Neurotensin(8–13) analogs as dual NTS1 and NTS2 receptor ligands with enhanced effects on a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

The modulatory interactions between neurotensin (NT) and the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system in the brain suggest that NT may be associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). NT exerts its neurophysiological effects by interactions with the human NT receptors type 1 (hNTS1) and 2 (hNTS2). Therefore, both receptor subtypes are promising targets for the development of novel NT-based analogs for the treatment of PD. In this study, we used a virtually guided molecular modeling approach to predict the activity of NT(8–13) analogs by investigating the docking models of ligands designed for binding to the human NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. The importance of the residues at positions 8 and/or 9 for hNTS1 and hNTS2 receptor binding affinity was experimentally confirmed by radioligand binding assays. Further in vitro ADME profiling and in vivo studies revealed that, compared to the parent peptide NT(8–13), compound 10 exhibited improved stability and BBB permeability combined with a significant enhancement of the motor function and memory in a mouse model of PD. The herein reported NTS1/NTS2 dual-specific NT(8–13) analogs represent an attractive tool for the development of therapeutic strategies against PD and potentially other CNS disorders. [Display omitted] •NT(8–13) analogs as dual hNTS1 and hNTS2 receptor ligands have been developed.•Replacement of Arg8 and/or Arg9 by Lys and/or Cav residues led to compounds 10–14.•All peptide mimetics showed sub-nanomolar activity at both hNTS1/2 receptors.•The hNTS1R full agonist 10 exhibits improved stability and BBB permeability.•Compound 10 demonstrated in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease.