Requirements For High Affinity Binding Research Articles

Positional Scanning MUC1 Glycopeptide Library Reveals the Importance of PDTR Epitope Glycosylation for Lectin Binding.

One of the main barriers to explaining the functional significance of glycan-based changes in cancer is the natural epitope heterogeneity found on the surface of cancer cells. To help address this knowledge gap, we focused on designing synthetic tools to explore the role of tumor-associated glycans of MUC1 in the formation of metastasis via association with lectins. In this study, we have synthesized for the first time a MUC1-derived positional scanning synthetic glycopeptide combinatorial library (PS-SGCL) that vary in number and location of cancer-associated Tn antigen using the “tea bag” approach. The determination of the isokinetic ratios necessary for the equimolar incorporation of (glyco)amino acids mixtures to resin-bound amino acid was determined, along with developing an efficient protocol for on resin deprotection of O-acetyl groups. Enzyme-linked lectin assay was used to screen PS-SGCL against two plant lectins, Glycine max soybean agglutinin and Vicia villosa. The results revealed a carbohydrate density-dependent affinity trend and site-specific glycosylation requirements for high affinity binding to these lectins. Hence, PS-SGCLs provide a platform to systematically elucidate MUC1-lectin binding specificities, which in the long term may provide a rational design for novel inhibitors of MUC1–lectin interactions involved in tumor spread and glycopeptide-based cancer vaccines.

Vascular Bioactivation of Nitroglycerin by Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2

Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) catalyzes the bioactivation of nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate, GTN) in blood vessels, resulting in vasodilation by nitric oxide (NO) or a related species. Because the mechanism of this reaction is still unclear we determined the three-dimensional structures of wild-type (WT) ALDH2 and of a triple mutant of the protein that exhibits low denitration activity (E268Q/C301S/C303S) in complex with GTN. The structure of the triple mutant showed that GTN binds to the active site via polar contacts to the oxyanion hole and to residues 268 and 301 as well as by van der Waals interactions to hydrophobic residues of the catalytic pocket. The structure of the GTN-soaked wild-type protein revealed a thionitrate adduct to Cys-302 as the first reaction intermediate, which was also found by mass spectrometry (MS) experiments. In addition, the MS data identified sulfinic acid as the irreversibly inactivated enzyme species. Assuming that the structures of the triple mutant and wild-type ALDH2 reflect binding of GTN to the catalytic site and the first reaction step, respectively, superposition of the two structures indicates that denitration of GTN is initiated by nucleophilic attack of Cys-302 at one of the terminal nitrate groups, resulting in formation of the observed thionitrate intermediate and release of 1,2-glyceryl dinitrate. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanism of the GTN denitration reaction and provide useful information on the structural requirements for high affinity binding of organic nitrates to the catalytic site of ALDH2.

Monoamine oxidase inhibition by C4-substituted phthalonitriles

It was recently reported that a series of C5-substituted phthalimides are remarkably potent reversible inhibitors of recombinant human monoamine oxidase (MAO) B. Modeling studies suggested that the phthalimide ring forms numerous polar interactions with the polar region of the MAO-B substrate cavity while the C5 side chain extends to, and interacts via Van der Waals interactions with the hydrophobic regions of the enzyme entrance cavity. Interactions with both cavities appear to be requirements for high affinity binding. In the present study we have examined an analogs series of C4-substituted phthalonitriles as potential human MAO inhibitors. The phthalonitriles were found to be highly potent reversible MAO-B inhibitors with most analogs exhibiting IC50 values in the low nM range. The phthalonitriles also interacted with human MAO-A, although with lower binding affinities compared to MAO-B. Modeling studies suggest that the high binding affinities of the phthalonitriles to MAO-B may depend, at least in part, on the formation of polar interactions between the nitrile functional groups and the enzyme substrate cavity. Examination of a homologs series of benzonitriles established that the phthalonitrile moiety is more optimal for MAO-B inhibition than the corresponding benzonitrile moiety, and that C3-substituted benzonitriles are better MAO-B inhibitors than C4-substituted benzonitriles. Since elimination of the nitrile functional group yielded compounds with only moderate MAO-B inhibition potencies, it may be concluded that this functional group is privileged for MAO-B inhibition.

