Non-peptide Compounds Research Articles

Chimeric design, synthesis, and biological assays of a new nonpeptide insulin-mimetic vanadium compound to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Prior to its total synthesis, a new vanadium coordination compound, called TSAG0101, was computationally designed to inhibit the enzyme protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The PTP1B acts as a negative regulator of insulin signaling by blocking the active site where phosphate hydrolysis of the insulin receptor takes place. TSAG001, [V(V)O(2)(OH)(picolinamide)], was characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; IR: ν/cm(-1) 3,570 (NH), 1,627 (C=O, coordinated), 1,417 (C-N), 970/842 (O=V=O), 727 δ̣ (pyridine ring); (13)C NMR: 5 bands between 122 and 151 ppm and carbonyl C shifted to 180 ppm; and (1)H NMR: 4 broad bands from 7.6 to 8.2 ppm and NH(2) shifted to 8.8 ppm. In aqueous solution, in presence or absence of sodium citrate as a biologically relevant and ubiquitous chelator, TSAG0101 undergoes neither ligand exchange nor reduction of its central vanadium atom during 24 hours. TSAG0101 shows blood glucose lowering effects in rats but it produced no alteration of basal- or glucose-induced insulin secretion on β cells during in vitro tests, all of which excludes a direct mechanism evidencing the extrapancreatic nature of its activity. The lethal dose (LD(50)) of TSAG0101 was determined in Wistar mice yielding a value of 412 mg/kg. This value is one of the highest among vanadium compounds and classifies it as a mild toxicity agent when compared with literature data. Due to its nonsubstituted, small-sized scaffold design, its remarkable complex stability, and low toxicity; TSAG0101 should be considered as an innovative insulin-mimetic principle with promising properties and, therefore, could become a new lead compound for potential nonpeptide PTP1B inhibitors in antidiabetic drug research. In view of the present work, the inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) and extended solution stability will be tested.

A Noncompetitive BACE1 Inhibitor TAK-070 Ameliorates Aβ Pathology and Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

We discovered a nonpeptidic compound, TAK-070, that inhibited BACE1, a rate-limiting protease for the generation of Abeta peptides that are considered causative for Alzheimer's disease (AD), in a noncompetitive manner. TAK-070 bound to full-length BACE1, but not to truncated BACE1 lacking the transmembrane domain. Short-term oral administration of TAK-070 decreased the brain levels of soluble Abeta, increased that of neurotrophic sAPPalpha by approximately 20%, and normalized the behavioral impairments in cognitive tests in Tg2576 mice, an APP transgenic mouse model of AD. Six-month chronic treatment decreased cerebral Abeta deposition by approximately 60%, preserving the pharmacological efficacy on soluble Abeta and sAPPalpha levels. These results support the feasibility of BACE1 inhibition with a noncompetitive inhibitor as disease-modifying as well as symptomatic therapy for AD.

Allosteric Block of KCa2 Channels by Apamin

Activation of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (K(Ca)2) channels can regulate neuronal firing and synaptic plasticity. They are characterized by their high sensitivity to the bee venom toxin apamin, but the mechanism of block is not understood. For example, apamin binds to both K(Ca)2.2 and K(Ca)2.3 with the same high affinity (K(D) approximately 5 pM for both subtypes) but requires significantly higher concentrations to block functional current (IC(50) values of approximately 100 pM and approximately 5 nM, respectively). This suggests that steps beyond binding are needed for channel block to occur. We have combined patch clamp and binding experiments on cell lines with molecular modeling and mutagenesis to gain more insight into the mechanism of action of the toxin. An outer pore histidine residue common to both subtypes was found to be critical for both binding and block by the toxin but not for block by tetraethylammonium (TEA) ions. These data indicated that apamin blocks K(Ca)2 channels by binding to a site distinct from that used by TEA, supported by a finding that the onset of block by apamin was not affected by the presence of TEA. Structural modeling of ligand-channel interaction indicated that TEA binds deep within the channel pore, which contrasted with apamin being modeled to interact with the channel outer pore by utilizing the outer pore histidine residue. This multidisciplinary approach suggested that apamin does not behave as a classical pore blocker but blocks using an allosteric mechanism that is consistent with observed differences between binding affinity and potency of block.

