Unsaturated acyl chains dramatically enhanced cellular uptake by direct translocation of a minimalist oligo-arginine lipopeptide

The recurring issue with cell penetrating peptides is how to increase direct translocation vs. endocytosis, to avoid premature degradation. Acylation by a cis unsaturated chain (C22:6) of a short cationic peptide provides a new rational design to favour diffuse cytosolic and dense Golgi localisations.

Identification of an anti-inflammatory protein from Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a commensal bacterium deficient in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD)-associated dysbiosis is characterised by a loss of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, whose culture supernatant exerts an anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo. However, the chemical nature of the anti-inflammatory compounds has not yet been determined.

METHODS

Peptidomic analysis using mass spectrometry was applied to F. prausnitzii supernatant. Anti-inflammatory effects of identified peptides were tested in vitro directly on intestinal epithelial cell lines and on cell lines transfected with a plasmid construction coding for the candidate protein encompassing these peptides. In vivo, the cDNA of the candidate protein was delivered to the gut by recombinant lactic acid bacteria to prevent dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-colitis in mice.

RESULTS

The seven peptides, identified in the F. prausnitzii culture supernatants, derived from a single microbial anti-inflammatory molecule (MAM), a protein of 15 kDa, and comprising 53% of non-polar residues. This last feature prevented the direct characterisation of the putative anti-inflammatory activity of MAM-derived peptides. Transfection of MAM cDNA in epithelial cells led to a significant decrease in the activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway with a dose-dependent effect. Finally, the use of a food-grade bacterium, Lactococcus lactis, delivering a plasmid encoding MAM was able to alleviate DNBS-induced colitis in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

A 15 kDa protein with anti-inflammatory properties is produced by F. prausnitzii, a commensal bacterium involved in CD pathogenesis. This protein is able to inhibit the NF-κB pathway in intestinal epithelial cells and to prevent colitis in an animal model.

Multivalent Interactions: Synthesis and Evaluation of Melanotropin Multimers - Tools for Melanoma Targeting

In order to develop agents for early detection and selective treatment of melanomas, high affinity and high specificity molecular tools are required. Enhanced specificity may be obtained by simultaneously binding to multiple cell surface targets via the use of multimeric analogs of naturally occurring ligands. Trimers targeting overexpressed melanocortin receptors have been found to be potential candidates for this purpose. In the present letter, we describe the synthesis and study of multimers based on a dendrimer-like scaffold. The binding affinity and activity results revealed that dendrimers promote multivalent interactions via statistical and/or cooperative effects on binding. Moreover, viability studies showed no significant toxicity at micromolar concentrations, which will allow these molecular complexes to be used in vivo. Finally, imaging studies showed effective internalization for all the molecules confirming their potential as delivery agents.

Design, synthesis, and biological studies of efficient multivalent melanotropin ligands: tools toward melanoma diagnosis and treatment

To achieve early detection and specific cancer treatment, we propose the use of multivalent interactions in which a series of binding events leads to increased affinity and consequently to selectivity. Using melanotropin (MSH) ligands, our aim is to target melanoma cells which overexpress melanocortin receptors. In this study, we report the design and efficient synthesis of new trivalent ligands bearing MSH ligands. Evaluation of these multimers on a cell model engineered to overexpress melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) showed up to a 350-fold increase in binding compared to the monomer, resulting in a trivalent construct with nanomolar affinity starting from a micromolar affinity ligand. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production was also investigated, leading to more insights into the effects of multivalent compounds on transduction mechanisms.

A basic peptide derived from the HARP C-terminus inhibits anchorage-independent growth of DU145 prostate cancer cells

Heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP) is an 18 kDa heparin-binding protein that plays a key role in tumor growth. We showed previously that the synthetic peptide P(111-136) composed of the last 26 HARP amino acids inhibited HARP-induced mitogenesis. Here, to identify the exact molecular domain involved in HARP inhibition, we investigated the effect of the shorter basic peptide P(122-131) on DU145 cells, which express HARP and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPbeta/zeta). P(122-131) was not cytotoxic; it dose-dependently inhibited anchorage-independent growth of DU145 cells. Binding studies using biotinylated P(122-131) indicated that this peptide interfered with HARP binding to DU145 cells. Investigation of the mechanisms involved suggested interference, under anchorage-independent conditions, of P(122-131) with a HARP autocrine loop in an RPTPbeta/zeta-dependent fashion. Thus, P(122-131) may hold potential for the treatment of disorders involving RPTPbeta/zeta.

Structure and inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and tumor development of a new vascular endothelial growth inhibitor

Blocking angiogenesis is an attractive strategy to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. We describe here the structure and the biological action of a new cyclic peptide derived from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This 17-amino acid molecule designated cyclopeptidic vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (cyclo-VEGI, CBO-P11) encompasses residues 79-93 of VEGF which are involved in the interaction with VEGF receptor-2. In aqueous solution, cyclo-VEGI presents a propensity to adopt a helix conformation that was largely unexpected because only beta-sheet structures or random coil conformations have been observed for macrocyclic peptides. Cyclo-VEGI inhibits binding of iodinated VEGF165 to endothelial cells, endothelial cells proliferation, migration, and signaling induced by VEGF165. This peptide also exhibits anti-angiogenic activity in vivo on the differentiated chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Furthermore, cyclo-VEGI significantly blocks the growth of established intracranial glioma in nude and syngeneic mice and improves survival without side effects. Taken together, these results suggest that cyclo-VEGI is an attractive candidate for the development of novel angiogenesis inhibitor molecules useful for the treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis-related diseases.

