Dihexa (developmental code name PNB-0408), also known as N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide, is a small oligopeptide drug derived from angiotensin IV. It is currently being investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Dihexa is a peptide, which means that it is made up of a string of amino acids. The amino acid sequence of Dihexa is:
Hexanoic acid - Tyrosine - Isoleucine - (6) aminohexanoic acid amide
Dihexa is a small peptide, with a molecular weight of only 604.72 g/mol. This makes it able to easily cross the blood-brain barrier and target hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptors in the brain.
HGF is a potent neurotrophic factor that plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. It also has neuroprotective and regenerative effects. Dihexa is thought to work by potentiating the activity of HGF at its receptor, c-Met.
Structure of Dihexa
Dihexa is a linear peptide, meaning that the amino acids are linked together in a straight line. The peptide is capped at the N-terminus (the beginning of the peptide chain) with a hexanoic acid group and at the C-terminus (the end of the peptide chain) with an amide group.
The tyrosine and isoleucine residues in Dihexa are both aromatic amino acids. Aromatic amino acids are able to form pi-stacking interactions with each other, which helps to stabilize the structure of the peptide.
The (6) aminohexanoic acid amide residue in Dihexa is a positively charged amino acid. Positively charged amino acids are able to form electrostatic interactions with negatively charged amino acids, which also helps to stabilize the structure of the peptide.
Solution structure of Dihexa
The solution structure of Dihexa has been determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The NMR data shows that Dihexa has a helical structure. Helices are secondary structures that are formed by hydrogen bonding between the amino acids in the peptide chain.
The helical structure of Dihexa is thought to be important for its ability to bind to the c-Met receptor. Helices are able to form grooves on their surface, which can accommodate the binding of other molecules.
Dihexa is a small oligopeptide drug derived from angiotensin IV. It is currently being investigated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. Dihexa is thought to work by potentiating the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) at its receptor, c-Met.
The structure of Dihexa is important for its ability to bind to the c-Met receptor. Dihexa has a helical structure, which is able to form grooves on its surface that can accommodate the binding of other molecules.
More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of Dihexa. However, the existing evidence suggests that Dihexa is a promising new drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
