A rhodopsin-based homology model of the nucleotide-activated human P2Y2 receptor, including loops, termini, and phospholipids, was optimized with Monte Carlo Multiple Minimum. Docked UTP formed a nucleobase π–π complex with conserved Phe3.32. Selectivity-enhancing 2′-amino-2′-deoxy substitution interacted through π-hydrogen bonding with aromatic Phe6.51 and Tyr3.33. A “sequential ligand composition” approach for docking the flexible dinucleotide agonist Up4U demonstrated a shift of conserved cationic Arg3.29 from the UTP γ position to δ position of Up4U and Up4ribose. Sysnthesized nucleotides were tested as agonists at human P2Y receptors expressed in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. 2′-Amino and 2-thio modifications synergized to enhance potency and selectivity; compound 8 (8 nM EC50) was 300-fold P2Y2-selective versus P2Y4. 2′-Amine acetylation reduced potency, and trifluoroacetylation produced intermediate potency. 5-Amino nucleobase substitution did not enhance potency through a predicted hydrophilic interaction, possibly because of destabilization of the receptor-favored (N)-ribose conformation. This detailed view of P2Y2 receptor recognition suggests mutations for model validation