Analogs of Substance P modified at the C-terminus which are both agonist and antagonist of the NK-1 receptor depending on the second messenger pathway

The initial goal of this study was to analyze, using photolabeling, the interactions between Substance P and its tachykinin NK-1 receptor. Therefore, the photoreactive amino acid para-benzoyl-phenylalanine (pBzl)Phe was incorporated into the Substance P sequence from position 4 to 11 leading to Bapa0[(pBzl)Phex]SP analogs. Biotinyl sulfone-5-aminopentanoic acid (Bapa) was introduced in order to purify the covalent complex. These photoreactive SP analogs were first assayed for their affinity for the two binding sites associated with the NK-1 receptor, as well as for their potency in activating the phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase pathways. All analogs photoreactive from position 4 to 11 have moderate to high affinity for the two NK-1 receptor-binding sites, except for the analog modified at position 7. This affinity could be correlated to their potency to activate the phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase pathways, except for the analog photoreactive at position 11. Bapa0[(pBzl)Phe11]SP was found to be an agonist in the phospholipase C pathway and an antagonist in the adenylate cyclase pathway, other analogs modified at position 11 were therefore analyzed. Among these, Bapa0[Pro9, (pBzl)Hcy(O2)11]SP is a partial agonist, whereas Bapa0[Hcy(ethylaminodansyl)11]SP is a full agonist in the phospholipase C pathway, the two analogs being antagonist in the adenylate cyclase pathway. These results show that analogs of SP can be simultaneously agonist at one binding site and antagonist at the other binding site associated with the NK-1 receptor.

Calpha methylation in molecular recognition. Application to substance P and the two neurokinin-1 receptor binding sites

Two binding sites NK-1M (major, more abundant) and NK-1m (minor) are associated with the neurokinin-1 receptor. For the first time with a bioactive peptide, the Calpha methylation constraint, shown to be a helix stabiliser in model peptides, was systematically used to probe the molecular requirements of NK-1M and NK-1m binding sites and the previously postulated bioactive helical conformation of substance P (SP). Seven Calpha methylated analogues of the undecapeptide SP (from position 5-11) have been assayed for their affinities and their potencies to stimulate second messenger production. The consequences of Calpha methylation on the structure of SP have been analysed by circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance combined with restrained molecular dynamics. The decreased potencies of six out of these seven Calpha methylated SP analogues do not allow the identification of any clear-cut differences in the structural requirements between the two binding sites. Strikingly, the most active analogue, [alphaMeMet5]SP, leads to variable subnanomolar affinity and potency when interacting with the NK-1m binding site. The conformational analyses show that the structural consequences associated with Calpha methylation of SP are sequence dependent. Moreover, a single Calpha methylation is not sufficient by itself to drastically stabilize a helical structure even pre-existing in solution, except when Gly9 is substituted by an alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Furthermore, Calpha methylation of residues 5 and 6 of SP in the middle of the postulated helix does not stabilize, but decreases (to different extents) the stability of the helical structure previously observed in the 4-8 domain of other potent SP analogues.

Further delineation of the two binding sites (R*(n)) associated with tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptors using [3-Prolinomethionine(11)]SP analogues

Two binding sites are associated with neurokinin-1 substance P receptors in both transfected cells and mammalian tissues. To further delineate the interactions between the crucial C-terminal methionine of substance P and these two binding sites, we have incorporated newly designed constrained methionines, i.e. (2S, 3S)- and (2S,3R)-prolinomethionines. The potencies of these C terminus-modified SP analogues to bind both sites and to activate phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and cAMP formation have been measured, together with those of their corresponding sulfoxides and sulfones. The molecular nature of these two binding sites and their selective coupling to effector signaling pathways are discussed in the light of current models of receptor activation. The less abundant binding site is coupled to G(q/11) proteins, whereas the most abundant one interacts with G(s) proteins in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with human neurokinin-1 receptors. The specific orientation of the C-terminal methionine side chain imposed by these constraints shows that macroscopically chi(1) and chi(2) angles of this crucial C-terminal residue are similar in both binding sites. However, slight but significant variations in the rotation around the Cgamma-S bond yield different either stabilizing or destabilizing interactions in the two binding sites. These results highlight the need of such constrained amino acids to probe subtle interactions in ligand-receptor complexes.

Asymmetric synthesis of Boc-N-methyl-p-benzoyl-phenylalanine. Preparation of a photoreactive antagonist of substance P

The asymmetric synthesis of (S)-Boc-N-methyl-p-benzoyl-phenylalanine was performed by alkylation of sultam Boc-sarcosinate. The levorotatory sultam led to (S)-Boc-N-methyl amino acids with high optical purity. This photoreactive amino acid was incorporated into the sequence of a Substance P peptide antagonist. Comparison of the affinity and antagonistic properties of Biotinyl-apa-[D-Pro9, MePhe(pBz)10, Trp11]SP for human tachykinin NK-1 receptor demonstrated that this photoreactive antagonist should be a suitable tool for photolabelling studies.

Trojan peptides: the penetratin system for intracellular delivery

Internalization of exogenous macromolecules by live cells provides a powerful approach for studying cellular functions. Understanding the mechanism of transfer from the extracellular milieu to the cytoplasm and nucleus could also contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches. This article summarizes the unexpected properties of penetratins, a class of peptides with translocating properties and capable of carrying hydrophilic compounds across the plasma membrane. This unique system allows direct targeting of oligopeptides and oligonucleotides to the cytoplasm and nucleus, is non-cell-type specific and highly efficient, and therefore has several applications of potential cell-biology and clinical interest.

Characterization of non-peptide antagonist and peptide agonist binding sites of the NK1 receptor with fluorescent ligands

Ligand recognition of the NK1 receptor (substance P receptor) by peptide agonist and non-peptide antagonist has been investigated and compared by the use of fluorescent ligands and spectrofluorometric methods. Analogues of substance P (SP) labeled with the environment-sensitive fluorescent group 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl (dansyl) at either position 3, 8, or 11 or with fluorescein at the Nalpha position were synthesized and characterized. Peptides modified at the alpha-amino group or at positions 3 or 11 conserved a relatively good affinity for NK1 and agonistic properties. Modification at position 8 resulted in an 18, 000-fold decrease in affinity. A fluorescent dansyl analogue of the non-peptide antagonist CP96,345 was prepared and characterized. The quantum yield of fluorescence for dansyl-CP96,345 was much higher than for any of the dansyl-labeled peptides indicating that the micro-environment of the binding site is more hydrophobic for the non-peptide antagonist than for the peptide agonists. Comparison of collisional quenching of fluorescence by the water-soluble hydroxy-Tempo compound showed that dansyl-CP96,345 is buried and virtually inaccessible to aqueous quenchers, whereas dansyl- or fluoresceinyl-labeled peptides were exposed to the solvent. Anisotropy of all fluorescent ligands increased upon binding to NK1 indicating a restricted motional freedom. However, this increase in anisotropy was more pronounced for the dansyl attached to the non-peptide antagonist CP96,345 than for the fluorescent probes attached to different positions of SP. In conclusion, our data indicate that the environment surrounding non-peptide antagonist and peptide agonists are vastly different when bound to the NK1 receptor. These results support recent observations by mutagenesis and cross-linking work suggesting that peptide agonists have their major interaction points in the N-terminal extension and the loops forming the extracellular face of the NK1 receptor. Our data also suggest that neither the C terminus nor the N terminus of SP appears to penetrate deeply below the extracellular surface in the transmembrane domain of the receptor.

