Nucleosider

Nucleosider is a hypothetical class of molecules described in speculative chemistry as nucleoside-like compounds augmented with a siderophore-inspired metal-chelating appendage. The term combines nucleoside concepts with siderophore ideas and is used mainly in theoretical discussions and science-fiction contexts to explore possibilities for delivering nucleosides or nucleoside analogs by exploiting metal-uptake pathways. It is not part of established biochemical nomenclature and has no validated experimental data.

Proposed structure and variations center on a canonical nucleoside core, comprising a nucleobase linked to a sugar such as ribose or deoxyribose, with an appended chelator tail designed to bind metals. Siderophore motifs such as catechol or hydroxamate groups are sometimes cited as templates for the chelator, and the linkage can be attached to the sugar or the nucleobase. Variants may vary the nucleobase, sugar modification, or chelator strength to influence properties like polarity, stability, and recognition by transport systems. The concept is intentionally adaptable to accommodate different metal-binding motifs and pharmacokinetic goals in discussion.

Potential applications discussed in speculative contexts include enhanced intracellular delivery of nucleoside therapeutics, targeted therapy leveraging metal-transport pathways, and research tools for studying metal-dependent cellular processes. Challenges emphasized in discourse include achieving selective uptake, avoiding metal-associated toxicity, ensuring chemical stability in physiological conditions, and the absence of experimental validation. At present, nucleosider remains a theoretical concept rather than a realized chemical class.