Synthesis and biological properties of N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid dipeptides, a novel group of antimicrobial agents.

A series of dipeptides with N3-(4-methoxyfumaroyl)-L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (FMDP), the irreversible inhibitor of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthetase from bacteria and fungi, have been synthesized and their antibacterial and antifungal properties in vitro evaluated. The results demonstrate that these peptides inhibit the growth of a number of the tested microorganisms, especially pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The results of competitive antagonism studies indicate specific peptide transport of the peptides via peptide permeases as drug delivery system and gives evidence for the high selectivity of the action upon the cells, as a result of the inhibition of generation of glucosamine.