Drug action nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors

The intercalating drugs and nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors discussed in the preceding sections interfere indirectly with every phase of nucleic acid action because the DNA is rendered nonfunctional. Other drugs, discussed below, affect the regulation of protein synthesis even when the genome, the DNA structure, is intact. Such activity can be the result of interference either with transcription of messenger RNA or with translation of the mRNA to protein. 

Inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis that include drugs that influence DNA template actions in eluding replication, inhibit RNA polymerase, and those that inhibit nucleotide metabolism (e.g., flucytosine (fungi), acyclovir (viruses), and quinolones) ... 

Reviews - Relevant reviews have appeared in the last few years on the subject dealing specifically with the mechanism of action of different antimicrobial drugs and antibiotics inhibitors of the bacterial ribosome i inhibitors of protein and nucleic acid synthesis and inhibitors as tools in cell research. ... 

Mechanisms of action and resistance Methotrexate is a substrate for and inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase. This action leads to a decrease in the synthesis of thymidylate, purine nucleotides, and amino acids and thus interferes with nucleic acid and protein metabolism. The formation of polyglutamate derivatives of methotrexate appears to be important for cytotoxic actions. Tumor cell resishince mechanisms include decreased drug accumulation, changes in the drug sensitivity or activity of dihydrofolate reductase, and decreased formation of polyglutamates. 

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