Nucleoside Mimetics

Book excerpt: Nucleosides exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activity that generally results from their ability to inhibit specific enzymes. This activity has led to their use in the development of various pharmaceutical agents used in the treatment of cancers and to combat harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites. Nucleoside Mimetics provides an introduction to the chemistry of nucleoside mimetics, which combines carbohydrate, heterocyclic and asymmetric synthesis. The book gives a comprehensive introduction to nucleosides and coverage of the various classes. The aim of Nucleoside Mimetics is to provide the reader with a useful insight into the diversity of nucleosides, the range of elegant chemistry involved and the continuing importance of nucleosides as both therapeutic agents and as probes for studying biochemical processes.