High affinity binding of [3H]propionyl-[Met(O2)11]substance P(7-11), a tritiated septide-like peptide, in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human neurokinin-1 receptors and in rat submandibular glands

Propionyl-[Met(O2)11]substance P(7-11) [ALIE-124 or propionyl-[Met(O2)11]SP(7-11)] has been designed as a septide-like ligand adequate for tritiation and, therefore, adequate for binding studies. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human tachykinin neurokinin (NK)-1 receptors, ALIE-124 displaced [3H][Pro9]substance P (SP) from its binding site at micromolar concentrations. However, ALIE-124 stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, as previously shown for septide-like peptides. With [3H]ALIE-124 (95 Ci/mmol), we have been able to reveal a high affinity binding site in CHO cells (Kd = 6.6 +/- 1.0 nM), with a low maximal binding capacity. [3H]ALIE-124 specific maximal binding represented only 15-20% of that observed with [3H][Pro9]SP in CHO cells. Septide-like peptides, including septide and NKA, were potent competitors (in the nanomolar range) of [3H]ALIE-124 specific binding site. Interestingly, SP and [Pro9]SP were also potent competitors, with 10-fold greater potency for sites labeled with [3H]ALIE-124 than for sites labeled with [3H][Pro9]SP. The NK-1 antagonist RP 67580 also showed a higher potency for [3H]ALIE-124 than for [3H][Pro9]SP-specific binding sites. NKB and [Lys5,methyl-Leu9,Nle10]NKA(4-10) displaced [3H]ALIE-124 binding but with lower potency, whereas senktide had no affinity. The existence of [3H]ALIE-124 specific binding sites was also demonstrated in rat submandibular gland. In this tissue, [3H]ALIE-124 specific maximal binding was higher, reaching 40-50% of that achieved with [3H][Pro9]SP.

Conformational and associative behaviours of the third helix of antennapedia homeodomain in membrane-mimetic environments

The third helix of antennapedia homeodomain pAntp-(43-58) can translocate through cell membrane and has been used as an intracellular vehicle for delivering peptides and oligonucleotides. The conformational and associative behaviour of two peptidic vectors pAntp-(43-58) and [Pro50] pAntp-(43-58) has been analyzed by different biophysical methods. pAntp-(43-58) adopts an amphipathic helical structure in 30% (by vol.) hexafluoroisopropanol, in perfluoro-tert-butanol and in the presence of SDS micelles. CD spectra indicate that the conformation of [Pro50]pAntp-(43-58) in contrast to pAntp-(43-58) is independent of the media used. 1H-NMR spectroscopy in SDS micelles or in perfluoro-tert-butanol allows detection of aggregated peptides probably in a ribbon 2(7) type conformation. These conformations became the predominant structure when Gln50 was replaced by Pro50. Interproton-distance restraints derived from NOE measurements have been classified in two groups corresponding to two types of structures: alpha-helix and essentially extended structures. Consecutive CH alpha (i)/ CH alpha (i + 1) NOEs are only compatible with aggregates. Simulated annealing calculation of dimeric structure agrees with phi and psi angles in the beta-sheet and gamma-turn regions. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis has shown that the indole groups of both peptides penetrate into SDS micelles; both peptides also induce the formation of micelles at very low concentration of SDS (20 microM). Similar interaction was observed with reverse-phase micelles made of bis(2-ethyhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate and small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) made of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine. 31P-NMR of vesicles (SUV and large unilamellar vesicles) indicated that the addition of pAntp analogues did not affect the size of phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylserine vesicles. The addition of pAntp analogues to lipidic dispersions modulates lipid polymorphism in different ways depending on the mixtures of acidic lipids.

Tachykinin NK-1 receptor probed with constrained analogues of substance P

The action of rotameric probes introduced either in position 7 or 8 in the sequence of substance P (SP) was investigated, i.e. L-tetrahydroisoquinoleic acid (Tic), L-fluorenylglycine (Flg), L-diphenylalanine (Dip), the diastereoisomers of L-1-Indanylglycine (Ing) and L-benz[f]indanylglycine (Bfi), the Z- and E-isomers of dehydrophenylalanine and dehydronaphthylalanine (delta ZPhe, delta EPhe, delta ZNal, ENal) and L-O,O'-dimethylphenylalanine (Dmp). The aim of this study was the topographical characterization of the binding subsites of human NK-1 receptor expressed in CHO cells, especially the S7 and S8 subsites, corresponding to residues Phe7 and Phe8 of substance P. According to the binding potencies of these substituted-SP analogues, the S7 binding subsite is smaller than the S8 subsite: the S7 subsite accepts only one aromatic nucleus, while the S8 can accommodate three coplanar nuclei altogether. These findings are compatible with the idea that the S8 binding subsite may reside in the extracellular loops of the hNK-1 receptor. NK-1 agonists bind to human NK-1 receptor and activate the production of both inositol phosphates and cyclic AMP. As already quoted for septide, [pGlu6, Pro9]SP(6-11), discrepancies are observed between affinity (K1) and activity (EC50) values for IPs production. While a weak correlation between K1 and EC50 values for IPs production could be found (r = 0.70), an excellent correlation could be demonstrated between their affinities (K1) and their potencies (EC50) for cAMP production (r = 0.97). The high potency (EC50) observed for "septide-like' molecules on PI hydrolysis, compared to their affinity is not an artefact related to the high level of NK-1 receptors expressed on CHO cells since a good correlation was found between EC50 values obtained for PI hydrolysis and those measured for spasmogenic activity in guinea pig ileum bioassay (r = 0.94).

