Design, Synthesis, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Functional Evaluation of a Novel Series of 26RFa Peptide Analogues Containing a Mono- or Polyalkyl Guanidino Arginine Derivative

J Med Chem. 2018 Nov 21;61(22):10185-10197. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01332. Epub 2018 Nov 7.

Abstract

26RFa, the endogenous QRFPR ligand, is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions such as the regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone mineralization; hence, QRFPR ligands display therapeutic potential. At the molecular level, functional interaction occurs between residues Arg25 of 26RFa and Gln125 of QRFPR. We have designed 26RFa(20-26) analogues incorporating arginine derivatives modified by alkylated substituents. We found that the Arg25 side chain length was necessary to retain the activity of 26RFa(20-26) and that N-monoalkylation of arginine was accommodated by the QRFPR active site. In particular, [(Me)ωArg25]26RFa(20-26) (5b, LV-2186) appeared to be 25-fold more potent than 26RFa(20-26) and displayed a position in a QRFPR homology model slightly different to that of the unmodified heptapeptide. Other peptides were less potent than 26RFa(20-26), exhibited partial agonistic activity, or were totally inactive in accordance to different ligand-bound structures. In vivo, [(Me)ωArg25]26RFa(20-26) exerted a delayed 26RFa-like hypoglycemic effect. Finally, N-methyl substituted arginine-containing peptides represent lead compounds for further development of QRFPR agonists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Amides / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Arginine / chemistry*
  • CHO Cells
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Cricetulus
  • Drug Design*
  • Guanidine / chemistry*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Oligopeptides / chemical synthesis*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry*
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Amides
  • Oligopeptides
  • Arginine
  • Guanidine