Elucidating the Structural Requirement of Uridylpeptide Antibiotics for Antibacterial Activity

The synthesis and biological evaluation of analogues of uridylpeptide antibiotics were described, and the molecular interaction between the 3′-hydroxy analogue of mureidomycin A (3′-hydroxymureidomycin A) and its target enzyme, phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide transferase (MraY), was analyzed in detail. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) involving MraY inhibition suggests that the side chain at the urea-dipeptide moiety does not affect the MraY inhibition. However, the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity is in great contrast and the urea-dipeptide motif is a key contributor. It is also suggested that the nucleoside peptide permease NppA1A2BCD is responsible for the transport of 3′-hydroxymureidomycin A into the cytoplasm. A systematic SAR analysis of the urea-dipeptide moiety of 3′-hydroxymureidomycin A was further conducted and the antibacterial activity was determined. This study provides a guide for the rational design of analogues based on uridylpeptide antibiotics.