The use of photolabelled peptides to localize the substance-P-binding site in the human neurokinin-1 tachykinin receptor

The amino acid p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine, (p-Bz)Phe, has been incorporated into substance P (SP), Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2, to localize the agonist-binding domains of the human neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor overexpressed in a transfected mammalian cell line. The NK-1-specific agonist [Pro9]SP was modified at position 8 by (p-Bz)Phe and acylated at the N-terminus by a biotinyl sulfone reporter via a 5-aminopentanoyl spacer. After photolysis, the biotinyl sulfone moiety allowed easy and efficient removal of biotinylated fragments from the complex incubation mixture with streptavidin-coated beads. Direct elution from the beads with the matrix used for matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS), which was facilitated by saturation of streptavidin sites with biotin, and subsequent MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis allowed identification of the NK-1 fragments obtained after photolysis and proteolytic digestion. Trypsin digestion and combined trypsin/Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease enzymatic cleavage established that the site of covalent attachment of the photolabelled SP resides in the second extracellular loop Thr173-Arg177. Cyanogen bromide cleavage shows that the probe is covalently attached to the methyl group of a methionine residue from human NK-1. These experiments identified Met174 as the modified residue.

Topographic analysis of the S7 binding subsite of the tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptor

Conformationally and configurationally restricted rotameric probes of phenylalanine have been incorporated in the sequence of substance P (SP)-Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2-for analyzing the binding pockets of Phe7 (S7) and Phe8 (S8), in the neurokinin-1 receptor. These analogues of phenylalanine are (2S. 3R)- and (2S, 3S)-indanylglycines, E- and Z-alpha, beta-dehydrophenylalanines, and 2(S)-alpha, beta-cyclopropylphenylalanines [delta E Phe. delta Z Phe. inverted delta E2 (S) Phe, and inverted delta Z 2 (S) Phe]. Binding data obtained with either conformationally (Ing diastereoisomers) or configurationally (delta E Phe, delta Z Phe) probes have unveiled large differences in the binding potencies of these rotameric probes. With the support of nmr data and energy calculations done on these SP-substituted analogues, we attempt to answer questions inherent to such study. First, none of these six probes prevents the formation of bioactive conformation(s) of the backbone of SP. Second, both diastereoisomers (S, S) and (S, R) of indanylglycine preferentially adopt, in the sequence of SP, the gauche (-) and trans side-chain orientations, respectively, as previously postulated from energy calculations with model peptides. However, in solution, the difference in energy between these rotamers included in the sequence of SP, compared to model peptides, is small since the other rotamer can be detected in [(2S, 3R)Ing7]SP. Finally, from this study we can hypothesize that the large variations observed in the affinities of Phe7 substituted analogues of SP must come from steric hindrance in the S7 binding site, which drastically restricts the space filling around the C alpha-C beta bond of residue 7.

Cell internalization of the third helix of the Antennapedia homeodomain is receptor-independent

We have recently reported that a 16-amino acid long polypeptide corresponding to the third helix of the DNA binding domain (homeodomain) of Antennapedia, a Drosophila transcription factor, is internalized by cells in culture (Derossi, D., Joliot, A. H., Chassaing, G., and Prochiantz, A.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 10444-10450). The capture of the homeodomain and of its third helix at temperatures below 10 degrees C raised the problem of the mechanism of internalization. The present demonstration, that a reverse helix and a helix composed of D-enantiomers still translocate across biological membranes at 4 and 37 degrees C strongly suggests that the third helix of the homeodomain is internalized by a receptor-independent mechanism. The finding that introducing 1 or 3 prolines in the structure does not hamper internalization also demonstrates that the alpha-helical structure is not necessary. The data presented are compatible with a translocation process based on the establishment of direct interactions with the membrane phospholipids. The third helix of the homeodomain has been used successfully to address biologically active substances to the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells in culture (Théodore, L., Derossi, D., Chassaing, G., Llirbat, B., Kubes, M., Jordan, P., Chneiweiss, H., Godement, P., and Prochiantz, A.(1995) J. Neurosci. 15, 7158-7167). Therefore, in addition to their physiological implications (Prochiantz, A., and Théodore, L.(1995) BioEssays 17, 39-45), the present results open the way to the molecular design of cellular vectors.

Coupling of MALDI-TOF mass analysis to the separation of biotinylated peptides by magnetic streptavidin beads

Extraction of biotinylated peptides by streptavidin magnetic beads has been directly coupled to the MALDI-TOF mass analysis. The elution of peptides from the beads is achieved by first mixing the beads with the MALDI matrix solution and removing, after a few minutes, the beads with a magnet; then, the matrix solution containing the biotinylated peptide is directly mass analyzed by MALDI. Three examples are presented to show the capabilities of this procedure to detect biotinylated peptides present at very low concentrations in complex mixtures. Detection limits of less than 100 finol can be achieved. Such a coupling strategy is of great interest to investigate peptide/ protein interactions.

Use of conformationally constrained peptides for a topographical analysis of the combing site of a monoclonal anti-substance P antibody

The topography of the binding site of a monoclonal anti-substance P antibody directed toward the C-terminal pentapeptide of substance P, Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2, was analyzed further using a wide range of constrained analogues of substance P. Results obtained in the present study show the following: (a) The binding subsites of Phe7 and Phe8 are large and deep, accommodating various side chains, including nonaromatic amino acids. (b) In contrast, the binding pockets for Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 appear more restrictive. Consequently, five residues in the peptide are necessary for the high binding affinity to the antibody, the C-terminal tripeptide determining the binding specificity. These data, which appear to contradict those previously published, illustrate the limits of conclusions drawn from studies generally carried out using exclusively Ala-substituted peptides. In addition, the present results indicate that the topography of the binding site of this monoclonal antibody differs from that of the specific substance P neurokinin-1 receptor, in agreement with the differences observed in the fine specificities of these two substance P binding macromolecules.

