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Human UMP-CMP kinase is involved in the phosphorylation of nucleic acid precursors and also in the activation of antiviral analogues including cidofovir, an acyclic phosphonate compound that mimicks dCMP and shows a broad antiviral spectrum. The binding of ligands to the enzyme was here investigated using a fluorescent probe and a competitive titration assay. At the acceptor site, the enzyme was found to accommodate any base, purine and pyrimidine, including thymidine. A method for screening analogues based on their affinity for the UMP binding site was developed. The affinities of uracil vinylphosphonate derivatives modified in the 5 position were found similar to (d)UMP and (d)CMP and improved when compared to cidofovir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hitherto unknown 1,4-disubstituted-[1,2,3]-triazolo-4',4'-dihydroxymethyl-3'-deoxy carbanucleosides were synthesized based on a "click approach." Various alkynes were introduced on a key azido intermediate by the "click" 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition. Their antiviral activities and cellular toxicities were evaluated on vaccinia virus. None of the synthesized compounds exhibited a significant antiviral activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the commercial availability of well-defined ruthenium metathesis catalysts which combine high stability and broad functional group compatibility, olefin metathesis is now routinely integrated in various syntheses. We will report here the overwhelming power and scope of cross-metathesis in the area of new acyclic nucleoside phosphonates. Scope and limitations of this approach, and especially the E/Z stereocontrol, are discussed on selected examples from our drug discovery group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]