Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of melanocortin and agouti-related (AGRP) peptides.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies are a key feature of peptide and peptidomimetic research to improve the biological properties of native peptides and convert them into more drug-like compounds. Peptide SAR studies involve the systematic modification of a lead peptide to provide insight into the molecular determinants of the ligand-receptor interactions that result in either receptor stimulation or inhibition. This chapter will discuss structure-activity relationships of the endogenous and synthetic agonists and the antagonists of the melanocortin system.