N-Bridged 1-deoxynojirimycin dimers as selective insect trehalase inhibitors

A small set of N-bridged 1-deoxynojirimycin dimers has been synthesized and evaluated as potential inhibitors of insect trehalase from midge larvae of Chironomus riparius, porcine trehalase as the mammalian counterpart and alpha-amylase from human saliva. All the tested compounds (2-4) proved to be active (micromolar range activity) against insect trehalase, showing selectivity toward the insect glycosidase. No activity was observed against alpha-amylase. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.