β-sultams [Beta-sultams] as tools for the study of enzyme function

A diverse set of beta-sultams, the sulfur analogs of beta-lactams, was synthesized and tested for their protein reactivity. These alkynylated compounds were therefore incubated with different bacterial strains and their target profile was analyzed via SDS-PAGE. Target analysis via HR-MS revealed an azoreductase in B. thailandensis and L. monocytogenes, which was verified by overexpression and activity studies. Additionally the inhibition of ClpP by beta-Sultams was investigated and the selective conversion of its active site serine into dehydroalanine was revealed.