An Examination of Biased Agonism and Subtype Selectivity at Adenosine Receptors via the Development of Bitopic Agonists Acting As Cardioprotective Agents

Using techniques in the fields of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology, this thesis investigates potential treatments of cardiovascular disease. Adenosine receptors have been shown to mediate cardioprotective effects, and the nature of their activation by small-molecule therapeutics was the focus of this work. The novel molecules developed are able to interact with the receptors in such a fashion as to encourage the desired physiological outcomes while avoiding unwanted side effects. An investigation into how differences in the structure of these molecules can impact the nature of this binding was conducted through organic synthesis and molecular pharmacology studies.