10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.03.015
The research investigates the synthesis and structure–activity relationships of analogues of the neuroprotective tripeptide Gly-Pro-Glu (GPE). The study focuses on modifications at the Pro and/or Glu residues to explore their effects on NMDA binding and neuroprotective properties. Key chemicals involved include Boc- and tBu-protected Gly and Glu for the synthesis of certain analogues, as well as various proline derivatives such as 2,2-dimethyl-thiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic acid (Cys[ΨMe,Mepro]) and (S)-α-methylproline (PMe). Other significant compounds used are LL-5,5-dimethylproline (dmP) and different stereoisomeric forms of GPE incorporating D-configurations and analogues containing aspartic or homoglutamic (Hgl) acid. The study found that the pyrrolidine ring puckering of the Pro residue is crucial for biological activity, while the preference for cis or trans rotamers around the Gly-Pro peptide bond is not significant. Compounds 4 and 5, incorporating PMe and dmP respectively, showed notable affinity for GluRs and neuroprotective effects, suggesting that the Gly-Pro amide conformation is not essential for interaction with the NMDA receptor.