Identification of novel potent bicyclic peptide deformylase inhibitors

Screening of our compound collection using Staphylococcus aureus Ni-Peptide deformylase (PDF) afforded a very potent PDF inhibitor with an IC(50) in the low nanomolar range but with poor antibacterial activity (MIC). Three-dimensional structural information obtained from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ni-PDF complexed with the inhibitor suggested the synthesis of a variety of analogues that would maintain high binding affinity while attempting to improve antibacterial activity. Many of the compounds synthesized proved to be excellent PDF-Ni inhibitors and some showed increased antibacterial activity in selected strains.