Amino acid requirement for the high affinity binding of a selected arginine‐rich peptide with the HIV Rev‐response element RNA

The arginine-rich motif is a class of short arginine-rich peptides that bind to specific RNA structures that has been found to be a versatile framework for the design and selection of RNA-binding peptides. We previously identified novel peptides that bind to the Rev-response element (RRE) RNA of the HIV from an arginine-rich polypeptide library (ARPL) consisting of a polyarginine (15 mer) randomized at the N-terminal 10 positions. The selected peptides bound more strongly to the RRE than the natural binding partner, Rev, and contained glutamine residues that were assumed to be important for recognition of the G-A base pair. In addition, the peptides were predicted to bind to the RRE in an alpha-helical conformation. In this study, in order to understand the mechanism of the interaction between the RRE and the putative alpha-helical glutamine-containing peptides, the amino acid requirements for high affinity binding were analyzed by a combinatorial approach using a bacterial system for detecting RNA-peptide interactions. A consensus peptide, the DLA peptide, was elucidated, which consists of a single glutamine residue within a polyarginine context with the glutamine residue flanked at specific positions by three nonarginine residues, two of which appear to be important for alpha-helix stabilization. In addition, the DLA peptide was found to bind extremely tightly to the RRE with an affinity 50-fold higher than that of the Rev peptide as determined by a gel shift assay. A working model for the interaction of the DLA peptide to the RRE is proposed, which should aid in the development of peptide-based drugs that inhibit HIV replication, as well as in our understanding of polypeptide-RNA interactions.

Differential Inhibition of Cytosolic PEPCK by Substrate Analogues. Kinetic and Structural Characterization of Inhibitor Recognition

The mechanisms of molecular recognition of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and oxaloacetate (OAA) by cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (cPEPCK) were investigated by the systematic evaluation of a variety of PEP and OAA analogues as potential reversible inhibitors of the enzyme against PEP. The molecules that inhibit the enzyme in a competitive fashion were found to fall into two general classes. Those molecules that mimic the binding geometry of PEP, namely phosphoglycolate and 3-phosphonopropionate, are found to bind weakly (millimolar Ki values). In contrast, those competitive inhibitors that mimic the binding of OAA (oxalate and phosphonoformate) coordinate directly to the active site manganese ion and bind an order of magnitude more tightly (micromolar Ki values). The competitive inhibitor sulfoacetate is found to be an outlier of these two classes, binding in a hybrid fashion utilizing modes of recognition of both PEP and OAA in order to achieve a micromolar inhibition constant in the absence of direct coordination to the active site metal. The kinetic studies in combination with the structural characterization of the five aforementioned competitive inhibitors demonstrate the molecular requirements for high affinity binding of molecules to the active site of the enzyme. These features include cis-planar carbonyl groups that are required for coordination to the active site metal, a bridging electron rich atom at the position corresponding to the C2 methylene group of OAA to facilitate interactions with R405, a carboxylate or sulfonate moiety at a position corresponding to the C1 carboxylate of OAA, and the edge-on aromatic interaction between a carboxylate and Y235.

Structure-Function Analysis of Arg-Gly-Asp Helix Motifs in αvβ6 Integrin Ligands

Data relating to the structural basis of ligand recognition by integrins are limited. Here we describe the physical requirements for high affinity binding of ligands to αvβ6. By combining a series of structural analyses with functional testing, we show that 20-mer peptide ligands, derived from high affinity ligands of αvβ6 (foot-and-mouth-disease virus, latency associated peptide), have a common structure comprising an Arg-Gly-Asp motif at the tip of a hairpin turn followed immediately by a C-terminal helix. This arrangement allows two conserved Leu/Ile residues at Asp+1 and Asp+4 to be presented on the outside face of the helix enabling a potential hydrophobic interaction with the αvβ6 integrin, in addition to the Arg-Gly-Asp interaction. The extent of the helix determines peptide affinity for αvβ6 and potency as an αvβ6 antagonist. A major role of this C-terminal helix is likely to be the correct positioning of the Asp+1 and Asp+4 residues. These data suggest an explanation for several biological functions of αvβ6 and provide a structural platform for design of αvβ6 antagonists.

