A metabolically stable tight-binding transition-state inhibitor of glyoxalase-I

The design, synthesis, and enzyme kinetics evaluation of a transition-state inhibitor of glyoxalase-I is described. The union of the hydroxamic acid zinc-chelator with a urea isostere for the glu–cys amide bond led to a glutathione analog which retained inhibitory potency toward glyoxalase-I while possessing resistance toward γ-glutamyltranspeptidase mediated breakdown. This compound is viewed as a potential lead for the development of second-generation glyoxalase-I inhibitors wherein, the problems pertaining to metabolism and selectivity are overcome.