Binding Of Isomers Research Articles

Chemistry, Crystal Structure, and In Vitro Receptor Binding of Δ10-THC Isomers.

Introduction: The psychoactive properties of Δ10-THC isomers (trans- and cis-Δ10-THC) are poorly understood. To shed more light on the biological effects of these compounds, we studied in vitro receptor binding of Δ10-THC isomers at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. Materials and Methods: We first optimized and simplified catalytic synthesis of trans- and cis-Δ10-THC to allow their safe and cheap large-scale synthesis. In our synthesis, BuLi was replaced with KOtBu, and DMSO/anisole or NEt3/heptane solvent systems were used instead of HMPA/toluene. Single crystal X-ray analysis confirmed the structure of both isomers and the configuration of their chiral centers. Results: In the radioligand replacement assay, both isomers showed strong affinity toward the CB1 receptor, with IC50=29.1 nM for the trans isomer and IC50=294.2 nM for the cis counterpart. However, the IC50 values were significantly higher than that of Δ9-THC (2.1 nM), a naturally occurring psychoactive component of cannabis sativa, suggesting a lower affinity of Δ10-THCs toward this receptor. In function assays, in contrast to Δ9-THC, both isomers failed to show any agonist properties at concentrations up to 10 μM suggesting a lack of THC-like psychoactivity for trans- and cis-Δ10-THC. Conclusions: Our results established Δ10-THC isomers among antagonists of the CB1 receptor as both cis and trans isomers antagonized CP55,490 with IC50=460 nM for trans and IC50=1040 nM for cis. This functional property has not been previously observed for any other THC isomers.

Dynamic enzymatic synthesis of γ-cyclodextrin using a photoremovable hydrazone template

Dynamic enzymatic synthesis of γ-cyclodextrin using a photoremovable hydrazone template

Methyl-Cyclohexane Methanol (MCHM) Isomer-Dependent Binding on Amorphous Carbon Surfaces.

In January 2014, over 10,000 gallons of methyl-cyclohexane methanol (MCHM) leaked into the Elk River in West Virginia, in a chemical spill incident that contaminated a large portion of the state’s water supply and left over 300,000 residents without clean water for many days and weeks. Initial efforts to remove MCHM at the treatment plant centered on the use of granulated activated carbon (GAC), which removed some of the chemical from the water, but MCHM levels were not lowered to a “non-detect” status until well after the chemical plume had moved downstream of the intake. Months later, MCHM was again detected at the outflow (but not the inflow) at the water treatment facility, necessitating the full and costly replacement of all GAC in the facility. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that preferential absorbance of one of the two MCHM isomers, coupled with seasonal variations in water temperature, explain this contrary observation. Calculated intermolecular potentials between ovalene (a large planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) and the MCHM isomers were compared to physisorption potentials of MCHM onto an amorphous carbon model. While a molecular mechanics (MM) force field predicts no difference in the average interaction potentials between the cis- and trans-MCHM with the planar ovalene structure, MM predicts that the trans isomer binds stronger than the cis isomer to the amorphous carbon surface. Semi-empirical and density functional theory also predict stronger binding of trans-MCHM on both the planar and amorphous surfaces. The differences in the isomer binding strengths on amorphous carbon imply preferential absorbance of the trans isomer onto activated charcoal filter media. Considering seasonal water temperatures, simple Arrhenius kinetics arguments based on these predicted binding energies help explain the environmental observations of MCHM leeching from the GAC filters months after the spill. Overall, this work shows the important implications that can arise from detailed interfacial chemistry investigations.

Study on the Binding of Methylphenanthrene Isomers with Different Methylated Positions to Human Serum Albumin Employing Spectroscopic Techniques Combined with Molecular Docking

