3-deazacytidine

Description

3-Deazacytidine, also known as 3-deaza-2'-deoxycytidine, is a synthetic nucleoside analog that exhibits significant biological activity, particularly as an inhibitor of DNA methylation. Its synthesis typically involves a multi-step process that begins with the construction of the deazapurine ring followed by the attachment of the sugar moiety. 3-Deazacytidine has shown promising effects in various research areas, including cancer therapy, immunomodulation, and gene editing. The compound's mechanism of action revolves around its ability to act as a substrate for DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), leading to the incorporation of the analog into DNA. This incorporation results in the inhibition of DNMT activity, thereby causing a decrease in global methylation levels. The significant reduction in DNA methylation levels through 3-deazacytidine has been linked to a variety of biological effects, including reactivation of silenced genes, induction of differentiation, and inhibition of cell growth. Due to its potent methylation inhibitory properties, 3-deazacytidine has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of various cancers, especially hematologic malignancies. It has also been investigated as a potential therapy for autoimmune diseases and viral infections. Furthermore, the compound is being explored as a tool for epigenetic research and gene editing. 3-Deazacytidine's potential for therapeutic and research applications continues to drive ongoing studies investigating its safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action.'

3-deazacytidine: structure [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]