Genomic imprinting and carcinogenesis

The solution structure of a synthetic ET(B) selective agonist, ET-1[Cys(Acm)(1,15), Ala3, Leu7, dAsp8, Aib11] has been solved by 1H NMR and molecular modelling studies. Such solution structures of linear modified peptides in aqueous methanol are being used in an ongoing program of research designed to assist in an understanding of the basic structural requirements for the biological activity of vasoconstrictors. The resulting structure of this peptide is characterised by an alpha-helical conformation between residues Leu6-His16 and by N- and C-termini which assume no defined conformation. A knowledge of the solution structures of this and related peptides, which are ET(B) selective agonists, are proving to be important in the understanding of how they interact with the ET(B) receptor.