6-Azathymine, a 6-nitrogen analog of thymine, is a potent D-3-aminoisobutyrate-pyruvate aminotransferase inhibitor. 6-Azathymine inhibits the biosynthesis of DNA, and has antibacterial and antiviral activities[1][2][3][4].
6-Azathymine is a competitive antagonist of the growth of Streptococcus faecalis (8043) and several other strains of microorganisms. Studies of the mechanism of action of 6-Azathymine reveal that S. faecalis can convert the analog to the corresponding deoxyriboside, azathymidine[2].
[1]. N Tamaki, et al. Purification, Characterization and Inhibition of D-3-aminoisobutyrate Aminotransferase From the Rat Liver. Eur J Biochem. 1990 Apr 20;189(1):39-45. [2]. W H PRUSOFF, et al. Effect of the Deoxyriboside of 6-azathymine (Azathymidine) on the Biosynthesis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid by Bone Marrow and Neoplastic Cells (In Vitro). Biochim Biophys Acta. 1956 Apr;20(1):209-14. [3]. R A GAITO, et al. Studies on the Metabolism of Thymine and 6-azathymine. Biochem Pharmacol. Apr-May 1962;11:323-36. [4]. B. Gabrielsen, et al. In vitro and in vivo antiviral (RNA) evaluation of orotidine 51-monophosphatedecarboxylase inhibitors and analogues including 6-azauridine-51-(ethylmethoxyalaninyl)phosphate (a 51-monophosphate prodrug). Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy (1994) 5(4), 209-220.