Small molecule inhibitors of E. coli primase, a novel bacterial target

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007 May 15;17(10):2807-10. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.02.056. Epub 2007 Feb 25.

Abstract

Bacterial primase is essential for DNA replication in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is also structurally distinct from eukaryotic primases, and therefore an attractive, but under-explored, target for therapeutic intervention. We applied virtual screening to discover primase inhibitors, and subsequently several commercially available analogs of these initial hits showed potent primase inhibition and in vitro antibacterial activity. This work provides a 3D pharmacophore for primase ligands, SAR trends, and leads that can be further optimized.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • DNA Primase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • DNA Primase / physiology
  • DNA Replication / drug effects
  • Drug Design
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology*
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecular Weight

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • DNA Primase