MODIFIED PEPTIDES AS POTENT INHIBITORS OF THE PSD-95/NMDA RECEPTOR INTERACTION

摘要

The present invention is directed to the provision of small molecule inhibitors of the PSD-95/NMDA receptor interaction, employing an undecapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal of the NMDA as a template for finding lead candidates. A compound (NMDAR/PSD-95 inhibitor) of the invention includes a peptide or peptide analogue comprising at least four peptide bonded residues having the sequence YTXV or YSXV, wherein Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof, and X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof, wherein an amino-terminal residue of the peptide is N-alkylated. Alternatively the compound of the invention comprises a first peptide or peptide analogue linked to a second peptide or peptide analogue by a linker, where the first and second peptide or peptide analogue each comprise at least four peptide bonded residues having the sequence YTXV or YSXV, wherein Y is selected from among E, Q, and A, or an analogue thereof, and X is selected from among A, Q, D, N, N-Me-A, N-Me-Q, N-Me-D, and N-Me-N or an analogue thereof.