The interactions of methylphenanthrene (MP) isomers (1-MP, 3-MP, 4-MP, and 9-MP) with human serum albumin (HSA) were studied in simulated physiological conditions. A fluorescence analysis revealed that each MP formed a 1:1 ground-state complex with HSA. The binding constants at 308 K decreased in the order of 3-MP (9.13 × 104 L·mol−1) > 9-MP (3.57 × 104 L·mol−1) > 4-MP (2.37 × 104 L·mol−1) > 1-MP (1.46 × 104 L·mol−1), which was consistent with the docking results. The K b values at 298 K, 308 K, and 318 K revealed that the β-isomer has a stronger binding affinity with HSA than the α-isomer. Thermodynamic and docking parameters showed that MPs combined with HSA through van der Waals forces. The results of the binding site competition experiment and molecular docking indicated that 4-MP bound at subdomain IIA in HSA molecule, while the other MPs bound at a site between subdomains IB and IIA. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that the α-helical content of HSA reduced in the presence of 1-MP, 4-MP and 9-MP, while no significant change was observed in the presence of 3-MP. Further, the fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that the Vitamin B2 (VB2)-transporting function of HSA was inhibited by 3-MP and 9-MP, and enhanced by 1-MP and 4-MP. Moreover, the impact degrees of MPs on the VB2-transporting function had a positive correlation with the binding affinities of the MPs to HSA. Highlights Interactions of MP isomers methylated at varying sites with HSA were studied. The α-substituted MP had a weaker affinity to HSA than β-substituted MP. Binding site of 4-MP in HSA was different from that of 1-MP/3-MP/9-MP. MP isomers unfolded the α-helical structure of HSA to varying degrees. Transporting function of HSA was inhibited by 3-MP/9-MP but enhanced by 1-MP/4-MP.

Comprehensive analysis of PPARγ agonist activities of stereo-, regio-, and enantio-isomers of hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids.

Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs) are produced by oxidation and reduction of linoleates. There are several regio- and stereo-isomers of HODE, and their concentrations in vivo are higher than those of other lipids. Although conformational isomers may have different biological activities, comparative analysis of intracellular function of HODE isomers has not yet been performed. We evaluated the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a therapeutic target for diabetes, and analyzed PPARγ agonist activity of HODE isomers. The lowest scores for docking poses of 12 types of HODE isomers (9-, 10-, 12-, and 13-HODEs) were almost similar in docking simulation of HODEs into PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD). Direct binding of HODE isomers to PPARγ LBD was determined by water-ligand observed via gradient spectroscopy (WaterLOGSY) NMR experiments. In contrast, there were differences in PPARγ agonist activities among 9- and 13-HODE stereo-isomers and 12- and 13-HODE enantio-isomers in a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Interestingly, the activity of 9-HODEs was less than that of other regio-isomers, and 9-(E,E)-HODE tended to decrease PPARγ-target gene expression during the maturation of 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, 10- and 12-(Z,E)-HODEs, which we previously proposed as biomarkers for early-stage diabetes, exerted PPARγ agonist activity. These results indicate that all HODE isomers have PPARγ-binding affinity; however, they have different PPARγ agonist activity. Our findings may help to understand the biological function of lipid peroxidation products.

Transcriptome and binding data indicate that citral inhibits single strand DNA-binding proteins.

The mechanism of phytotoxicity of citral was probed in Arabidopsis thaliana using RNA-Seq and in silico binding analyses. Inhibition of growth by 50% by citral downregulated transcription of 9156 and 5541 genes in roots and shoots, respectively, after 1h. Only 56 and 62 genes in roots and shoots, respectively, were upregulated. In the shoots, the downregulation increased at 3h (6239 genes downregulated, vs 66 upregulated). Of all genes affected in roots at 1h (time of greatest effect), 7.69% of affected genes were for nucleic acid binding functions. Genes for single strand DNA binding proteins (SSBP) WHY1, WHY 2 and WHY3 were strongly downregulated in the shoot up until 12 h after citral exposure. Effects were strong in the root at just 1h after the treatment and then at 12 and 24 h. Similar effects occurred with the transcription factors MYC-2, ANAC and SCR-SHR, which were also significantly downregulated for the first hour of treatment, and downregulation occurred again after 12 and 24 h treatment. Downregulation of ANAC in the first hour of treatment was significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased more than eight times compared to the control. In silico molecular docking analysis suggests binding of citral isomers to the SSBPs WHY1, WHY2, and WHY3, as well as with other transcription factors such as MYC-2, ANAC and SCR-SHR. Such effects could account for the profound and unusual effects of citral on downregulation of gene transcription.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 Complexes with Indomethacin closo-Carborane Analogs.

