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Zebularine: a unique molecule for an epigenetically based strategy in cancer chemotherapy
Victor E Marquez1, James A Kelley, Riad Agbaria
1Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, NIH, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA. marquezv@dc37a.nci.nih.gov
Abstract:
1-(Beta-d-ribofuranosyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-2-one (zebularine) corresponds structurally to cytidine minus the exocyclic 4-amino group. The increased electrophilic character of its simple aglycon endows the molecule with unique biologic properties as a potent inhibitor of both cytidine deaminase and DNA cytosine methyltransferase. The latter activity makes zebularine a promising antitumor agent that is hydrolytically stable, preferentially targets cancer cells, and shows activity both in vitro and in experimental animals, even after oral administration.
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