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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Chemical basis for the biological activity of imexon and related cyanoaziridines
Bhashyam S Iyengar1, Robert T Dorr, William A Remers
1Arizona Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
Abstract:
Chemical aspects of mode of action of imexon and related cyanoaziridines were studied. These compounds do not alkylate DNA nor react with the epsilon-amino groups of l-lysine, despite the presence of an aziridine ring. They do react readily with biologically important sulfhydryl compounds to give products derived from either aziridine ring opening, interaction with the cyano group of cyanoaziridines, or opening of the iminopyrrolidone ring of imexon. The products from reactions of imexon and related cyanoaziridines with thiols are not as potent as their parent compounds against tumor cells. These results are consistent with biological studies that show that the mechanism of cytotoxicity involves thiol depletion followed by oxidative stress leading to apoptosis.
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