Tachykinin peptides affect differently the second messenger pathways after binding to CHO-expressed human NK-1 receptors

The human NK-1 receptor transfected in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was studied with use of different tachykinin analogs: Substance P, [Pro9]SP, [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP, [Gly9 psi (CH2CH2) Leu10]SP, Ac-Arg-septide, septide, [Gly9 psi (CH2CH2) Gly10]SP, NKA, [pGlu6]SP(6-11) and [Lys5]NKA(4-10). Binding experiments with [3H][Pro9]SP discriminated two classes of peptides with either high affinity (K iota in the nanomolar range) for the human NK-1 receptor or with low affinity (K iota in the micromolar range); this second group of peptides included NKA and [pGlu6]SP(6-11). In spite of these differences, both peptide families evoked potent stimulation of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis (EC50 in the nanomolar range). In contrast, only NK-1 agonists, with high affinity, stimulated with great potency cyclic AMP formation (EC50 from 8 to 50 nM), whereas the second family of peptides were only weak agonists (EC50 in the micromolar range). RP 67580, CP 96345 and GR 94800, a NK-2 antagonist, were either competitive or uncompetitive inhibitors of inositol phosphates or cyclic AMP formations induced by [Pro9]SP, septide or NKA, independently of the agonist or the response studied. Thus, NKA, the presumed NK-2 endogenous peptide that may be co-released with SP, and the enzymatically produced C-terminal fragment of SP, [pGlu6]SP(6-11), may trigger specific pharmacological responses via the NK-1 receptor, at nanomolar concentrations, and thus regulate the action of SP at the NK-1 receptor.

Intraneuronal delivery of protein kinase C pseudosubstrate leads to growth cone collapse

Axonal navigation during development requires that cues present in the extracellular environment be capable of modifying the structure of the cone in a dynamic way. Protein kinase C (PKC) has long been suspected to be one of the multiple molecular relays present in the terminal structure of the developing axon and involved in the transduction of extracellular signals. The latter proposal is, however, based on the use of drugs or of protocols leading to pleiotropic and often nonspecific effects. In the present study, we have taken advantage of the discovery of a peptide capable of translocating across biological membranes and to accumulate in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells in culture, to internalize a highly specific peptidic inhibitor of PKC. We demonstrate that linking the two peptides (vector and PKC inhibitor) allows the internalization of the latter in live cells, specifically inhibits PKC and provokes a rapid modification of growth cone morphology. This set of data thus establishes that a peptidic inhibitor of PKC activity, once internalized, provokes a change in growth cone morphology, reminiscent of the collapse phenotype. In addition, the present study describes a new efficient and harmless way to introduce pharmacologically active substances in neural cells in culture.

Three-dimensional structure of the highly conserved seventh transmembrane domain of G-protein-coupled receptors

The S/T-X1-X2-N-P-X3-X4-Y highly conserved sequence of the seventh transmembrane (TM VII) segment of G-protein-coupled receptors is not present in the photon receptor bacteriorhodopsin TM VII domain. Despite this noticeable discrepancy in sequence, the X-ray structure of bacteriorhodopsin is generally used as the key structure for modelling all G-protein-coupled receptors. Thus, a kinked trans Pro-helix is usually accepted for the TM VII three-dimensional structure of G-protein-coupled receptors, although Asn-Pro dipeptide mainly induces a type I/III beta-turn conformation in both model peptides and proteins. NMR studies in various solvents and molecular calculations were undertaken in order to gain insight into the conformational behaviour of a 15-residue peptide from the tachykinin NK-1 TM VII domain incorporating this common sequence. The low solubility of this membrane-embedded peptide precludes methanol or micellar systems mimicking membrane environment; thus only dimethylsulfoxide (Me2SO) or chloroform/Me2SO mixture could be used. We also found that perfluoro-tert-butanol, which has not been previously used for NMR studies, constitutes an excellent alternative solvent for the analysis of hydrophobic peptides. The postulated kinked trans-Pro helix was only present as a minor conformer in Me2SO and an equilibrium between helical and extended structures existed. From NOE data a type I/III beta-structure, centered around Pro9-Ile10, probably stabilized by an Asx turn, may be postulated. Addition of chloroform in Me2SO increased the percentage of folded structures but no preferential conformation could be proposed. In perfluoro-tert-butanol/CD3OD (9:1) the N- and C-terminal regions presented an alpha-helical structure, and these two domains were linked by a hinge around Asn-Pro with a gamma-turn for the preceding residue Tyr7 and either a type I/III beta-turn around Pro9-Ile10 or alpha R orientations for these residues, which are both stabilized by an Asx turn. As determined by energy calculations, these structures were equally as stable as the kinked trans-Pro helix and could constitute key structures for analysing the conformational changes and/or the dynamics of TM VII segment induced by the ligand when interacting with the receptor.

Highly potent substance P antagonists substituted with beta-phenyl- or beta-benzyl-proline at position 10

In the guinea-pig ileum tissue, [Pro9]substance P, a tachykinin NK1 receptor selective agonist and septide, [pGlu6,Pro9]-substance P-(6-11), do not interact with the same receptor as shown by the different inhibitory profiles of GR 72251 and [D-Pro9,Pro10,Trp11]substance P. Substitution at position 10 of the D-Pro9-Pro10 moiety with bulky N-methylated amino acids increased the antagonist potency for the tachykinin NK1 receptor without affecting that for the 'septide-sensitive receptor'. The incorporation of a trans-beta-L-substituted proline in position 10, for example a benzyl group (beta-benzyl-L-proline), afforded a potent antagonist active in the nanomolar range. For GR 82334, this increase in potency was obtained at the expense of selectivity for tachykinin NK1 and 'septide-sensitive' receptors.

