Growth hormone secretagogues: characterization, efficacy, and minimal bioactive conformation.

McDowell, R S; Elias, K A; Stanley, M S; Burdick, D J; Burnier, J P; Chan, K S; Fairbrother, W J; Hammonds, R G et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1995

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Another class of growth hormone (GH) secretagogues has been discovered by altering the backbone structure of a flexible linear GH-releasing peptide (GHRP). In vitro and in vivo characterization confirms these GH secretagogues as the most potent and smallest (M(r) < 500) reported. Anabolic efficacy is demonstrated in rodents with intermittent delivery. A convergent model of the bioactive conformation of GHRPs is developed and is supported by the NMR structure of a highly potent cyclic analog of GHRP-2. The model and functional data provide a logical framework for the further design of low-molecular weight secretagogues and illustrate the utility of an interdisciplinary approach to elucidating potential bound-state conformations of flexible peptide ligands.

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