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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

NMR-Based Activity Assays for Determining Compound Inhibition, IC50 Values, Artifactual Activity, and Whole-Cell Activity of Nucleoside Ribohydrolases
10:24

NMR-Based Activity Assays for Determining Compound Inhibition, IC50 Values, Artifactual Activity, and Whole-Cell Activity of Nucleoside Ribohydrolases

Published on: June 30, 2019

Ribonucleotide reductase: a critical enzyme for cancer chemotherapy and antiviral agents

Nuno M F S A Cerqueira1, Pedro A Fernandes, Maria J Ramos

  • 1REQUIMTE / Faculdade de Ciências do Porto, Rua Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. nscerque@fc.up.pt

Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery
|January 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is crucial for DNA synthesis and a target for cancer drugs. Inhibiting RNR triggers cell death, making it a key focus for developing new chemotherapeutic and antiviral agents.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is essential for DNA synthesis and repair.
  • RNR is a validated target for anticancer and antiviral therapies.
  • Inhibition of RNR leads to apoptosis, making it a critical enzyme for therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biochemistry and mechanism of action of Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR).
  • To summarize patents and research papers on RNR inhibitors from 1958-2005.
  • To highlight RNR inhibitors currently in clinical use and those patented.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of patents and scientific articles (1958-2005).
  • Analysis of RNR biochemistry and mechanism of action.
  • Identification and categorization of RNR inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Over 4000 articles published on RNR since its discovery.
  • Numerous RNR inhibitors have been developed through research in complementary fields.
  • Several RNR inhibitors have been patented and some are in clinical use.

Conclusions:

  • RNR remains a significant target for cancer and antiviral drug development.
  • Understanding RNR regulation and inhibition is key to advancing therapeutic strategies.
  • Continued research into RNR inhibitors holds promise for new treatments.

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