Design and synthesis of side-chain conformationally restricted phenylalanines and their use for structure-activity studies on tachykinin NK-1 receptor

Constrained analogues of phenylalanine have been conceptually designed for analyzing the binding pockets of Phe7 (S7) and Phe8 (S8), two aromatic residues important for the pharmacological properties of SP, i.e., L-tetrahydroisoquinoleic acid, L-diphenylalanine, L-9-fluorenylglycine (Flg), 2-indanylglycine, the diastereomers of L-1-indanylglycine (Ing) and L-1-benz[f]indanylglycine (Bfi), and the Z and E isomers of dehydrophenylalanine (delta ZPhe, delta EPhe). Binding studies were performed with appropriate ligands and tissue preparations allowing the discrimination of the three tachykinin binding sites, NK-1, NK-2, and NK-3. The potencies of these agonists were evaluated in the guinea pig ileum bioassay. According to the binding data, we can conclude that the S7 subsite is small, only the gauche (-) probe [(2S,3S)-Ing7]SP presents a high affinity for specific NK-1 binding sites. Surprisingly, the [delta EPhe7]SP analogue, which projects the aromatic ring toward the trans orientation, is over 40-fold more potent than the Z isomer, [delta ZPhe7]SP. A plausible explanation of these conflictual results is that either the binding protein quenches the minor trans rotamer of [(2S,3S)-Ing7]SP in solution or this constrained amino acid side chain rotates when inserted in the protein. In position 8, the high binding affinities of [Flg8]SP and [(2S,3S)-Bfi8]SP suggest that the S8 subsite is large enough to accept two aromatic rings in the gauche (-) and one aromatic ring in the trans direction. Peptides bearing two conformational probes in positions 7, 8, or 9 led to postulate that S7, S8, and S9 subsites are independent from each other. The volumes available for side chains 7 and 8 can be estimated to be close to 110 and 240 A3, respectively. The large volume of the S8 subsite raises question on the localization of the SP-binding site in the NK-1 receptor. If SP were to bind in the transmembrane domains, the cleft defined by the seven transmembrane segments must rearrange during the binding process in order to bind a peptide in an alpha-helical structure and at least one large binding subsite in position 8. Thus, indirect topographical analysis with constrained amino acids might contribute to the analysis of the receptor/ligand dynamics. Finally, this study demonstrates that a good knowledge of the peptidic backbone structure and a combination of constrained amino acids are prerequisites to confidently attribute the preferred orientation(s) of an amino acid side chain.

The third helix of the Antennapedia homeodomain translocates through biological membranes

The 60-amino acid long homeodomain of Antennapedia crosses biological membranes by an energy-independent mechanism, a phenomenon abolished by directed mutagenesis within the polypeptide C-terminal region. This finding led us to study the internalization of several chemically synthesized peptides derived from the third helix of the homeodomain. We report here that a polypeptide of 16 amino acids in length corresponding to the third helix of the homeodomain deleted of its N-terminal glutamate is still capable of translocating through the membrane. A longer peptide of 20 amino acids also translocates, whereas shorter peptides (15 amino acids) are not internalized by the cells. As is also the case for the entire homeodomain, the 20- and 16-amino acid long peptides are internalized at 4 degrees C, suggesting an energy-independent mechanism of translocation not involving classical endocytosis. The two translocated peptides can be recovered, intact, within the cells, strongly suggesting that they are not targeted to the lysosomal compartment. Finally, substitution of two tryptophans by two phenylalanines strongly diminishes translocation, raising the possibility that the internalization of the third helix is not solely based on its general hydrophobicity.

Importance of the leucine side-chain to the spasmogenic activity and binding of substance P analogues

Previous studies with Substance P (SP) antagonists (GR 71251, [DPro9, Pro10, Trp11]SP and [DPro9, MeLeu10, Trp11]SP) have suggested the existence in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) of two distinct tachykinin receptors associated with the contractile responses of [Pro9]SP and septide. In addition [Apa9-10]SP, a glycine-substituted analogue of SP with a carba bond between residues 9 and 10, [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-Gly10]SP = [Apa9-10]SP, was shown to belong to the 'septide family' (low affinity for NK-1 specific binding sites and high potency in the GPI). In order to establish the importance of the isopropyl side-chain in position 10, the binding potencies and activities of [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-Gly10]SP, [Ala10]SP, [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-Leu10]SP and [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-DLeu10]SP were compared. Conformational behaviour of active peptides with a carba bond was analyzed by NMR and modelisation studies. This study with agonists demonstrated that undecapeptides substituted in position 10 in the SP sequence also enabled discrimination of NK-1 receptors from receptors responsible for the spasmogenic activities of peptides belonging to the 'septide family'. [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-Leu10]SP is a highly potent NK-1 agonist, [Gly9-psi(CH2-CH2)-Gly10]SP acts on the septide-sensitive receptor, and [Ala10]SP is a mixed agonist.

[Pro9]SP and [pGlu6, Pro9]SP(6-11) interact with two different receptors in the guinea-pig ileum as demonstrated with new SP antagonists

Structural considerations led us to postulate that the introduction of the dipeptides DPro9-Pro10 and DPro9-MeLeu10 should lock the C-terminal tetrapeptide of SP in a type II' beta-turn structure, a prerequisite for antagonist activity. Indeed, as the GR 71251, [DPro9, Pro10, Trp11]SP was more potent in inhibiting the septide, (pA2 = 6.5), than the [Pro9]SP, (pA2 < or = 5), spasmogenic activity in the guinea-pig ileum bioassay. This result confirms that septide, [pGlu6, Pro9]SP(6-11), a peptide active in the guinea-pig ileum bioassay and practically devoid of binding potencies for the three specific NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 tachykinin binding sites interacts with a tachykinin receptor different from the NK-1 receptor sensitive to [Pro9]SP. Interestingly enough, the reintroduction of the leucine side-chain in position 10 yielded [DPro9, MeLeu10, Trp11]SP, an antagonist, equipotent in inhibiting both the septide- and the [Pro9]SP-evoked contractile response in the guinea-pig ileum bioassay, (pA2 = 6.6).

Binding of substance P to monolayers and vesicles made of phosphatidylcholine and/or phosphatidylserine

Analyses of interactions between substance P (SP) and phospholipids were performed by combined surface pressure and surface potential measurements in monolayers and by 13C-NMR experiments on liposomes. This study was carried out using synthetic SP molecules: [1-13C-Gly9]SP and [1-13C-Gly2]SP. Injection of SP into the aqueous subphase led to an expansion of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) or phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) monolayer surface area. An apparent association constant of SP for PtdSer was estimated to be around 10(6)-10(-7) M-1. The surface potential delta V/n varied linearly with the molecular area whereas the variation of surface pressure was biphasic, suggesting that at least two binding states contributed to the monolayer expansion. These two states Si (SP is inserted into the bilayer) and Ss (SP is stuck on the surface) were observed on vesicular membranes by 13C-NMR. The kinetic of interconversion between these two states can be estimated by NMR, the Ss state being the stablest one. No perpendicular insertion of SP into these vesicular preparations seemed to occur, as previously postulated. However, SP might form aggregates in contact with these model systems, leading to a loss of permeability of the lipid vesicles.

