AdoHcy hydrolase of Trichomonas vaginalis: Studies of the effects of 5′-modified adenosine analogues and related 6-N-cyclopropyl derivatives

Abstract Trypanosoma brucei and Trichomonas vaginalis are both parasitic protozoans that are known to share many similar biochemical pathways. Aristeromycin, as well as 5′-iodovinyl and 5′-oxime analogues of adenosine, are potent inhibitors of AdoHcy hydrolase in T. brucei , an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of AdoHcy to adenosine and l -homocysteine. To help determine the role of this enzyme in T. vaginalis , we have tested a library of 5′-modified adenosine derivatives, including 5′-deoxy-5′-(iodomethylene)-adenosine and related 6- N -cyclopropyl analogues. Our results indicate that these inhibitors are effective at inhibiting the growth of T. vaginalis , by as much as 95%.