Syntheses of inhibitors for the enzyme thymidine 5′-diphosphate-glucose-4,6-dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.46)

Inhibitors of the enzyme thymidine 5′-diphosphate-glucose-4,6-dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.46) were synthesised starting from thymidine, 2-deoxy-uridine and -cytidine. The diphosphate moieties have either been replaced by methylene diphosphonate or phosphoryl hydroxyacetic acid to yield inhibitors in a similar range to thymidine 5′-diphosphate itself. Spacers were attached to various positions, of which those at C-5 of the nucleobase were suitable analogues and showed a mixed type of inhibition characteristics, whereas attachment at other sites led to marginally active or inactive inhibitors. These investigations will prepare the ground for developing a purification procedure based on affinity chromatography.