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

Comments

Originally published at http://doi.org/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.

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VCU Chemistry Publications

Included in

Chemistry Commons

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