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Constraining Endomorphin-1 by β,α-Hybrid Dipeptide/Heterocycle Scaffolds: Identification of a Novel κ-Opioid Receptor
Rossella De Marco1, Andrea Bedini2, Santi Spampinato2
1Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician" , University of Bologna , Via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy.
Abstract:
Herein we present the expedient synthesis of endomorphin-1 analogues containing stereoisomeric β2-homo-Freidinger lactam-like scaffolds ([Amo2]EM), and we discuss opioid receptor (OR) affinity, enzymatic stability, functional activity, in vivo antinociceptive effects, and conformational and molecular docking analysis. Hence, H-Tyr-Amo-Trp-PheNH2 resulted to be a new chemotype of highly stable, selective, partial KOR agonist inducing analgesia, therefore displaying great potential interest as a painkiller possibly with reduced harmful side effects.
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