The long-term goal of this project is to characterize structural, biochemical and pharmacological properties of conopeptides that target G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In the proposed research, we will focus on studying structure-activity-relationships of a unique analgesic conopeptide, Contulakin-G, targeting neurotensin receptors (NTRs). Contulakin-G is a 16-residue peptide isolated from venom of Conus geographus. This peptide shares the C-terminal sequence similarity with an endogenous neuropeptide, neurotensin (NT), but it also contains an unusual posttranslational modification: O-glycosylation of a Thr residue. A unique pharmacological property of Contulakin-G is that this very potent analgesic compound is a low-affinity, non-desensetizing agonist for neurotensin receptors. In stark contrast to Contulakin-G, NT is 600-fold less potent as analgesic, but it is a high-affinity agonist that easily desensitizes NTRs. Results with non-glycosylated Contulakin-G suggested that such profound mechanistic differences between Contulakin-G and neurotensin can be accounted for by the presence of both, glycosylation and distinct N-terminal sequences. We propose to systematically explore structural differences between Contulakin-G and neurotensin that determine a unique pharmacological profile of this conopeptide.
Specific aims of this proposal include: (1) chemical synthesis of Contulakin-G and neurotensin analogs varying in the peptidic and glycosyl structures, (2) characterization of in vitro pharmacological properties of Contulakin-G analogs, (3) assessment of analgesic properties of the synthesized ananlogs and their mechanism of analgesia, (4) discovery of novel members of the same gene family that Contulakin-G belongs to. Results from the research will allow to better define structural determinants of unique analgesic properties of Contulakin-G, as well as to test a hypothesis that the potent analgesia produced by this glycopeptide can, at least in part, be accounted for by its ability to not desensitize neurotensin receptor. The long-term outcomes of this proposal may lead to development of novel compounds targeting GPCRs.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
5P01GM048677-20
Application #
8380807
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MDCN-G)
Project Start
Project End
2014-06-30
Budget Start
2012-07-01
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
20
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$190,834
Indirect Cost
$64,035
Name
University of Utah
Department
Type
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112
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