Analysis of the Binding of Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1 (MLL1) and Histone 3 Peptides to WD Repeat Domain 5 (WDR5) for the Design of Inhibitors of the MLL1−WDR5 Interaction

MLL1 is a histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase and a promising new cancer therapeutic target. The catalytic activity of MLL1 is regulated by the formation of a core complex consisting of MLL1, WDR5, RbBP5, and Ash2L. The interaction between WDR5 and MLL1 plays an essential role in regulation of the H3K4 methyltransferase activity of MLL1 and targeting this interaction using small molecules may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy. In this study, we have defined the essential elements in MLL1 required for its high-affinity binding to WDR5. Our data showed that the minimal elements crucial for high-affinity binding of MLL1 to WDR5 are -CO-ARA-NH- motif and two intramolecular hydrogen bonds that stabilize the conformation of this motif. Two 3-mer peptides, Ac-ARA-NH(2) and Ac-ART-NH(2), were designed based upon MLL1 and H3 sequences and achieved K(i) values of 120 and 20 nM to WDR5, respectively. Our study provides a concrete basis for the design of potent peptidomimetics and nonpeptidic compounds to inhibit MLL1 activity by targeting the MLL1 and WDR5 interaction.

Radioligand binding characterization of the bradykinin B 2 receptor in the rabbit and pig ileal smooth muscle

Several species-related differences have been reported in kinin B 2 receptor pharmacology. The present study aimed to evaluate the affinity of the bradykinin B 2 receptor antagonist MEN16132 for the rabbit and pig B 2 receptor, and radioligand binding experiments using [ 3H]bradykinin and membranes of rabbit and pig ileum smooth muscle were conducted. The [ 3H]bradykinin binding was characterized by homologous displacement curves indicating K d values of 0.65 and 0.33 nM in rabbit and pig, respectively. The B 2 receptor specificity of [ 3H]bradykinin binding was shown by the low affinity (> µM) displayed by agonists ([desArg 9]bradykinin and Lys[desArg 9]bradykinin) and antagonists [Leu 8,desArg 9]bradykinin and Lys[Leu 8,desArg 9]bradykinin) selective for the B 1 receptor. The affinity of MEN16132 and other antagonists was determined by inhibition curves (pK i values in the rabbit and pig assay, respectively): MEN16132 (10.4 and 10.3) and peptide compounds such as icatibant (10.1 and 9.9) and MEN11270 (10.3 and 10.1) displayed subnanomolar potency in both assays; the nonpeptide LF16-0687 (8.4 and 8.5) and FR173657 (8.2 and 9.1) exhibited a different affinity pattern, whereas WIN64338 displayed low affinity (5.7 and ≤ 5). Results are discussed focusing on comparisons with previous findings obtained in rabbit and pig vascular functional assays, but also with those obtained in analog guinea pig and mouse assays and at the human B 2 receptor. An attempt to highlight differences which can undertake ligands selectivity across the species is presented. In conclusion, the present study indicates MEN16132 as the only nonpeptidic compound which displays an even subnanomolar affinity for the rabbit and pig B 2 receptor.

Synthesis and bradykinin inhibitory activity of novel non-peptide compounds, and evaluation of in vivo analgesic activity

A series of novel non-peptide diamide compounds was synthesized and evaluated as antibradykinin agents by utilizing guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle. Among the final compounds, ( Z)-4-(4-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)-4-oxo- N-(4-phenylbutan-2-yl)but-2-enamide showed most favorable bradykinin inhibitory activity and demonstrated analgesic efficacies in the rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Effect of peptide and nonpeptide antagonists of angiotensin II receptors on noradrenaline release in hypothalamus of rats with angiotensin II-induced increase of water intake