Molecular dynamics simulation of carborane-containing ligands in complex with target enzymes is a challenging task due to the unique structure and properties of the carborane substituents and relative lack of appropriate experimental data to help assess the quality of carborane force field parameters. Here, we report results from energy minimization calculations for a series of carborane-amino acid complexes using carborane force field parameters published previously in the literature and adapted for use with the AMBER ff99SB and ff14SB potential functions. These molecular mechanics results agree well with quantum mechanical geometry optimization calculations obtained using dispersion-corrected density functional theory methods, suggesting that the carborane force field parameters should be suitable for more detailed calculations. We then performed molecular dynamics simulations for the 1,2-, 1,7-, and 1,12-dicarba- closo-dodecaborane(12) derivatives of indomethacin methyl ester bound with cyclooxygenase-2. The simulation results suggest that only the ortho-carborane derivative forms a stable complex, in agreement with experimental findings, and provide insight into the possible molecular basis for isomer binding selectivity.

Human Blue Cone Opsin Regeneration Involves Secondary Retinal Binding with Analog Specificity

Human color vision is mediated by the red, green, and blue cone visual pigments. Cone opsins are G-protein-coupled receptors consisting of an opsin apoprotein covalently linked to the 11-cis-retinal chromophore. All visual pigments share a common evolutionary origin, and red and green cone opsins exhibit a higher homology, whereas blue cone opsin shows more resemblance to the dim light receptor rhodopsin. Here we show that chromophore regeneration in photoactivated blue cone opsin exhibits intermediate transient conformations and a secondary retinoid binding event with slower binding kinetics. We also detected a fine-tuning of the conformational change in the photoactivated blue cone opsin binding site that alters the retinal isomer binding specificity. Furthermore, the molecular models of active and inactive blue cone opsins show specific molecular interactions in the retinal binding site that are not present in other opsins. These findings highlight the differential conformational versatility of human cone opsin pigments in the chromophore regeneration process, particularly compared to rhodopsin, and point to relevant functional, unexpected roles other than spectral tuning for the cone visual pigments.

Structural insights into the inclusion complexes between clomiphene citrate and β-cyclodextrin: The mechanism of preferential isomeric selection.

A major challenge in pharmaceuticals for clinical applications is to alter the solubility, stability, and toxicity of drug molecules in living systems. Cyclodextrins (CDs) have the ability to form host-guest inclusion complexes with pharmaceuticals for further development of new drug formulations. The inclusion complex of clomiphene citrate (CL), a poorly water-soluble drug, with native β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was characterized by a one and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic approach and also by molecular docking techniques. Here we report NMR and a computational approach in preferential isomeric selection of CL, which exists in two stereochemical isomers, enclomiphene citrate (ENC; E isomer) and zuclomiphene citrate (ZNC; Z isomer) with β-CD. β-CD cavity protons, namely, H-3' and H-5', experienced shielding in the presence of CL. The aromatic ring protons of the CL molecule were observed to be deshielded in the presence of β-CD. The stoichiometric ratio of the β-CD:CL inclusion complex was observed by NMR and found to be 1:1. The overall binding constant of β-CD:CL inclusion complexes was based on NMR chemical shifts and was calculated to be 50.21M-1 . The change in Gibb's free energy (∆G) was calculated to be -9.80 KJ mol-1 . The orientation and structure of the β-CD:CL inclusion complexes are proposed on the basis of NMR and molecular docking studies. 2D 1 H-1 H ROESY confirmed the involvement of all three aromatic rings of CL in the inclusion complexation with β-CD in the solution, confirming the multiple equilibria between β-CD and CL. Molecular docking and 2D 1 H-1 H ROESY provide insight into the inclusion complexation of two isomers of CL into the β-CD cavity. A molecular docking technique further provided the different binding affinities of the E and Z isomers of CL with β-CD and confirmed the preference of the Z isomer binding for β-CD:CL inclusion complexes. The study indicates that the formation of a hydrogen bond between -O- of CL and the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group of β-CD was the main factor for noncovalent β-CD:CL inclusion complex formation and stabilization in the aqueous phase.

