Imino-sugar-based nucleosides

Continued interest in imino-sugar nucleosides derives from the observations that N-ribosyltransferases are powerfully inhibited by imino-C-nucleoside analogues that mimic the ribooxacarbenium ion nature of their transition states. The synthesis of such compounds is challenging, and synthetic routes to imino- and imino-C-nucleosides are reviewed, together with the nature of the N-ribosyltransferases that are targets for these analogues. Examples are given to exemplify the promise these compounds hold for the treatments of biological disorders.