Asymmetric synthesis and conformational analysis by NMR spectroscopy and MD of Aba- and α-MeAba-containing dermorphin analogues.

Dermorphin analogues, containing a (S)- and (R)-4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold (Aba) and the α-methylated analogues as conformationally constrained phenylalanines, were prepared. Asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis was unable to provide the (S)-α-Me-o-cyanophenylalanine precursor for (S)-α-MeAba in acceptable enantiomeric purity. However, by using a Schöllkopf chiral auxiliary, this intermediate was obtained in 88 % ee. [(S)-Aba 3-Gly 4]dermorphin retained μ-opioid affinity but displayed an increased δ-affinity. The corresponding R epimer was considerably less potent. In contrast, the [(R)-α-MeAba 3-Gly 4]dermorphin isomer was more potent than its S epimer. Tar-MD simulations of both non-methylated [Aba 3-Gly 4]dermorphin analogues showed a degree of folding at the C-terminal residues toward the N terminus of the peptide, without however, adopting a stabilized β-turn conformation. The α-methylated analogues, on the other hand, exhibited a type I/I' β-turn conformation over the α-MeAba 3 and Gly 4 residues, which was stabilized by a hydrogen bond involving Tyr 5-HN and D-Ala 2-CO.