C2-Symmetric azobenzene-amino acid conjugates and their inhibition of Subtilisin Kexin Isozyme-1

C2-Symmetric azobenzene-amino acid/peptide hybrids containing stable E-azo moiety have been synthesized. Upon irradiation with long wavelength UV, these compounds isomerized to the Z-form, whose thermal reisomerization to the E isomer slowed down considerably. These compounds exhibited in vitro moderate to strong inhibition of mammalian cellular protease Subtilisin Kexin Isozyme-1, also called Site 1 Protease, which plays vital roles in cholesterol synthesis, lipid metabolism, bone formation, and viral infections.

Graphical abstractThe compounds (1 and 2) showed inhibition of SKI-1 in micromolar concentrations.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide