective antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor. Compound 7b, having K(i) values of 6.9 and 2800 nM at the human MC4 and MC3 receptors, respectively, has moderate oral bioavailability in mice, which is improved relative to the arylethyl analogues.     

Discovery and in vivo evaluation of new melanocortin-4 receptor-selective peptides

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is involved in several physiological processes, including body weight regulation and grooming behaviour in rats. It has also been suggested that the MC4R mediates the effects of melanocortin ligands on neuropathic pain. Selective compounds are needed to study the exact role of the MC4R in these different processes. We describe here the development and evaluation of new melanocortin compounds that are selective for the MC4R as compared with the other centrally expressed receptors, MC3R and MC5R. First, a library of 18 peptides, in which a melanocortin-based sequence was systematically point-mutated, was screened for binding to and activity on the MC3R, MC4R and MC5R. Compound Ac-Nle-Gly-Lys-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-NH(2) (JK1) appeared to be the most selective MC4R compound, based on affinity. This compound is 90- and 110-fold selective for the MC4R as compared to the MC3R and MC5R, respectively. Subsequent modification of JK1 yielded compound Ac-Nle-Gly-Lys-D-Nal(2)-Arg-Trp-Gly-NH(2) (JK7)(,) a selective MC4R antagonist with 34-fold MC4R/MC3R and 109-fold MC4R/MC5R selectivity. The compounds were active in vivo as determined in a grooming assay and a model for neuropathic pain in rats. Intravenous (i.v.) injections suggested that they were able to pass the blood-brain barrier.The compounds identified here will be useful in further research on the physiological roles of the MC4R.     

A potent and selective nonpeptide antagonist of the melanocortin-4 receptor induces food intake in satiated mice

Optimization on a series of piperazinebenzylamines resulted in analogues with low nanomolar binding at the human MC4 receptor but weak affinity (Ki > 500 nM) at the MC3 receptor. Compound 14c was identified to be a potent MC4R antagonist (Ki = 3.2 nM) with a selectivity of 240-fold over MC3R. It proved to be an insurmountable antagonist in a cAMP assay. Compound 14c potently stimulated food intake in satiated mice when given by intracerebroventricular administration.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2,4,6-triazine derivatives as antimicrobial agents

A series of 2,4,6-trisubstituted [1,3,5]triazines were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against two representative Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and two fungi. Biological data revealed that among all the compounds screened, compounds 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3m, 3o and 3p found to have promising antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Out of the synthesized compounds seven analogues have shown MIC in the range of 6.25-12.5 μg/mL. These compounds were generally nontoxic and may prove useful as antimicrobial agents.     

Iso-lactam and reduced amide analogues of the peptidomimetic dopamine receptor modulator 3(R)-[(2(S)-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl)amino]-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide

An analogue of the highly potent gamma-lactam Pro-Leu-Gly-NH(2) peptidomimetic, 3(R)-[(2(S)-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl) amino]-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide (2), 4(R)-[[2(S)-pyrrolidinylcarbonyl]amino]-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide (3), in which the lactam carbonyl moiety has been placed in a different position with respect to the 3-amino group was synthesized. Also, a series of analogues of 2, compounds 4-6, were synthesized in which each of the amide bonds of 2 were systematically replaced with a reduced amide bond surrogate. The analogues were tested for their ability to enhance the binding of [3H]N-propylnorapomorphine to dopamine receptors in a functional in vitro assay utilizing bovine striatal membranes. Peptidomimetic 3 was shown to be more potent than 2, while 4 and 5 were significantly less effective than 2. Peptidomimetic 6 had a pharmacological profile similar to that of 2.     

Serendipitous discovery of a new class of agonists for the melanocortin 1 and 4 receptors and a new class of cyclophanes

A new class of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4r) agonists was discovered from an unexpected sidereaction in which formaldehyde caused cyclization. These cyclophanes were found to be sub micromolar agonists of the MC1 and MC4 and were less potent on the MC3 and MC5 receptor. They were shown to compete with the peptidic antagonist SHU9119 for binding to the MC4 receptor. In an acute feeding study in Sprague Dawley rats, food intake was reduced more than 50% versus vehicle after 3 h at a dose of 1 mg/kg.     

Potent, selective, orally bioavailable inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE): discovery of indole, benzofuran, imidazopyridine and pyrazolopyridine P1' substituents

Potent and selective inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) were discovered with several new heterocyclic P1' groups in conjunction with cyclic beta-amino hydroxamic acid scaffolds. Among them, the pyrazolopyridine provided the best overall profile when combined with tetrahydropyran beta-amino hydroxamic acid scaffold. Specifically, inhibitor 49 showed IC(50) value of 1 nM against porcine TACE and 170 nM in the suppression of LPS-induced TNF-alpha of human whole blood. Compound 49 also displayed excellent selectivity over a wide panel of MMPs as well as excellent oral bioavailability (F%>90%) in rat n-in-1 PK studies.