Amlexanox peptide is a synthetic chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-one derivative with the molecular formula C16H14N2O4. It has the following chemical structure:
O
/ \
C6H5-C-C-N(CH3)2
| |
| H
| N
| H
| C
| H
| H
| C
| H
| H
| C
| H
| H
| O
Amlexanox peptide is a relatively small molecule with a molecular weight of 290.29 g/mol. It is a white to off-white powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and methanol.
Amlexanox peptide is a chiral molecule, meaning that it has two enantiomers, or mirror-image forms. The two enantiomers of amlexanox peptide are known as R-amlexanox and S-amlexanox.
R-amlexanox is the active enantiomer of amlexanox peptide. It is the enantiomer that is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects of amlexanox peptide.
S-amlexanox is the inactive enantiomer of amlexanox peptide. It does not have any significant anti-inflammatory or antiallergic effects.
Amlexanox peptide is a prodrug, meaning that it is converted into its active form, amlexanox, after it is administered to the body. Amlexanox is converted from amlexanox peptide by a group of enzymes called esterases.
How does the structure of amlexanox peptide affect its function?
The structure of amlexanox peptide is important for its function in several ways.
First, the chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-one ring structure of amlexanox peptide is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. This ring structure allows amlexanox peptide to bind to and inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, which is involved in the production of leukotrienes.
Leukotrienes are a group of chemicals that are involved in the inflammatory process. By inhibiting the production of leukotrienes, amlexanox peptide can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions such as canker sores, IBD, and psoriasis.
Second, the amine group of amlexanox peptide is responsible for its ability to be converted into its active form, amlexanox. This amine group is cleaved by esterases to form amlexanox.
Third, the chiral nature of amlexanox peptide is important for its function. Only the active enantiomer, R-amlexanox, is able to bind to and inhibit 5-lipoxygenase. The inactive enantiomer, S-amlexanox, does not have any significant anti-inflammatory or antiallergic effects.
The structure of amlexanox peptide is important for its function in several ways. The chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-one ring structure is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects, the amine group is responsible for its ability to be converted into its active form, amlexanox, and the chiral nature of amlexanox peptide is important for its function because only the active enantiomer, R-amlexanox, is able to bind to and inhibit 5-lipoxygenase.
