Synthesis and inhibitory activity of thymidine analogues targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase

We report on Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase (TMPKmt) inhibitory activities of a series of new 3'- and 5'-modified thymidine analogues including alpha- and beta-derivatives. In addition, several analogues were synthesized in which the 4-oxygen was replaced by a more lipophilic sulfur atom to probe the influence of this modification on TMPKmt inhibitory activity. Several compounds showed an inhibitory potency in the low micromolar range, with the 5'-arylthiourea 4-thio-alpha-thymidine analogue being the most active one (K(i) = 0.17 mu M). This compound was capable of inhibiting mycobacteria growth at a concentration of 25 mu g/mL. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.