With more than 50 enzymes, pterin-containing molybdenum enzymes constitute an important class of molecules that are essential in life and environmental processes such as sulfur detoxification and purine catabolism in mammals.  In these enzymes, the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) lies at the catalytic heart.  In humans, defects in the synthesis of Moco lead to a condition known as Molybdenum Cofactor Deficiency (MCD).  Patients with MCD typically suffer progressive neurological damage that results in early childhood death caused by a buildup of toxic sulfite that damages the brain and other organs.  Recently, we have been able to synthesize a new model compound that resembles Moco.  In order to make a closer analog of the cofactor we have designed a new building block that contains additional components.  Herein we describe the design, synthesis and characterization of this new building block as a stepping stone towards a more complete analog of molybdenum cofactor.

Developing building blocks for de novo synthesis of the molybdenum cofactor

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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