title: Boron-containing inhibitors of synthetases.
abstract: The use of boron in small-molecule pharmaceuticals is increasing. Boron's ubiquitous occurrence in nature and the recent success of a boronic acid drug (Velcade®) in the clinic have alleviated many concerns over its use in pharmaceuticals. In addition, the unique physicochemical properties of boronic acids make them an attractive addition to the medicinal chemists toolbox. This tutorial review will discuss these properties and potential benefits for anyone interested in finding novel enzyme inhibitors. An exceptional class of boronic acids, the oxaboroles, will be highlighted and their properties and uses will be discussed in detail. Finally, the current paradigm for the reaction of boronic acids with enzyme nucleophiles will be summarized.
authors.affiliation: Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1020 E. Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. sbaker@anacor.com
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tomsho
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Benkovic
mesh_terms: D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008025:Ligases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D001896:Boron Compounds; D019086:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D008025:Ligases; C512998:tavaborole