X-ray Crystal Structure of a Bisubstrate Inhibitor Bound to the Enzyme Catechol-O-methyltransferase: A Dramatic Effect of Inhibitor Preorganization on Binding Affinity

Abstract

With an IC₅₀ value of 9 nM, 1 is the most potent known disubstrate inhibitor for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Inhibition of COMT is of significant interest in the therapy of Parkinsonapos;s disease since it ensures that a larger percentage of orally administered L-dopa reaches-in the form of dopamine-its target in the brain. The X-ray crystal structure of a complex formed by COMT and 1 has been solved at 2.6-Å resolution.