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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cellular and Protein Engineering to Control Biological Functions and Develop Novel Therapies
Published on: September 27, 2024
Adenosine analogue inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase
Antonella Converso1, Timothy Hartingh1, Mark E Fraley1
1Medicinal Chemistry Department, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA.
Abstract:
Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are an independent risk factor for the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Reduction of Hcy to normal levels therefore presents a new approach for disease modification. Hcy is produced by the cytosolic enzyme S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AHCY), which converts S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) to Hcy and adenosine. Herein we describe the design and characterization of novel, substrate-based S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitors with low nanomolar potency in vitro and robust activity in vivo.
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