Angiotensin II (Ang II) administered intracerebroventriculary (icv) at a dose that induces drinking behavior in rats significantly increased K+-stimulated release of [3H] noradrenaline (NA) in hypothalamus without affecting basal [3H] NA release. The observed difference between the effects of Ang II on basal and K+-stimulated [3H]NA release may possibly be due to the fact that peptides are released after increased neuronal activity. It can be suggested that Ang II is important primarily in pathological states and that NA plays a substantial role in the brain Ang II-induced drinking response. The imidazolic nonpeptidic compound 2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1-{[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}imidazole potassium salt (DuP 753, losartan), its active metabolite 2-n-butyl-4-chloro-1-{[2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl}imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (EXP 3174) and peptide Ang II analogue, sarmesin, antagonized the Ang II-induced effect on [3H]NA release, in spite of the differences in their chemical structures. Thus, the drugs tested inhibited K+-stimulated [3H]NA release in hypothalamus, acting via the angiotensin (AT) 1 receptor subtype. We could not reject the possibility of a non-receptor mechanism of action for DuP 753, EXP 3174 and sarmesin. This research allows us to suggest a neurochemical mechanism for the modulatory role of these drugs on the NA-ergic system. The Ang II receptor antagonists studied may become important therapeutic agents, which act preferentially on pathologically activated systems. These agents may be of use for the prevention of excessive ingestion of water in some neuropsychotic diseases.

The past, present and future of angiotensin II type 2 receptor stimulation

Studying the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT(2)) has been problematic in the past because a pharmacological tool for direct, specific in vitro and in vivo stimulation of the receptor has been lacking. Consequently, current knowledge about AT(2) receptor signalling and function had to be obtained by indirect approaches, like studying animals or cells with genetically altered AT(2) receptor expression levels, inhibitory experiments using specific AT(2) receptor antagonists, stimulation with angiotensin II under concomitant angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade or stimulation with the peptide agonist CGP42112A, which has additional AT(2) receptor antagonistic properties. The recently developed non-peptide AT(2) receptor agonist Compound 21 now, for the first time, allows direct, selective and specific AT(2) receptor stimulation in vitro and in vivo. This new tool will certainly revolutionize AT(2) receptor research, enable many new insights into AT(2) receptor function and may also have the potential to become a future medical drug. This article reviews milestone findings about AT(2) receptor functional properties obtained by 'conventional' experimental approaches within the last 20 years. Moreover, it provides an overview of the first results obtained by direct AT(2) receptor stimulation with Compound 21, comprising effects on alkaline secretion, neurite outgrowth, blood pressure and post-infarct cardiac function.

SR 57746A/xaliproden, a non-peptide neurotrophic compound: prospects and constraints for the treatment of nervous system diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as well as peripheral neuropathies are difficult to treat due to a limited range of effective drugs. Neurotrophic growth factors promote neuronal survival and differentiation and could hence be interesting tools to treat these diseases. Their therapeutic use is limited due their short half-life, their inability to cross the BBB and potential side effects including tumor promotion. SR 57746A is a non-peptide, orally active compound that exhibits neuroprotective effects in various model systems in vitro and in vivo. SR 57746A shows – amongst other activities – agonistic activity on 5-HT1A receptors. Several clinical trials examined SR 57746A in patients with Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or chemotherapy-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical data on SR 57746A and points out potential future applications of this compound. However, due to disapointing results in phase III trials, Sanofi-Aventis recently decided to discontinue the development of this drug.

Biased Agonist Pharmacochaperones of the AVP V2 Receptor May Treat Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (cNDI) results from inactivating mutations of the human arginine vasopressin (AVP) V2 receptor (hV(2)R). Most of these mutations lead to intracellular retention of the hV(2)R, preventing its interaction with AVP and thereby limiting water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Because the majority of cNDI-hV(2)Rs exhibit protein misfolding, molecular chaperones hold promise as therapeutic agents; therefore, we sought to identify pharmacochaperones for hV(2)R that also acted as agonists. Here, we describe high-affinity nonpeptide compounds that promoted maturation and membrane rescue of L44P, A294P, and R337X cNDI mutants and restored a functional AVP-dependent cAMP signal. Contrary to pharmacochaperone antagonists, these compounds directly activated a cAMP signal upon binding to several cNDI mutants. In addition, these molecules displayed original functionally selective properties (biased agonism) toward the hV(2)R, being unable to recruit arrestin, trigger receptor internalization, or stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases. These characteristics make these hV(2)R agonist pharmacochaperones promising therapeutic candidates for cNDI.

