Synthesis of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as aminopeptidase N inhibitors.

Aminopeptidase N (APN) is a zinc-dependent ectopeptidase which plays an important role in the invasion of metastatic tumors. In this study, we report the synthesis and in vitro enzyme inhibition assay of 1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffold compounds. These new compounds have potent inhibitory activities toward APN with IC50 values in the micromolar range.