[A new tachykinin receptor revealed by substance P analogues in the guinea pig ileum]

[Pro9]SP and septide have been described as selective agonists for the SP receptor (NK-1 type). These two peptides contract with a great efficacy the guinea-pig ileum, but unexpectedly septide was practically devoid of affinity for the NK-1 site labelled by 3H-[Pro9]SP. Like septide, SP analogues like SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP and [Pro9,10]SP share the same peculiar properties. In addition, the contracting activity of these peptides is not explained by an interaction with NK-2 or NK-3 sites. GR 71,251, a compound which has been described as NK-1 antagonist, was more potent in inhibiting the septide- and the [Apa9-10]SP- than the [Pro9]SP-evoked contracting responses. Altogether, these results suggest that septide, SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP and [Pro9,10]SP exert their high contracting activity in the guinea-pig ileum by acting on a new type of tachykinin receptor.

Possible existence of a new tachykinin receptor subtype in the guinea pig ileum

The guinea pig ileum possesses NK-1 and NK-3 tachykinin receptors. As expected, [Pro9]SP and senktide, which are selective agonists of NK-1 and NK-3 receptors, respectively, were found to be highly potent in contracting the guinea pig ileum. Surprisingly, similar observations were made with septide, SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP, or [Pro9,10]SP although, in contrast to [Pro9]SP, these four peptides showed a low affinity for 3H-[Pro9]SP-specific NK-1 binding sites on membranes from the guinea pig ileum. They were also devoid of affinity for NK-2 and NK-3 binding sites. GR 71251, a compound which has been described as a NK-1 antagonist, was more potent in inhibiting the septide- than the [Pro9]SP-evoked contracting response. Altogether, these results suggest that septide, [Apa9-10]SP, and [Pro9,10]SP exert their high contracting activity in the guinea pig ileum by acting on a new subtype of tachykinin receptors.

Influence of the replacement of amino acid by its D-enantiomer in the sequence of substance P. 2. Conformational analysis by NMR and energy calculations

The D-enantiomer of residues 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 was introduced in the sequence of Substance P: Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH1. The achiral glycine was replaced by a D-Ala residue. The conformations of the D-substituted analogues were analysed by NMR and molecular energy calculations. Introduction of a D-amino acid in the address sequence of SP (1 to 5) distorted the helical structure of [D-Pro2]SP and [D-Pro4]SP. A D-glutamine in position 5 hampered the formation of an helix, the core of [D-Gln5]SP was stabilized by the presence of two beta-turns. The exact fitting of both Phe7 and Phe8 in the binding pocket can be achieved by either an alpha- or a 3(10) helix or two beta-turns types I and II'. Replacement of an amino acid in the message sequence, 6 to 11, drastically decreased the potencies of the corresponding analogues, different conformational modifications were observed. [D-Gln6]SP presented two beta-turns, however, the types of beta-turns should orientate the side-chains in such a way that [D-Gln6]SP did not fit in the binding site. The conformations of [D-Phe7]SP and [D-Phe8]SP were completely changed, a more or less extended structure being observed. Modifications in the Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 sequence did not affect the helical structure of the core of [D-Ala9]SP, [D-Leu10]SP and [D-Met11]SP, but decreased the percentage of extended structure of the C-terminal tripeptide.

Influence of the replacement of amino acid by its D-enantiomer in the sequence of substance P. 1. Binding and pharmacological data

The D-enantiomer of residues 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 was introduced in the sequence of Substance P: Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2. The achiral glycine residue was replaced by a D-Ala residue. Regarding NK-1 binding potencies or activities, changing to the D-enantiomer in positions 2, 4 or 5 did not modify the pharmacological patterns of the resulting peptides. Introduction of a D-residue in the 6 to 11 sequence drastically decreased the potency of the D-analogues with the exception of [D-Leu10]SP which was found only three times less potent than SP in contracting the guinea-pig ileum. No clear cut evidence between the binding potencies and activities on NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 assays, was observed which allows a more rational design of tachykinins antagonists.

Selective agonists of NK-2 binding sites highly active on rat portal vein (NK-3 bioassay)

All the synthetized NKA and NKA (4-10) agonists have been found active in the rat portal vein bioassay. Even [Lys5, MeLeu9, Nle10] NKA(4-10), a highly potent competitor of NK-2 binding sites with very low binding potencies for NK-1 and NK-3 sites (IC50 greater than microM) is still active in contracting the rat portal vein. These results suggest that this tissue contains not only a fairly large population of NK-3 receptors but also a minor population of NK-2 receptors. Comparison of the activities of NKA C-terminal analogues on the guinea-pig ileum suggests that 1) only a small population of NK-2 receptors are present in this tissue and 2) beside NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptors, another type of receptor sensitive to C-terminal sequences might be present in the guinea-pig tissue.

Further demonstration that [Pro9]-substance P is a potent and selective ligand of NK-1 tachykinin receptors

Previous studies have indicated that [Pro9]-substance P ([Pro9]-SP) possesses very good affinity for NK-1 binding sites and that, in contrast to substance P, it interacts selectively with these sites. Therefore, [3H][Pro9]-SP (75 Ci/mmol) was synthesized in order to study its binding to membranes of the rat brain. Specific binding of [3H][Pro9]-SP (75% of total binding) was temperature-dependent, saturable, and reversible. Scatchard analysis and Hill plots revealed the existence of a single population of noninteracting binding sites (KD and Bmax values: 1.48 nM and 29.7 fmol/mg of protein, respectively). Competition studies with several tachykinins and analogues indicated that the pharmacological profile of [3H][Pro9]-SP binding sites is identical to that of NK-1 binding sites. Rat brain sections labeled with either [3H][Pro9]-SP or [3H]SP, revealed a close similarity in the topographical distribution of [3H][Pro9]-SP and [3H]SP binding sites. Biochemical, pharmacological, and autoradiographic data obtained with [3H][Pro9]-SP did not provide any evidence for the existence of subtypes of NK-1 binding sites. [Pro9]-SP had neither agonist nor antagonist properties on NK-2 and NK-3 receptors. Indeed, it did not stimulate phosphoinositide turnover on the hamster urinary bladder (NK-2 assay) and was devoid of activity on the contraction of the rabbit pulmonary artery (NK-2 assay) and of the rat portal vein (NK-3 assay). As a result of its high selectivity, [Pro9]-SP thus appears an excellent tool for investigating the functional properties of NK-1 receptors.

