Biological consequences of the incorporation of amphiphilic amino acids into opioid peptide sequences

Abstract

Hydrophobic and aromatic interactions are most critical for membrane peptide receptor-ligand complex stability. We have hypothesized that proper location of hydrophilic counterparts to lipophilic and/or aromatic residues may stabilize complexation with the receptor pocket. In this work, we are presenting the biological consequences of introduction of a hydroxymethyl group into the α-position of phenylalanine or tyrosine residues of enkephalin or deltorphin analogues. The consequences of such a modification are strongly dependent on the position of the primary amino acid in the peptide chain.