5′-Halogenated formycins as inhibitors of 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase: Protection of cells against the growth-inhibitory activity of 5′-halogenated adenosines

A series of 5′-halogenated formycins, including the chloro-, bromo- and iodo- derivatives, were synthesized. These compounds are competitive inhibitors of 5′-deoxy-5′-methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAPase) with K_i values in the range of 10⁻⁷ M, making them the most potent inhibitors of MTAPase reported to date. These compounds protect cells from the growth-inhibitory action of 5′-halogenated adenosines, which must be activated by MTAPase. The syntheses of 5′-halogenated formycin B derivatives, which inhibit purine nucleoside phosphorylase, are also described.