Synthesis of non-hydrolyzable substrate analogs for Asp-tRNAAsn/Glu-tRNAGln amidotransferase

Non-hydrolyzable substrate analogs for tRNA-dependent amidotransferase, 2′- or 3′-aspartyl or -glutamyl adenosine, were synthesized from adenosine without protection of the adenine base. The hydroxyl groups of adenosine were selectively protected, followed by a series of oxidation/reductions to alter the stereochemistry. DFT calculations revealed the driving forces for the ketone hydrate formation at C-2′, but not the C-3′ carbon during the oxidation step. Subsequently, triflation and azide replacement yielded azidoadenosines, which were coupled to protected amino acids after deprotection and reduction. After global deprotection, the target substrate analogs were obtained in 2–14% overall yields from adenosine.