Synthesis
5-FU was designed, synthesized and patented by Charles Heidelberger in 1957.
Since uracil is a normal component of RNA, the rationale behind the development of the drug was that cancer cells, with their increased genetic instability, might be more sensitive to 'decoy' molecules that mimic the natural compound than normal cells. The scientific goal in this case was to synthesize a drug which demonstrated specific uracil antagonism. The drug proved to have anti-tumor capabilities.
When elemental fluorine is reacted with uracil, 5-fluorouracil is produced. 5-Fluorouracil masquerades as uracil during the nucleic acid replication process. Because 5-fluorouracil is similar in shape to but does not perform the same chemistry as uracil, the drug inhibits RNA replication enzymes, thereby eliminating RNA synthesis and stopping the growth of cancerous cells.
Read more about this topic: Fluri
Famous quotes containing the word synthesis:
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