Structural specificity in a FGF7‐affinity purified heparin octasaccharide required for formation of a complex with FGF7 and FGFR2IIIb

Variations in sulfation of heparan sulfate (HS) affect interaction with FGF, FGFR, and FGF-HS-FGFR signaling complexes. Whether structurally distinct HS motifs are at play is unclear. Here we used stabilized recombinant FGF7 as a bioaffinity matrix to purify size-defined heparin oligosaccharides. We show that only 0.2%-4% of 6 to 14 unit oligosaccharides, respectively, have high affinity for FGF7 based on resistance to salt above 0.6M NaCl. The high affinity fractions exhibit highest specific activity for interaction with FGFR2IIIb and formation of complexes of FGF7-HS-FGFR2IIIb. The majority fractions with moderate (0.30-0.6M NaCl), low (0.14-0.30M NaCl) or no affinity at 0.14M NaCl for FGF7 supported no complex formation. The high affinity octasaccharide mixture exhibited predominantly 7- and 8-sulfated components (7,8-S-OctaF7) and formed FGF7-HS-FGFR2IIIb complexes with highest specific activity. Deduced disaccharide analysis indicated that 7,8-S-OctaF7 comprised of DeltaHexA2SGlcN6S in a 2:1 ratio to a trisulfated and a variable unsulfated or monosulfated disaccharide. The inactive octasaccharides with moderate affinity for FGF7 were much more heterogenous and highly sulfated with major components containing 11 or 12 sulfates comprised of predominantly trisulfated disaccharides. This suggests that a rare undersulfated motif in which sulfate groups are specifically distributed has highest affinity for FGF7. The same motif also exhibits structural requirements for high affinity binding to dimers of FGFR2IIIb prior to binding FGF7 to form FGF7-HS-FGFR2IIIb complexes. In contrast, the majority of more highly sulfated HS motifs likely play FGFR-independent roles in stability and control of access of FGF7 to FGFR2IIIb in the tissue matrix.

Interaction of Staphylococcus aureus Fibronectin-binding Protein with Fibronectin: AFFINITY, STOICHIOMETRY, AND MODULAR REQUIREMENTS

The repetitive D1, D2, and D3 elements of Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin-binding protein FnBPA each bind the N-terminal 29-kDa fragment (N29) of fibronectin with low micromolar dissociation constants (Kd), but in tandem they compose a high affinity domain, D1-3. An additional seven Fn-binding segments have been predicted in FnBPA in a region N-terminal of the D-repeats (Schwarz-Linek, U., Werner, J. M., Pickford, A. R., Gurusiddappa, S., Kim, J. H., Pilka, E. S., Briggs, J. A., Gough, T. S., Hook, M., Campbell, I. D., and Potts, J. R. (2003) Nature 423, 177-181). We have evaluated the requirements for high affinity binding of N29 to the D-repeat domain and determined the affinity and stoichiometry of N29 binding to segments that are N-terminal of the D-repeats in the related FnBPB adhesin. We confirmed that D1-3 has two equivalent high affinity sites (Kd, approximately 1 nm) and provided evidence for one or more lower affinity sites (Kd, approximately 0.5 microm). Bimodular D1-2 and D2-3 exhibit intermediate affinity sites with respective Kd values of 0.25 and 0.044 microm, as well as a low affinity site with a Kd value of 2.2-2.5 microm. We also identified two binding domains that are N-terminal of the D-repeats, designated DuB and DuA. Segments internal to these domains individually bound N29 with similar Kd values of approximately 2 microm, whereas the DuBA polypeptide possessing both segments and other intervening sites bound four molecules of N29 with much higher affinity (Kd, approximately 10 nm). DuBAD, a larger polypeptide harboring all of the known or predicted binding motifs in FnBPB, bound seven to eight molecules of N29, with a Kd of approximately 7 nm. Because most of the isolated binding segments display low affinity for N29 and lack motifs for binding of one or both of the 1F1 and 5F1 modules in the N-terminal domain of Fn, we propose that high affinity is achieved in part as a consequence of self-interaction between bound molecules of N29.