Positional isomers of bispyridine benzene derivatives induce efficacy changes on mGlu5 negative allosteric modulation

Modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) with partial allosteric antagonists has received increased interest due to their favourable in vivo activity profiles compared to the unfavourable side-effects of full inverse agonists. Here we report on a series of bispyridine benzene derivatives with a functional molecular switch affecting antagonistic efficacy, shifting from inverse agonism to partial antagonism with only a single change in the substitution pattern of the benzene ring. These efficacy changes are explained through computational docking, revealing two different receptor conformations of different energetic stability and different positional isomer binding preferences.

Developmental Cell Biology in Adult Stem Cells Death and Autophagy to Trigger a Preventive Allergic Reaction to Common Airborne Allergens under Synchrotron Radiation Using Nanotechnology for Therapeutic Goals in Particular Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

Tree Pollen, Grass Pollen, Weed Pollen, Mold Spores, Cat Dander, Dog Dander, House Dust Mites, Cockroaches, Feathers, other dander and organic fibers are most effective airborne allergens. Airborne allergens coordinate to DNA/RNA and this coordination not only inhibits replication and transcription of DNA/RNA, but also leads to programmed adult stem cells death and autophagy (apoptosis) to trigger a preventive allergic reaction to common airborne allergens under synchrotron radiation using nanotechnology for therapeutic goals in particular allergy shots (immunotherapy). The corresponding trans isomer of airborne allergens also forms a coordination complex with DNA/RNA, but unlike cis isomer, trans isomer is not an effective chemotherapeutic agents. This editorial was designed to compare the interactions of cis and trans isomers of airborne allergens with adult stem cells DNA/RNA in aqueous solution at physiological conditions by 1 HNMR, 13CNMR, 31PNMR, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR– FTIR), FT–Raman, UV–Vis and HR Mass spectroscopic methods using constant DNA/RNA concentration and various Nano drug/ DNA/RNA (Phosphate) ratios. 1 HNMR, 13CNMR, 31PNMR, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR– FTIR), FT–Raman, UV–Vis and HR Mass spectroscopic methods have used to determine binding constant and the stability of DNA/ RNA in Nano drug–DNA/RNA complexes in aqueous solution. Spectroscopic evidence showed major binding of cis isomer to G–N7 DNA/RNA with overall binding constants.

Understanding the Binding of cis and trans Isomers of Combretastatin to Tubulin

In this issue of Chem , collaborative efforts from the Cavalli and Steinmetz groups have resulted in a more cogent understanding of the binding of cis - and trans -combretastatin isomers to tubulin by means of structural and computational studies.

Density Functional Investigations on the Selective Binding of an endo-Functionalized Bis-urea Macrocycle.

The preferential binding of syn and anti configurational isomers of endo-functionalized bis-urea molecular receptor to 1,2-dinitrobenzene (G1) and 1,4-dioxane (G2) guests has been explained using dispersion-corrected M06-2X-based density functional theory. The host-guest binding is facilitated via hydrogen bonding, C-H···π, dipole-dipole, C···C and O···O (chalcogen-chalcogen) interactions. The formation of an inclusion complex is spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The molecular electrostatic potential and quantum theory of atoms in molecules in conjunction with the noncovalent interactions reduced density gradient have been employed to characterize the noncovalent interactions. The encapsulation of G1 or G2 within the π-electron-rich cavity of the bis-urea macrocycle reflects the frequency shift of the characteristic N-H and C-H vibrations of their vibrational spectra. It has also been shown that binding of the bis-urea isomers to G1 and G2 emerges with a signature in the upfield signals of the guest protons confined to the host cavity in 1H NMR spectra.

Differentiation of small alkane and alkyl halide constitutional isomers via encapsulation.

Previously we have demonstrated that host 1 is capable of hydrocarbon gas separation by selective sequestration of butane from a mixture with propane in the headspace above a solution of the host (C. L. D. Gibb, B. C. Gibb, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2006, 128, 16498-16499). Expanding on the idea of using this host as a means to affect guest discrimination, we report here on NMR studies of the binding of constitutional isomers of two classes of small molecules: hexanes and chloropentanes. Our results indicate that even with these relatively straightforward classes of molecules, guest binding is complicated. Overall, host 1 displays a preference to bind guests with a X-C(R2)-C(R2)-Me (X = Cl or Me) structure, and more generally, a preference for branched guests rather than highly flexible, unbranched derivatives. The complexity of binding of these isomers is magnified when considering molecular differentiation between pairs of guests. In such cases, different guests demonstrated different propensities to self-sort; some self-sort exclusively, while others show very little propensity to do so. However, whereas the pool of guests reveals some general correlations between binding strength and structure, no obvious relationship between structure and degree of self-sorting was observed.

