Constrained (l-)-S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) analogues as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors

Potent SAH analogues with constrained homocysteine units have been designed and synthesized as inhibitors of human DNMT enzymes. The five membered (2S,4S)-4-mercaptopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, in 1a, was a good replacement for homocysteine, while the corresponding six-member counterpart was less active. Further optimization of 1a, changed the selectivity profile of these inhibitors. A Chloro substituent at the 2-position of 1a, compound 1d, retained potency against DNMT1, while N6 alkylation, compound 7a, conserved DNMT3b2 activity. The concomitant substitutions of 1a at both 2- and N6 positions reduced activity against both enzymes.

Potent SAH analogues with constrained homocysteine units have been designed and synthesized as inhibitors of human DNMT enzymes. The five membered (2S,4S)-4-mercaptopyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, in 1a, was a good replacement for homocysteine. Optimization of 1a changed the selectivity profile of these inhibitors. Chloro substitution at the 2-position, compound 1b, retained potency against DNMT1 while N6 alkylation, compound 7a, conserved DNMT3b2 activity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide