Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of a library of modified endomorphin 1 peptides

Endomorphin 1 (Endo-1 = Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2), an endogenous opioid with high affinity and selectivity for μ-opioid receptors, mediates acute and neuropathic pain in rodents. To overcome metabolic instability and poor membrane permeability, the N- and C-termini of Endo-1 were modified by lipoamino acids (Laa) and/or sugars, and 2′,6′-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) replacement of Tyr. Analogues were assessed for μ-opioid receptor affinity, inhibition of cAMP accumulation, enzymatic stability, and permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers. C-Terminus modification decreased receptor affinity, while N-terminus C8-Laa improved stability and permeability with slight change in receptor affinity. Dmt provided a promising lead compound: [C8Laa-Dmt[1]]-Endo-1 is nine times more stable (t1/2 = 43.5 min), >8-fold more permeable in Caco-2 cell monolayers, and exhibits 140-fold greater μ-opioid receptor affinity (Kiμ = 0.08 nM).

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