Selective agonists of tachykinin binding sites

Three types of binding sites for the mammalian tachykinins, ie Substance P (SP) Neurokinin A (NKA) and Neurokinin B (NKB), have been found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Substance P binds to the NK-1 subclass of binding site while NKA and NKB are less selective endogenous ligands, which preferentially interact with the NK-2 and NK-3 subclasses of binding sites, respectively. Complementary strategies, including 3-dimensional structure analysis by NMR spectroscopy and structure-activity relationship led to the design of selective agonists of these binding sites. [Pro9] SP, [Pro10] SP and the cyclic analogues [Cys3,6, Tyr8, Pro9] SP and [Cys3,6, Tyr8, Pro10] SP are selective NK-1 agonists. [Lys5] NKA(4-10) is a water soluble NK-2 potent agonist. Finally, [Pro7] NKB, which completely discriminates NK-2 and NK-3 binding sites, is a water-soluble NK-3 selective agonist.

Effect of the microenvironment on the kinetic properties of immobilized enzymes

A new immobilization method was developed in order to perform a systematic study of the influence of the microenvironment on the properties of immobilized enzymes. The enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, was first activated, then polypeptide arms of known composition were quantitatively grafted and finally the enzyme was covalently immobilized by co-polymerization of the activated ends of the peptide arms with acrylamide monomers. In this way, the polypeptide linker arms fully determine the properties of the microcavity of the gel in which the enzyme is immobilized by multipoint covalent linkages. The activation energy of the reaction was determined for different microenvironments, in solution as well as after immobilization. Kinetic parameters were also calculated and a new kinetic model was developed, allowing a correction for the diffusional restrictions. The results show that the diffusional restrictions on one hand, and the nature of the microenvironment on the other hand, interact in a dynamic way with the enzyme to determine its properties. Another key point to understanding the changes in the properties of the immobilized enzyme is to consider these proteins as dynamic structures, interacting physically and chemically with their microenvironment.

Analysis of tachykinin-binding site interactions using NMR and energy calculation data of potent cyclic analogues of substance P

The three-dimensional structures of [Cys3,6,Tyr8]-, [Gly2,Cys3,6,Tyr8]- and [DCys3,Cys6]substance P, designed as conformational analogues of substance P, have been studied by 1H-NMR (500 MHz) in different solvents and by energy calculations. As previously observed for substance P and physalaemin, two tachykinins acting via the NK-1 receptor, [Cys3,6,Tyr8]substance P presents an alpha-helical structure of the 4----8 sequence in methanol. This structure is stabilized by a beta-turn III via the formation of three hydrogen bonds involving the Cys-6, Phe-7 and Tyr-8 NH groups. In contrast to substance P, two of these hydrogen bonds are still present in dimethyl sulfoxide and in water the Cys-6 NH hydrogen bond is the only one remaining, such that a beta-turn structure inside the ring can be envisaged. In close agreement with the NMR data, the energy calculations lead to three types of folding for the core of [Cys3,6,Tyr8]substance P: a beta-turn III, a less stable beta-turn I (delta E = 3 kcal), and a beta-turn II (delta E = 4.6 kcal). The structure of Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 is strongly affected by changing the hydrophobicity of the medium. The most stable calculated conformation is the helix; however, numerous unrelated structures are destabilized by about 2-3 kcal/mol. These data are analyzed and discussed in connection with the high potency of [Cys3,6,Tyr8]substance P for both the NK-1 and NK-3 binding sites; that is the internal region of tachykinins (non-homologous amino acids) might present a similar three-dimensional structure when bound to the receptors (which may be at the origin of some lack of selectivity), whereas paradoxically the selectivity may be due to the common C-terminal sequence.

3H-neurokinin A labels a specific tachykinin-binding site in the rat duodenal smooth muscle

3H-Neurokinin A (3H-NKA) with high specific activity (75 Ci/mmol) was synthesized to study NKA (NK-2)-binding sites on membrane preparations of various tissues in the rat, including brain, spinal cord, duodenum, vas deferens, and ileum. The binding capacity of 3H-NKA (0.9 nM) was very low in membrane preparations of different central nervous system regions and the ileum smooth muscle (0.2-2 fmol/mg of protein). In contrast, relatively high specific binding was found in membrane suspensions of the rat duodenal smooth muscle (18 fmol/mg of protein) and the vas deferens (8 fmol/mg of protein). 3H-NKA-binding sites were further characterized on the rat duodenal smooth muscle. The specific binding of 3H-NKA was shown to be temperature dependent, saturable, reversible, and increased in parallel with the protein concentration. Scatchard analyses and Hill plots of equilibrium binding studies in the concentration range of 0.40-30 nM revealed that 3H-NKA bound to a single class of noninteracting binding sites (Bmax = 270 fmol/mg of protein, KD = 13.3 nM). Displacement of 3H-NKA with different tachykinin-related peptides gave the following rank order of potencies: NKA greater than NKA (4-10) greater than kassinin greater than eledoisin greater than NKB much greater than substance P greater than physalaemin, which suggests that the binding site labeled by 3H-NKA is different from substance P (NK-1)-and NKB (NK-3)-binding sites. The biological activities of tachykinins and related peptides were tested by measuring their contractile effects on the rat duodenum and rabbit pulmonary artery, two tissues known to be sensitive for NKA. Ki values were correlated with the EC50 obtained in biological assays. The results revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.86, p less than 0.01) between Ki and EC50 values obtained in the isolated rabbit pulmonary artery, whereas there was no significant correlation between binding affinities and biological responses on the rat duodenum (r = 0.62, p greater than 0.05).