New synthetic routes to functionalized 2-C-alkylglucosides, precursors of potential inhibitors of mycothiol biosynthesis in the Mycobacteria

This thesis was concerned with the design and synthesis of compounds which are either substrate-mimics or inhibitors of MshB, a N-deacetylase involved in the biosynthesis of mycothiol in the Mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Mycothiol is a low molecular weight thiol produced by Mycobacteria as a defense against oxidative stress and xenobiotics, and the enzymes involved in its biosynthesis are postulated to be viable drug targets