Glutamic acid inhibitors

Both threo- (14) and eo f >"4-fluoro-DL-glutamic acid (/5) are noncompetitive inhibitors of glutamine synthase, an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of glutamine from L-glutamic acid and ammonia. This mhibibon may explain the... 

The precise mechanism of dimethylhydrazine toxicity is uncertain. In addition to the contact irritant effects, the acute effects of dimethylhydrazine exposure may involve the central nervous system as exemplified by tremors and convulsions (Shaffer and Wands 1973) and behavioral changes at sublethal doses (Streman et al. 1969). Back and Thomas (1963) noted that the deaths probably involve respiratory arrest and cardiovascular collapse. The central nervous system as a target is consistent with the delayed latency in response reported for dimethylhydrazine (Back and Thomas 1963). There is some evidence that 1,1-dimethylhydrazine may act as an inhibitor of glutamic acid decarboxylase, thereby adversely affecting the aminobutyric acid shunt, and could explain the latency of central-nervous-system effects (Back and Thomas 1963). Furthermore, vitamin B6 analogues that act as coenzymes in the aminobutyric acid shunt have been shown to be effective antagonists to 1,1-dimethylhydrazine toxicity (reviewed in Back and Thomas 1963). 

Trypsin inhibitors in cucumber were first found in a study by Walker-Simmons et /. " after wounding of leaves and treatment with proteinase inhibitor-inducing factor (PIIF). The amino acid sequence of two inhibitors isolated from Cucurhita maxima (winter squash) were determined by Wilusz et at The peptides named ITD I and ITD 111 each comprised a 29-residue sequence with six cysteine residues. The only difference between the two peptides is in position 9, which is lysine in ITD I and glutamic acid in ITD III. The reactive site is located at the peptide bond between Arg5 and Ile6. Owing to their discovery and distribution in Cucurbitaceae the inhibitor family has been named squash inhibitors. Since the initial discoveries many other members of the squash family have been found. 

HaU AJ, AchiUi L, Manesiotis P, Quaglia M, De Lorenzi E, SeUergren B. A substructure approach toward polymeric receptors targeting dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors. 2. Molecularly imprinted polymers against Z-L-glutamic acid showing affinity for larger molecules. J Org Chem 2003 68 9132-9135. 

Among the numerous enzymes that utilize pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) as cofactor, the amino acid racemases, amino acid decarboxylases (e.g., aromatic amino acids, ornithine, glutamic acid), aminotransferases (y-aminobutyrate transaminase), and a-oxamine synthases, have been the main targets in the search for fluorinated mechanism-based inhibitors. Pharmaceutical companies have played a very active role in this promising research (control of the metabolism of amino acids and neuroamines is very important at the physiological level). 

ZD-9331 is a non-nucleosidic inhibitor of thymidylate synthase. It is also an antifolate, in which the quinazoline moiety replaces the pteridine entity, structurally close to methylene tetrahydrofolate (i.e., the second substrate of thymidylate synthase). Moreover, replacement of the acid function of glutamic acid by a tetrazole renders polyglutamination impossible. Consequently, ZD-9331 is active on tumors that are resistant to the usual antifolates. ... 

GABA synthesis inhibitors act on the enzymes involved in the decarboxylation and transamination of GABA. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the first enzyme in GABA biosynthesis, is inhibited easily by carbonyl reagents such as hydrazines [e.g., hydrazinopropionic acid (4.164) or isonicotinic acid hydrazide (4.165)], which trap pyridoxal, the essential cofactor of the enzyme. A more specific inhibitor is allylglycine (4.166). All of these compounds cause seizures and convulsions because they decrease the concentration of GABA. 

The second stage of cell wall synthesis. An ATP-requiring amidation of glutamic acid that occurs between steps 2 and 3 has been omitted. Points of action of the antibiotic inhibitors bacitracin and vancomycin are indicated. 

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