Targeted Analogs of Nucleic Acid Components

Research projects of the group deal predominantly with the development of biologically active analogs of nucleic acid components. Rational drug design of novel types of modified nucleobases, nucleosides and nucleotides is based on the previous extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, as well as on modern methods of medicinal chemistry (e.g. crystallography, molecular modeling, fragment-based drug discovery). Efficient methodology for the syntheses of target compounds is developed using manifold modern methods of organic chemistry. The structures are designed with respect to their expected antiviral, antiparasitic, antibiotic, immunomodulatory, and cytostatic properties based on inhibition of important enzymes of the metabolism of nucleosides and nucleotides. The mechanism of action of resulting antimetabolites and potential biomedicinal applications are studied in collaboration with several biochemical groups worldwide.