Novel non-peptide β-secretase inhibitors derived from structure-based virtual screening and bioassay

This Letter describes an efficient approach by integrating virtual screening with bioassay technology for finding small organic inhibitors targeting β-secretase (BACE-1). Fifteen hits with inhibitory potencies ranging from 2.8 to 118 μM (IC 50) against β-secretase were successfully identified. Compound 12 with IC 50 of 2.8 μM is the most potent hit against BACE-1. Docking simulation from gold 3.0 suggests putative binding mode of 12 in BACE-1 and potential key pharmacophore groups for further designing of non-peptide compounds as more powerful inhibitors against BACE-1.

Ghrelin Receptor Modulators and Their Therapeutic Potential

Ghrelin is a peptide produced predominantly in the stomach and intestines, and is a natural growth hormone (GH) secretagogue-receptor ligand. It is able to stimulate GH release, but it also exhibits an important role in conditions related to processes regulating nutrition, body composition and growth, and heart, liver, thyroid or kidney dysfunction. Drug discovery efforts initially focused on ghrelin-receptor agonists, known as GH secretagogues, to be used as anabolic agents, but none of them reached the market. The latest developments in this field are constituted by the discovery of new nonpeptidic compounds endowed with interesting properties: oxindole agonists are able to exert an increase in the fat-free mass, while ghrelin was reported to increase the fat mass gain, and triazole- and 2,4-diaminopyrimidine-based antagonists were shown to be able to reduce food intake, without inhibition of GH secretion stimulated by an agonist to the ghrelin receptor. Other antagonist compounds (quinazolinones) were discovered as antiobesity/antidiabetic agents. Moreover, inverse agonists have been discovered that are able to reduce weight gain. Taking into account the great number of pathological conditions related to ghrelin, and the discovery of several compounds able to modulate the ghrelin receptor, its importance in the field of medicinal chemistry research is set to increase significantly.

Key amino acid residues in the melanocortin-4 receptor for nonpeptide THIQ specific binding and signaling

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and glucose homeostasis. Synthetic nonpeptide compound N- (3R)-1 4-tetrahydroisoquinolinium-3-ylcarbonyl-(1R)-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-4-cyclohexyl-4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)piperidin-1-yl-2-oxoethylamine (THIQ) is a potent agonist at MC4R but not at hMC2R. In this study, we utilized two approaches (chimeric receptor and site-directed mutagenesis) to narrow down the key amino acid residues of MC4R responsible for THIQ binding and signaling. Cassette substitutions of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth transmembrane regions (TMs) of the human MC4R (hMC4R) with the homologous regions of hMC2R were constructed. Our results indicate that the cassette substitutions of these TMs of the hMC4R with homologous regions of the hMC2R did not significantly alter THIQ binding affinity and potency except the substitution of the hMC4R TM3, suggesting that the conserved amino acid residues in these TMs of the hMC4R are main potential candidates for THIQ binding and signaling while non conserved residues in TM3 of MC4R may also be involved. Nineteen MC4R mutants were then created, including 13 conserved amino acid residues and 6 non-conserved amino acid residues. Our results indicate that seven conserved residue [E100 (TM2), D122 (TM3), D126 (TM3), F254 (TM6), W258 (TM6), F261 (TM6), H264 (TM6)] are important for THIQ binding and three non-conserved residues [N123 (TM3), I129 (TM3) and S131 (TM3)] are involved in THIQ selectivity. In conclusion, our results suggest that THIQ utilize both conserved and non-conserved amino acid residues for binding and signaling at hMC4R and non conserved residues may be responsible for MC4R selectivity.

