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Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Constructing Cyclic Peptides Using an On-Tether Sulfonium Center
Published on: September 28, 2022
Harnessing cyclotides to design and develop novel peptide GPCR ligands
Edin Muratspahić1,2, Johannes Koehbach2, Christian W Gruber1
1Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna Austria christian.w.gruber@meduniwien.ac.at.
Engineered cyclotides offer stable scaffolds for developing new peptide therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Molecular grafting enhances their pharmacokinetic properties, making them valuable tools for drug discovery and studying GPCR signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cyclotides are stable, cyclic peptides from plants with a unique cystine knot structure.
- Their stability makes them resistant to degradation, suggesting therapeutic potential.
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key drug targets in modern medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of engineered cyclotides as scaffolds for novel peptide therapeutics.
- To demonstrate how molecular grafting can create effective ligands for GPCRs.
- To highlight engineered cyclotides as tools for studying GPCR signaling.
Main Methods:
- Molecular grafting of bioactive epitopes onto cyclotide scaffolds.
- Engineering cyclotides to create novel peptide ligands.
- Evaluating the properties of engineered cyclotides for therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- Engineered cyclotides can be designed as potent peptide ligands for GPCRs.
- Molecular grafting improves pharmacokinetic properties, oral activity, and selectivity.
- Enhanced structural stability and enzymatic resistance are achieved.
Conclusions:
- Engineered cyclotides represent a promising platform for developing peptide-based therapeutics.
- This approach offers improved drug-like properties compared to traditional peptides.
- Engineered cyclotides are valuable tools for advancing GPCR research and drug discovery.
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