- For other uses, see Analog (disambiguation).
In chemistry, analogs or analogues are compounds in which one or more individual atoms have been replaced, either with a different atom, or with a different functional group. Another use of the term in chemistry refers to a substance which is similar in structure to another substance. Analogs can sometimes cause complications when they have differing functions from the compared substance. For instance, a person could have a cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) deficiency, but it may not show up in a blood test if cyanocobalamin analogs are present. Pharmaceuticals are one area in which a lead compound found to have activity is elaborated by creating a family of analogs.
Transition state analogs are similar to the transition state in an enzyme-catalysed reaction, but are not converted to the product themselves. Binding of transition state analogs allows scientists to learn more about the nature of enzyme catalysed reactions. Transition state analogs are often effective inhibitors of enzymes, and sometimes make effective drugs (e.g. Oseltamivir). Transition state analogs are also utilized by HIV protease inhibitors in the treatment of AIDS.
See also
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an anti-influenza drug that is a transition state analog.
- Structure of oseltamivir bound to influenza neuraminidase (in Proteopedia.Org).
- Homolog: a compound of a series differing only by repeated units.
- AZT: the first antiviral drug approved for HIV.