4-thiazolidinones: Novel inhibitors of the bacterial enzyme MurB

Thiazolidinones were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit the bacterial enzyme MurB. Selected 4-thiazolidinones displayed activity against the enzyme in vitro. This activity, coupled with the design principles of the thiazolidinones, supports the postulate that 4-thiazolidinones may be recognized as diphosphate mimics by a biological selector. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.