Synthesis and biological evaluation of modified laminin peptide (N2S2-KDP) with enhanced affinity for neuronal growth and targeted molecular imaging (SPECT)

[Display omitted] •N2S2-KDP was able to induce significantly higher neurite growth with retinoic acid.•Average neurite length of 58 µ was seen in presence of retinoic acid.•Radiolabeled N2S2-KDP peptide was able to cross the BBB (1.74 ± 0.07 %ID/g−1).•Peptide radiotracer will not increase the radiation risk to the human.•N2S2-KDP showed potential for enhancing the neurite growth and molecular imaging. An analog of γ1 laminin (RDIAEIIKDI) decapeptide has been used to augment neuronal survival and regeneration after injuries, during aging and other CNS disorder. As a prime synthetic peptide, KDI, is responsible for the neurite outgrowth of human embryonic neurons. In this study, we have designed, modified a KDI derivative and synthesized by replacing isoleucine (I) with Pro (P) amino acid at C-terminal to enhance its potency towards neurite growth. -Cys-Gly-Cys (-CGC) N2S2 motif was also incorporated in the present design for peptide radiolabeling. The modified peptide showed a better binding with the desired 3T1M receptor for neurite growth. The peptide was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis and Fmoc-strategy with more than 80% yield. The receptor binding studies of 99mTc-N2S2-KDP in Neuro2A cell lines showed Kd value in 31 nM range and the complex showed appreciable brain uptake in mice. The results on human SH-SY5Y indicate that the unlabeled N2S2-KDP may perhaps be useful for neurite growth in neurodegenerative disorder.