Structural requirements for neuraminidase induction in Arthrobacter sialophilus.

The effectiveness of 13 N-acetylneuraminic acid derivatives as potential inducers of Arthrobacter sialophilus neuraminidase were examined. N-Acetylneuraminic acid nitrogen and thioglycosides were not inducers, whereas 2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid, a transition state analog for neuraminidases, was the most effective inductive ligand. The C-4 hydroxyl function of N-acetylneuraminic acid was essential for enzyme derepression.