A simplified and efficient synthesis of 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (DDATHF)

Folic Acid Antimetabolites (Antifolates): A Brief Review on Synthetic Strategies and Application Opportunities

Antimetabolites of folic acid represent a large group of drugs and drug candidates, including those for cancer chemotherapy. In this current review, the most common methods and approaches are presented for the synthesis of therapeutically significant antimetabolites of folic acid, which are Methotrexate (MTX), Raltitrexed (Tomudex, ZD1694), Pralatrexate, Pemetrexed, TNP-351, and Lometrexol. In addition, the applications or uses of these folic acid antimetabolites are also discussed.

Synthesis of (6R)- and (6S)-5,10-dideazatetrahydrofolate oligo-gamma-glutamates: kinetics of multiple glutamate ligations catalyzed by folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase

Folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase (FPGS, EC 6.3.2.17) catalyzes the ATP-dependent ligation of glutamic acid to reduced folates including (6S)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (H4PteGlu), as well as to anticancer drugs such as 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate ((6R)-DDAH4PteGlu1, (6R)-DDATHF, Lometrexol). Synthesis of unlabeled mono- and polyglutamates, DDAH4PteGlu(n) (6R, n = 1-6; 6S, n = 1-2), as well as (6R)-DDAH4Pte[14C]Glu1, was effected from (6R)- or (6S)-5,10-dideazatetrahydropteroyl azide and glutamic acid, H-Glu-gamma-Glu(n)-gamma-Glu-OH (n = 0-4), or [14C]glutamic acid, respectively. These compounds were evaluated as FPGS substrates to determine steady-state kinetic constants. Michaelis-Menten kinetics were observed for (6R)-DDAH4PteGlu1, the isomer corresponding to H(4)PteGlu, whereas marked substrate inhibition was observed for (6S)-DDAH4PteGlu(n) (n = 1-2) and (6R)-DDAH4PteGlu(n) (n = 2-5), but not (6R)-DDAH4PteGlu6. Multiple ligation of glutamate renders a quantitative analysis of these data difficult. However, approximate values of K(M) = 0.65-1.6 microM and K(I) = 144-417 microM for DDAH4PteGlu(n) were obtained using a simple kinetic model.