Site-specific conjugation of a lanthanide chelator and its effects on the chemical synthesis and receptor binding affinity of human relaxin-2 hormone

► A mono-Eu-DTPA conjugated peptide ligand, Eu-DTPA-(A)-H2, has been developed. ► The choice of a site for incorporation of a chelator is critical. ► The labeled peptide retains full activity at the RXFP1 receptor. ► It is markedly cheaper to produce and easier to use than radioactive probes.