Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2017
Journal/Book/Conference Title
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Volume
25
Issue
8
First Page
2463
Last Page
2471
DOI of Original Publication
10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.005
Date of Submission
June 2017
Abstract
Mu opioid receptor selective antagonists are highly desirable because of their utility as pharmacological probes for receptor characterization and functional studies. Furthermore, the mu opioid receptors act as an important target in drug abuse and addiction treatment. Previously, we reported NAP as a novel lead compound with high selectivity and affinity towards the mu opioid receptor. Based on NAP, we have synthesized its derivatives and further characterized their binding affinities and selectivity towards the receptor. NMP and NGP were identified as the two most selective MOR ligands among NAP derivatives. In the present study, molecular modeling methods were applied to assess the dual binding modes of NAP derivatives, particularly on NMP and NGP, in three opioid receptors, in order to analyze the effects of structural modifications on the pyridyl ring of NAP on the binding affinity and selectivity. The results indicated that the steric hindrance, electrostatic, and hydrophobic effects caused by the substituents on the pyridyl ring of NAP contributed complimentarily on the binding affinity and selectivity of NAP derivatives to three opioid receptors. Analyses of these contributions provided insights on future design of more potent and selective mu opioid receptor ligands.
Is Part Of
VCU Chemistry Publications
Comments
Originally published at http://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.005