Structural basis of femtomolar inhibitors for acetylcholinesterase subtype selectivity: Insights from computational simulations

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key enzyme of the cholinergic nervous system. More than one gene encodes the synaptic AChE target. As the most potent known AChE inhibitor, the syn1-TZ2PA6 isomer was recently shown to have higher affinity as a reversible organic inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase1 (AChE1) than the anti1-TZ2PA6 isomer. Opposite selectivity has been shown for acetylcholinesterase2 (AChE2). In an attempt to understand the selectivity of the syn1-TZ2PA6 and anti1-TZ2PA6 isomers for AChE1 and AChE2, six molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out with mouse AChE (mAChE, type of AChE1), Torpedo californica AChE (TcAChE, type of AChE1), and Drosophila melanogaster AChE (DmAChE, type of AChE2) bound with syn1-TZ2PA6 and anti1-TZ2PA6 isomers. Within the structure of the inhibitor, the 3,8-diamino-6-phenylphenanthridinium subunit and 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine subunit, via π–π interactions, made more favorable contributions to syn1-TZ2PA6 or anti1-TZ2PA6 isomer binding in the mAChE/TcAChE enzyme than the 1,2,3-triazole subunit. Compared to AChE1, the triazole subunit had increased binding energy with AChE2 due to a greater negative charge in the active site. The binding free energy calculated using the MM/PBSA method suggests that selectivity between AChE1 and AChE2 is mainly attributed to decreased binding affinity for the inhibitor.

Binding of nitrophenol isomers to calix[n]arene (n = 4, 6) hosts

Electronic structure, 1H NMR and vibrational spectra of complexes between nitrophenol isomer and calix[n]arene (n=4 or 6) are obtained from density functional theory. Nitrophenol interacts laterally with calix[4]arene portals and reveals shielding of all aromatic guest protons in the calculated 1H NMR spectra. The intense OH stretching vibration at the 3287cm−1 of calix[4]arene on complexation splits into two bands separated by ∼30cm−1. On the other hand, CX[6] host favors encapsulation of nitrophenol isomer via hydrogen bonded interactions. Complexation of p-nitrophenol with CX[6] engenders up-field signals for aromatic protons on confining within the host cavity while those of o- or m-nitrophenol isomers exhibit both shielding as well as deshielding thereby leading to distinct 1H NMR signals. Interaction energy of nitrophenol toward CX[6] host follows the order: p-nitrophenol>m-nitrophenol>o-nitrophenol, which is reflected in the frequency downshift of OH stretching (host) from OH···O interactions.

Complete determination of the Pin1 catalytic domain thermodynamic cycle by NMR lineshape analysis.

The phosphorylation-specific peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 catalyzes the isomerization of the peptide bond preceding a proline residue between cis and trans isomers. To best understand the mechanisms of Pin1 regulation, rigorous enzymatic assays of isomerization are required. However, most measures of isomerase activity require significant constraints on substrate sequence and only yield rate constants for the cis isomer, [Formula: see text] and apparent Michaelis constants, [Formula: see text]. By contrast, NMR lineshape analysis is a powerful tool for determining microscopic rates and populations of each state in a complex binding scheme. The isolated catalytic domain of Pin1 was employed as a first step towards elucidating the reaction scheme of the full-length enzyme. A 24-residue phosphopeptide derived from the amyloid precurser protein intracellular domain (AICD) phosphorylated at Thr668 served as a biologically-relevant Pin1 substrate. Specific (13)C labeling at the Pin1-targeted proline residue provided multiple reporters sensitive to individual isomer binding and on-enzyme catalysis. We have performed titration experiments and employed lineshape analysis of phosphopeptide (13)C-(1)H constant time HSQC spectra to determine [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] for the catalytic domain of Pin1 acting on this AICD substrate. The on-enzyme equilibrium value of [E·trans]/[E·cis]=3.9 suggests that the catalytic domain of Pin1 is optimized to operate on this substrate near equilibrium in the cellular context. This highlights the power of lineshape analysis for determining the microscopic parameters of enzyme catalysis, and demonstrates the feasibility of future studies of Pin1-PPIase mutants to gain insights on the catalytic mechanism of this important enzyme.