Cell adhesion through αV-containing integrins is required for efficient HIV-1 infection in macrophages

AbstractMonocytes and macrophages are an important reservoir of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and may represent the largest reservoir of this virus in tissues. Differentiation of monocytes into macrophages leads to cell attachment and susceptibility to infection and replication of HIV. Among other cell-surface molecules, integrins are overexpressed during monocyte-macrophage differentiation and may play a role in the replication cycle of envelope viruses including HIV. Here, we show that inhibition of αV integrin in monocyte-derived macrophages, by RNA interference or their inhibition by a selective small heterocyclic RGD-mimetic nonpeptide compound, inhibited the replication of HIV in the absence of cytotoxicity. Interference or inhibition of αV integrins triggered a signal transduction pathway, leading to down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB–dependent HIV-1 transcription. Such inhibition was mediated by a MAP-kinase signaling cascade, probably involving ERK1/2, p38-mitogen–activated protein kinases, and HSP27. In conclusion, our results reveal a significant role of integrin αV-mediated adhesion in HIV-1 infection of macrophages.

Discovery of novel non-peptidic β-alanine piperazine amide derivatives and their optimization to achiral, easily accessible, potent and selective somatostatin sst 1 receptor antagonists

Structural simplification of the core moieties of obeline and ergoline somatostatin sst 1 receptor antagonists, followed by systematic optimization, led to the identification of novel, highly potent and selective sst 1 receptor antagonists. These achiral, non-peptidic compounds are easily prepared and show promising PK properties in rodents.

Measles Virus Entry Inhibitors: A Structural Proposal for Mechanism of Action and the Development of Resistance

Previously, we developed a panel of nonpeptidic compounds specifically preventing fusion of the measles virus (MV) with target cells at IC(50) values of 0.6-3 muM. Mutations in the MV fusion protein (MV F) that render resistance to these blockers were described. The structural basis for both inhibition and resistance was unclear in the earlier work because of the availability of a structural model for only the postfusion conformation of MV F. We have now developed structural models for both pre- and postfusion conformers of the latter protein trimer. The models allow investigation of the large-scale conformational changes occurring in the MV fusion machinery and, in conjunction with antisera binding studies, provide a rationale for how inhibitors may arrest a conformational intermediate by interfering with the formation of interactions between the heptad repeat B (HR-B) linker and DIII domains. The models also show that resistance to inhibition can be explained by a predicted destabilizing effect of the mutations on the HR-B domain within the trimeric prefusion structure. This viewpoint is supported by the temperature-dependent differential fusion activities of MV F variants harboring these mutations.

Differential Effects of a Novel Non-Peptidic Thrombopoietin Mimetic on Proliferation and Differentiation of Human CD34+ Progenitor Cells

Thrombopoietin (TPO) and TPO mimetics have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of thrombocytopenia. Low molecular weight, orally available compounds offer the advantage of convenience and lack of immunogenicity when compared to protein-based drugs. STS-T4 is a novel low-molecular weight (<500 Da), non-peptidic TPO mimetic compound that is a 2nd generation agent in preclinical development with promising in vitro potency and aqueous solubility. We have studied the effects of STS-T4 on the growth and differentiation of primary human CD34+ progenitor cells. A dose-dependent proliferation of highly purified human CD34+ cells was observed with EC50 value of less than 1 μM. A bell-shaped dose-response curve was observed, which is consistent with previous reports on compounds stimulating homodimeric cytokine receptors. In addition, the phenotype of the cultured cells was analyzed by flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies specific for markers of megakaryocyte differentiation. During a culture period of 10 days, 85% of the cells cultured in the presence of STS-T4 differentiated into CD41+ megakaryocytes in the absence of any other cytokines or mimetics. In addition, 30% of these CD41+ cells coexpressed CD42b as a marker of more mature cells. When compared to recombinant human TPO (rhTPO), a similar proportion of the cultured cells expressed CD41 and CD42b in response to STS-T4 and the levels of expression of these antigens on the surface of the megakaryocytes were similar, suggesting that the effects of STS-T4 and rhTPO on human megakaryocyte differentiation are comparable. However, the level of cell proliferation induced by STS-T4 in cultures of CD34+ cells was 50–60% of that induced by rhTPO, supporting the conclusion that the signals mediating proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ progenitor cells are differentially regulated. In addition to the activity profile, the physical properties of STS-T4 are desirable for further development. Aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal permeability are major contributors to oral absorption, and high solubility and permeability generally also reduce the risk of food effects. The aqueous solubility of STS-T4 was measured by a kinetic method with HPLC and visual detection and was determined to be >1 mM. These data suggest that further evaluation of safety and efficacy of STS-T4 for the treatment of thrombocytopenia is warranted. In addition, the results imply that CD34+ progenitor cells can differentiate into megakaryocytes expressing high levels of CD41 and CD42b in the absence of a full rhTPO-like proliferative response, which may support further investigation of new therapies for the treatment of thrombocytopenia that provide the benefit of megakaryocyte maturation while avoiding excessive expansion of hematopoietic stem cells.