123/131I]Iodometomidate as a radioligand for functional diagnosis of adrenal disease: synthesis, structural requirements and biodistribution

Abstract Metomidate [(R)-1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid methyl ester] (MTO, 1, Fig. 1) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system in the adrenal cortex. Labelled in the 4-position with radioiodine, (R)-4-[131I]iodometomidate, 2, [131I]IMTO has been evaluated by in-vitro studies and also ex-vivo in rats. [131I]IMTO was synthesized by oxidative radioiododestannylation using a suitable precursor which was prepared by a new stereoselective synthesis. Optimization of the labelling reaction was performed by systematic variation of the most important reaction parameters. Under optimum reaction conditions, a labelling yield of 95% was obtained. In-vitro-stability of the tracer was studied over 8 days, indicating slow deiodination (0.27%/h). Displacement studies using [131I]IMTO and rat adrenal membranes revealed the structural requirements for high affinity binding, namely an intact ester group and (R)-configuration of the radioligand. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed fast accumulation of [131I]IMTO in the adrenals (approx. 10% ID/g tissue) with an activity plateau for 2 hours. Metabolic degradation was indicated by a steady increase of renal activity up to 4 hours post injection. Based on target to non-target ratios the highest contrast for imaging of the adrenals was observed between 30 and 60 min post injection of [131I]IMTO. We conclude that SPECT using [123I]IMTO will be a promising method for the characterization of adrenal incidentalomas.

N-(4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl, butenyl and butynyl)arylcarboxamides as novel dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists.

The dopamine D(3) receptor subtype has been targeted as a potential neurochemical modulator of the behavioral actions of psychomotor stimulants, such as cocaine. Previous synthetic studies provided structural requirements for high affinity binding to D(3) receptors which included a 2,3-dichloro-phenylpiperazine linked to an arylamido function via a butyl chain. To reduce lipophilicity of these agents and further investigate optimal conformation, a second series of 15 novel ligands was designed that included heteroaromatic substitution and unsaturated alkyl linkers. These compounds were synthesized and evaluated for binding at rat D(3) and D(2) receptors stably expressed in Sf9 cells. D(3) binding affinities ranged from K(i)=0.6-1080 nM, with a broad range of D(3)/D(2) selectivities (2-97). The discovery of potent, selective and bioavailable D(3) receptor ligands will provide essential molecular probes to elucidate the role D(3) receptors play in the psychomotor stimulant and reinforcing effects of cocaine.

Computational binding studies of human pp60 c-src SH2 domain with a series of nonpeptide, phosphophenyl-containing ligands

Monte Carlo/free energy perturbation (MC/FEP) simulations were performed on a series of nonpeptide ligands of the human pp60 c-src SH2 domain in order to calculate relative free energies of binding for each compound and to understand the structural requirements for high affinity binding. The amido compound, exhibiting the highest experimental affinity, takes advantage of an interaction with a previously unobserved structural water.

A comparison of sex steroid binding protein (SBP) in four species of teleost fish.

A sex steroid binding protein (SBP) binding E2 with high affinity has been detected in a pleuronectid (greenback flounder Rhombosolea tapirina), two sparids (black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri and snapper Pagrus auratus), and its presence has been confirmed in a salmonid (rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss). SBP binding characteristics were measured using a hot saturation assay for trout, bream and snapper, and a cold saturation assay for flounder. Bound and unbound steroid were separated by incubation with dextran-coated charcoal (DCC). Affinity for E2 was highest in trout (kD=0.44 nM), followed by bream (kD=3.39 nM) and snapper (kD=10.7 nM). The lowest affinity was found in flounder (kD=84.7 nM). Binding capacity, however, was greatest in flounder (Bmax=164 nM), followed by trout (Bmax=92 nM), and then bream and snapper (Bmax=50 and 39 nM, respectively). Binding of E2 to SBP had a very rapid rate of association, and most dissociation occurred within 5 min. To confirm that the plasma protein measured here was SBP, the relative binding affinities of SBP for a range of steroids were measured. In trout, bream and snapper, SBP bound E2 with the highest affinity, followed by T. In contrast, the relative affinity of T for flounder SBP was more than twice that of E2. The rank orders of affinity of binding indicate the importance of an unhindered 17β-hydroxyl group, and a 3-hydroxyl or 3-ketone group for high affinity binding to SBP. These requirements for high affinity binding are present in most animals possessing SBP and indicate conservation of the SBP molecule through evolution.