Preferential selection of isomer binding from chiral mixtures: alternate binding modes observed for the E and Z isomers of a series of 5-substituted 2,4-diaminofuro[2,3-d]pyrimidines as ternary complexes with NADPH and human dihydrofolate reductase.

The crystal structures of six human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR) ternary complexes with NADPH and a series of mixed E/Z isomers of 5-substituted 5-[2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-prop-1-en-1-yl]furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diamines substituted at the C9 position with propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, butyl, isobutyl and sec-butyl (E2-E7, Z3) were determined and the results were compared with the resolved E and Z isomers of the C9-methyl parent compound. The configuration of all of the inhibitors, save one, was observed as the E isomer, in which the binding of the furopyrimidine ring is flipped such that the 4-amino group binds in the 4-oxo site of folate. The Z3isomer of the C9-isopropyl analog has the normal 2,4-diaminopyrimidine ring binding geometry, with the furo oxygen near Glu30 and the 4-amino group interacting near the cofactor nicotinamide ring. Electron-density maps for these structures revealed the binding of only one isomer to hDHFR, despite the fact that chiral mixtures (E:Z ratios of 2:1, 3:1 and 3:2) of the inhibitors were incubated with hDHFR prior to crystallization. Superposition of the hDHFR complexes with E2 and Z3 shows that the 2'-methoxyphenyl ring of E2 is perpendicular to that of Z3. The most potent inhibitor in this series is the isopropyl analog Z3 and the least potent is the isobutyl analog E6, consistent with data that show that the Z isomer makes the most favorable interactions with the active-site residues. The isobutyl moiety of E6 is observed in two orientations and the resultant steric crowding of the E6 analog is consistent with its weaker activity. The alternative binding modes observed for the furopyrimidine ring in these E/Z isomers suggest that new templates can be designed to probe these binding regions of the DHFR active site.

Configuration-sensitive molecular sensing on doped graphene sheets

We show by molecular dynamics simulations that configuration-sensitive molecular spectroscopy can be realized on optimally doped graphene sheets vibrated by an oscillatory electric field. High selectivity of the spectroscopy is achieved by maximizing Coulombic binding between the detected molecule and a specific nest, formed for this molecule on the graphene sheet by substituting selected carbon atoms with boron and nitrogen dopants. One can detect binding of different isomers to the nest from the frequency shifts of selected vibrational modes of the combined system. As an illustrative example, we simulate detection of hexanitrostilbene enantiomers in chiral nests formed on graphene.

Some nonylphenol isomers show antiestrogenic potency in the MVLN cell assay

It has been shown that nonylphenol (NP) isomers vary in their estrogenic potency. These differences may be due to varieties in receptor affinity, receptor activation, or activation/deactivation of non-receptor mediated side paths of reporter gene translation. In the present study we investigated the underlying mechanism of the different estrogenic potency of seven nonylphenol isomers. An estrogen receptor binding assay was conducted with the human estrogen receptor alpha (hERα). Additionally we co-incubated the nonylphenol isomers with two concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) in the MVLN cell assay to measure the potency of the isomers to compete with E2. No significant differences were found between the nonylphenol isomer binding affinities for the hERα. The IC 50 were in the range of 2.1–8.1 × 10 −6 M and the binding affinity relative to estradiol (set to 1) were between 2.6 and 6.7 × 10 −3. Only two test items ( p353-NP and p-NP) were able to increase the estrogenic response of 100 pM estradiol. The response of the other isomers co-incubated with 100 pM E2 showed varying degrees of inhibition of the response in the MVLN reporter gene assay. Thus, it appears that all isomers bind to the ER but some are partial agonists while others are antagonists in the MVLN reporter gene assay.