Discovery of novel non-peptide thrombopoietin mimetic compounds that induce megakaryocytopoiesis

We have identified a series of novel non-peptide compounds that activate the thrombopoietin-dependent cell line Ba/F3-huMPL. The compounds stimulated proliferation of Ba/F3-huMPL in the absence of other growth factors, but did not promote proliferation of the thrombopoietin-independent parent cell line Ba/F3. The thrombopoietin-mimetic compounds elicited signal-transduction responses comparable with recombinant human thrombopoietin, such as tyrosine phosphorylation of the thrombopoietin receptor, JAK (Janus kinase) 2, Tyk2 (tyrosine kinase 2), STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) 3, STAT5, MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), PLCgamma (phospholipase Cgamma), Grb2 (growth-factor-receptor-bound protein 2), Shc (Src homology and collagen homology), Vav, Cbl and SHP-2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2) and increased the number of CD41(+) cells (megakaryocyte lineage) in cultures of human CD34(+) bone-marrow cells (haematopoietic stem cells). These findings suggest that this series of compounds are novel agonists of the human thrombopoietin receptor and are possible lead compounds for the generation of anti-thrombocytopaenia drugs.

Peptides Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Many peptides are potent and highly selective blockers or modulators of calcium channel function, and as such are valuable pharmacological tools and potentially valuable leads for the development of human therapeutics. Cone shells and spiders are rich sources of such peptides, although they are also found in scorpions and insects. In this article we compare the amino acid sequences of toxins active against calcium channels and describe their three-dimensional structures and structure-function relationships. Certain structural motifs, in particular the inhibitor cystine knot, prove to be quite common amongst this class of toxins. Aspects of the pharmacology and physiology of these toxins in mammalian systems are also discussed, with an emphasis on their application in the treatment of chronic pain. We then consider the prospects for peptide-based therapeutics targeting calcium channels for this and other indications, including the development of non-peptide (peptidomimetic) compounds based on a detailed understanding of toxin structure-function relationships.

Solid‐Phase Organic Tagging Resins for Labeling Biomolecules by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition: Application to the Synthesis of a Fluorescent Non‐Peptidic Vasopressin Receptor Ligand

Two novel solid-phase organic tagging (SPOrT) resins were synthesized to facilitate the labeling of peptides and small organic compounds with a fluorescent probe. Both resins were obtained from the commercially available backbone amide linker (BAL) resin. Following the solid-phase synthesis of model compounds, a tripeptide and benzazepine, the fluorescent probe derived from Lissamine Rhodamine B was incorporated through CuI-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Final cleavage in acidic media enabled access to both types of molecules in good yield with high purity. The SPOrT resin was successfully applied to the preparation of the first non-peptidic fluorescent compound with a nanomolar affinity for the human vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) subtype. This molecule will find application in binding assays that use polarization or fluorescence resonance energy-transfer (FRET) techniques. The SPOrT resins are also well suited for other tags and the parallel synthesis of a fluorescently tagged library for protein screening.