Sequence requirements for high affinity retinoid X receptor-α homodimer binding

To better delineate the sequence requirements for high affinity binding of retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) homodimers, a selection protocol was used starting from a random pool of oligonucleotides. All recovered sequences contained at least two hexamers related to the consensus sequence for the thyroid/retinoid subfamily of nuclear receptors, A GGGTCA . These hexamers were most frequently organised as direct repeats with one interspacing base pair (DR1) and as palindromic repeats without interspacing base pairs (PAL0), the established configurations for RXR response elements (RXREs). However, DR2 and DR6 configurations also appeared to bind RXRα homodimers with high affinity, as did elements consisting of three hexamers. Reporters containing single copies of these elements conferred 9- cis retinoic acid responsiveness to cells cotransfected with an RXRα expressing plasmid. The upstream hexamer of all recovered sites was preferentially preceded by a G and its consensus was GGGTCA. Based on the composition of the selected DR1 RXREs, and the functional and mutational analysis, the optimal DR1 RXRE consists of an upstream hexamer starting with A or G and preceded by A or G. The interspacing base can be either G, A or T but not C. The affinity of RXRα homodimers for a DR1 element is strongly reduced when the final position is taken by a C. The results of the present investigation indicate that RXRα homodimers may have broader DNA binding specificities than currently believed. The biological relevance of these alternative RXREs will need to be corroborated by the identification of natural elements of this kind.

Estrone sulfate analogs as estrone sulfatase inhibitors

The high serum concentration of estrone sulfate and the presence of estrone sulfatase in breast tumors constitute an important mechanism of local synthesis of estrogens in the tissue. Thus, inhibitors of estrone sulfatase may be effective in the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. In this study, we synthesized several isostructural analogs of estrone sulfate (estrone-3-methylsulfonate, estrone phosphate, 3-desoxyestradiol-3-methylenesulfonate, and 3-desoxyestrone-3-methylenesulfonate) and tested them on human placental sterylsulfatase. The results were (i) The K i of 3-desoxyestrone-3-methylenesulfonate 12 and 3-desoxyestradiol-3-methylenesulfonate 7 are more than 100-fold higher than the K i or K M values for estrone sulfate, (ii) As compared to estrone sulfate, the K i value for estrone-3-methylsulfonate 2 is about 30-fold higher, while estrone phosphate 3 is bound by the sulfatase with roughly the same affinity as estrone sulfate. The results shed some light on the electronical and sterical requirements for high affinity binding to the enzyme.

H-2Dd exploits a four residue peptide binding motif.

We have characterized the amino acid sequences of over 20 endogenous peptides bound by a soluble analog of H-2Dd, H-2Dds. Synthetic analogs corresponding to self, viral, tumor, or motif peptides were then tested for their ability to bind to H-2Dd by serologic epitope induction assays using both purified soluble protein and cell surface H-2Dd. The dominant primary sequence motif included glycine at position 2, proline at position 3, and a hydrophobic COOH terminus: leucine, isoleucine, or phenylalanine at position 9 or 10. Ancillary support for high affinity binding was contributed by a positively charged residue at position 5. Three-dimensional computer models of H-2Dds/peptide complexes, based on the crystallographic structure of the human HLA-B27/peptide complex, showed that the basic residue at position 5 was in position to form a salt bridge with aspartic acid at position 156, a polymorphic residue of the H-2Dd heavy (H) chain. Analysis of 28 such models, including 17 based on nonamer self-peptides, revealed considerable variation in the structure of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) surrounding peptide residue 1, depending on the size and charge of the side chain. Interactions between the side chains of peptide residues 5 and 7, and 6 and 8 commonly occurred. Those peptide positions with limited sequence variability and least solvent accessibility may satisfy structural requirements for high affinity binding of the peptide to the MHC class I H chain, whereas the highly variable positions of the peptide (such as positions 4, 6, and 8) may contribute more to the T cell epitopes.

