No abstract

In this study, we demonstrate that N(6)-isopentenyladenosine, which essentially is a plant cytokinin-like compound, exerts a potent and selective antiviral effect on the replication of human enterovirus 71 with an EC50 of 1.0 ± 0.2 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 5.7. The synthesis of analogs with modification of the N(6)-position did not result in a lower EC50 value. However, in particular with the synthesis of N(6)-(5-hexene-2-yne-1-yl)adenosine (EC50 = 4.3 ± 1.5 μM), the selectivity index was significantly increased: because of a reduction in the adverse effect of this compound on the host cells, an SI > 101 could be calculated. With this study, we for the first time provide proof that a compound class that is based on the plant cytokinin skeleton offers an interesting starting point for the development of novel antivirals against mammalian viruses, in the present context in particular against enterovirus 71.

Biological effects of hormones in both plants and animals are based on high-affinity interaction with cognate receptors resulting in their activation. The signal of cytokinins, classical plant hormones, is perceived in Arabidopsis by three homologous membrane receptors: AHK2, AHK3, and CRE1/AHK4. To study the cytokinin-receptor interaction, we used 25 derivatives of potent cytokinin N-benzyladenine (BA) with substituents in the purine heterocycle and/or in the side chain. The study was focused primarily on individual cytokinin receptors from Arabidopsis. The main in planta assay system was based on Arabidopsis double mutants retaining only one isoform of cytokinin receptors and harboring cytokinin-sensitive reporter gene. Classical cytokinin biotest with Amaranthus seedlings was used as an additional biotest. In parallel, the binding of ligands to individual cytokinin receptors was assessed in the in vitro test system. Quantitative comparison of results of different assays confirmed the partial similarity of ligand-binding properties of receptor isoforms. Substituents at positions 8 and 9 of adenine moiety, elongated linker up to 4 methylene units, and replacement of N by sulfur or oxygen have resulted in the suppression of cytokinin activity of the derivative toward all receptors. Introduction of a halogen into position 2 of adenine moiety, on the contrary, often increased the ligand activity, especially toward AHK3. Features both common and distinctive of cytokinin receptors in Arabidopsis and Amaranthus were revealed, highlighting species specificity of the cytokinin perception apparatus. Correlations between the extent to which a compound binds to a receptor in vitro and its ability to activate the same receptor in planta were evaluated for each AHK protein. Interaction patterns between individual receptors and ligands were rationalized by structure analysis and molecular docking in sensory modules of AHK receptors. The best correlation between docking scores and specific binding was observed for AHK3. In addition, receptor-specific ligands have been discovered with unique properties to predominantly activate or block distinct cytokinin receptors. These ligands are promising for practical application and as molecular tools in the study of the cytokinin perception by plant cells.

A new class of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) inhibitors based on disaccharide nucleosides was identified. TDP1 plays an essential role in the resistance of cancer cells to currently used antitumour drugs based on Top1 inhibitors such as topotecan and irinotecan. The most effective inhibitors investigated in this study have IC50 values (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) in 0.4–18.5 µM range and demonstrate relatively low own cytotoxicity along with significant synergistic effect in combination with anti-cancer drug topotecan. Moreover, kinetic parameters of the enzymatic reaction and fluorescence anisotropy were measured using different types of DNA-biosensors to give a sufficient insight into the mechanism of inhibitor’s action.

Cytokinin nucleosides exhibit antitumor, antiviral, antiprotozoal, blood pressure reducing, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic activity. These compounds also influence platelet aggregation and exhibit some other biological activities. Cytokinins are N6-substituted adenines and represent an important group of phytohormones with diverse biochemical functions in plants, stimulating cell division and plant growth. The main structural feature of cytokinin nucleosides is the presence of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon moiety at the N6-position of adenosine. This moiety is responsible for a difference in physicochemical and biological properties as compared to adenosine. 1-N-Tuberculosinyladenosine and N6-tuberculosinyladenosine are specifically produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis as components of the plasmatic membrane, thus making them attractive targets for clinical test development. Structurally related compounds were found in marine organisms. It has been shown also that tRNA contains N6-isoprenyladenosine and some other related compounds. This review summarizes the structural features, biological activity, and the synthesis of cytokinin nucleosides and some of their closely related derivatives such as cytokinins and terpene derivatives of adenine.