Strained unusual amino acid derived tetrapeptides were synthesized as mimics of GLYX-13, a clinical candidate for neuroprotective and anti-depressant properties, were studied. The synthesized compounds were screened for neurite growth and anti-depressant properties in vitro and in vivo respectively comparing with the parent GLYX-13 compound. Neurite growth property was assessed by neurite length and anti-depressant property by percentage of immobility in forced swim test, a behavioural assay. Mechanistic insights about protein-ligand interactions were obtained using molecular docking study. Based on the in vitro and in vivo screening data and molecular docking study, a new analogue of GLYX-13, Compound 11a has been found to be as good as the parent compound in all respects.
Keywords: GRIN2B; NMDA receptor; Neurotrophic; Norbornane amino acid.
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