Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
Cell active and functionally-relevant small-molecule agonists of calcitonin receptor
Shuai Zhao1, Shengchao Guo2, Chan Yang3
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, China.
Abstract:
The natural calcitonin (CT) receptor and its peptide agonists are considered validated targets for drug discovery. A small molecule agonist, SUN-B8155, has previously been shown to efficiently activate cellular CTR. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of compounds (S8155 1-9) derived from SUN-B8155, and investigate the structural-functional relationship, bias properties and their cellular activity profile. We discover that the N-hydroxyl group from the pyridone ring is required for G protein activity and its affinity to the CT receptor. Among the compounds studied, S8155-7 exhibits improved G protein activity while S8155-4 displays a significant β-arrestin-2 signaling bias. Finally, we show that both S8155-4 and S8155-7 inhibit tumour cell invasion through CTR activation. These two compounds are anticipated to find extensive applications in chemical biology research as well drug development efforts targeting CT receptor.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...