Requirements for high affinity binding of glycine analogs to the glycine site of the NMDA receptor complex

Correlation of the isopotential contours of the optimized conformations of a series of α-amino acids, in their neutral and zwitterionic forms, with their potencies to inhibit [ 3H]glycine binding and to enhance [ 3H]10,11-dihydro-5-methyl]-5- H-dibenzo[ a, d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ([ 3H]MK-801) binding, leads to the following conclusions: (a) steric congestion at the amino group is detrimental to binding potency; (b) a zwitterionic amino acid is required for high affinity to the receptor; (c) a conformation in which the carboxylate group is at a 90° dihedral angle to the ammonium nitrogen is preferred for high affinity; and (d) placing the carbon backbone of the zwitterionic α-amino acid, in its preferred conformation, above the plane defined by the ammonium nitrogen and the carboxylate oxygen atoms, and viewing the molecule along the nitrogen to carboxylate carbon axis, there is a space forbidden to the ligand (receptor-required-space) to the left.

Quinuclidine based NK-1 antagonists 2: determination of the absolute stereochemical requirements

The relative and absolute stereochemical requirements for high affinity binding to the human NK-1 receptor are defined for a series of quinuclidine ethers. Whilst the S stereochemistry at C-3 is essential for high afifnity, surprising both epimers at C-2 are active.

Structural requirements for high affinity binding of complex ligands by the macrophage mannose receptor.

The mannose receptor of macrophage and hepatic endothelial cells discriminates between endogenous and exogenous sugar-bearing structures. Previous competition studies have indicated that the receptor binds the monosaccharides mannose, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine but displays much higher affinity for multivalent oligosaccharides, such as those found on the surface of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The hydrodynamic properties of the receptor have been examined, revealing that the receptor is a monomer. This result suggests that multiple carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) in the extracellular domain of a single receptor polypeptide cooperate to achieve high affinity binding of complex ligands. In order to determine the importance of individual CRDs, properties of receptor segments containing groups of CRDs expressed in insect cells have been examined. The results indicate that two of the CRDs (4 and 5) form a protease-resistant, ligand-binding core but that five CRDs in tandem (4-8) are required to match the affinity of the intact receptor for yeast mannan. A consequence of the organization of the receptor is that both valency and geometry of glycoconjugates are important determinants of binding affinity.

Binding properties of nine 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine (4-DAMP) analogues to M1, M2, M3 and putative M4 muscarinic receptor subtypes.

1. We compared the binding properties of 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) and nine analogues of this compound on muscarinic receptors of human neuroblastoma NB-OK1 cells (M1 subtype), rat heart (M2 subtype), rat pancreas (M3 subtype) and to the putative M4 subtype in striatum. 2. The requirements for high affinity binding were somewhat different for the four receptor subtypes. In general, the requirements of M3 receptors were more stringent than for M1, M2 or putative M4 receptors. 3. The abilities of the compounds to discriminate muscarinic receptor subtypes were not correlated with their affinities at any subtype. 4. The temperature-dependence of binding of 4-DAMP analogues to M2 receptors varied with the drug structure. In particular, the increased affinity of the alpha-methyl derivative of 4-DAMP could be ascribed to van der Waals interactions. 5. The affinities of most 4-DAMP analogues for M2 and M3 receptors were similar to their pharmacological potencies on atrial and ileum preparations, respectively. 6. At concentrations above 1 microM, all 4-DAMP analogues as well as atropine, reduced the [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine ([3H]-NMS) dissociation rate from cardiac muscarinic receptors, with no obvious structure-activity relationship.

Steroid structural requirements for high affinity binding to human sex steroid binding protein (SBP)

The sex steroid binding protein (SBP) which binds androgens circulating in the blood of man has been examined to determine the structural requirements for high affinity binding. SBP was purified partially and the ability of each of more than 150 steroids to compete with [ 3H]dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one) for binding to SBP was assessed. Binding was enhanced by reduction of the Δ 4 double bond to 5α-dihydro, addition of a methyl group at C-4 and in one case unsaturation at C-14, 15. Affinity was always reduced by modifications of the C-17β hydroxy. Binding was also severely decreased by deletion of the keto moiety at C-3; however, relatively high affinity was retained by an alcohol or an unsubstituted pyrazole group at C-3. Certain alpha surface substitutions such as 17α-ethinyl had limited effects on binding; whereas, other modifications such as 7α-methyl or 17α-methyl caused significant reduction in binding. Most modifications at C-2, 6, 9 or 11 also impaired affinity, and the 5β steroids had reduced affinity.