Isofagomine Derivatives as TcdB Glucosyltransferase Inhibitors

treatment and prevention. The iminosugar isofagomine has been shown to inhibit the GTD activity of TcdB by an uncompetitive inhibition mechanism, but requires the uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) reaction product. Compound classes synthesized here, ranging from isofagomine analogues to acyclic mimics, probe which modifications can tap into UDP-binding energy to enhance inhibition. Structure-activity relationship studies of isofagomine derivatives demonstrate remarkable specificity for isofagomine and limited advantage in accessing the UDP-binding site. Fluorescence and absorbance assays allowed facile inhibition assessment of TcdB's UDP-glucose hydrolysis. The molecules reported here guide scaffolds for future catalytic site inhibitors.