Conformational analysis of mu-selective [D-Ala2,MePhe4]enkephalins.
The conformational space of the potent mu-selective opioids [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAGO) and [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Met(O)-ol5]enkephalin (FK 33-824) has been analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations involving systematic conformational searching and energy minimizations. A cis-trans equilibrium of the Gly3-MePhe4 amide bond is induced by the N-methyl group, and the more energetically favoured trans isomer is proposed as the biologically relevant form. A compact interaction between the side chains of Tyr1 and D-Ala2 was demonstrated by NOE and ROE effects in both peptides in D2O and DMSO-d6, further supported by shielding of the D-Ala2 methyl protons in both solvents. Analysis of coupling constants, NOE and ROE data indicated significant restriction of the conformational freedom of the MePhe4 side-chain for both peptides in the two solvents. The NMR results and theoretical calculations point towards folded low energy conformations characterized by a beta II-type turn around Gly3-MePhe4. For the trans isomer, a Tyr1-MePhe4 phenyl ring separation between 8.5 and 12.5 A was accompanied by proximity between the D-Ala2 side chain and the C-terminal in low energy conformations. The results are in good agreement with available data on related active enkephalins. The conformational effects induced by simultaneous incorporation of D-Ala2 and MePhe4 in enkephalins is discussed in the light of the enhanced mu-opioid receptor selectivity and activity of these peptides.
Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
L J
LJ
Penkler
P H
PH
Van Rooyen
P L
PL
Wessels
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D005405:D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011487:Protein Conformation; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000187:drug effects; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013816:Thermodynamics
D004745:Enkephalins; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-; D005405:D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Met(0)-ol-enkephalin