β-Lactones Inhibit N-acylethanolamine Acid Amidase by S-Acylation of the Catalytic N-Terminal Cysteine.

ABSTRACT: The cysteine amidase N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is a member of the N-terminal nucleophile class of enzymes and a potential target for anti-inflammatory drugs. We investigated the mechanism of inhibition of human NAAA by substituted β-lactones. We characterized pharmacologically a representative member of this class, ARN077, and showed, using high-resolution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, that this compound forms a thioester bond with the N-terminal catalytic cysteine in human NAAA.

SUBMITTER: Armirotti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4025845 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature