S-(4-bromobenzyl)cysteine

S-(4-bromobenzyl)cysteine is a synthetic small molecule belonging to the class of L-cysteine-S-conjugates. Structurally, it features an L-cysteine backbone with a thioether linkage to a 4-bromobenzyl group at the sulfur atom. The compound exists as the (R)-enantiomer and is zwitterionic at physiological pH. Biologically, it acts as both a substrate and inhibitor for cysteine conjugate β-lyases—enzymes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Upon enzymatic cleavage by β-lyase, it can generate reactive intermediates such as enethiolates that may alkylate DNA or proteins, suggesting potential genotoxicity. It is considered experimental and has not been approved for any therapeutic indication[1][2][3].

Other names

S-(4-BROMOBENZYL)CYSTEINE(2R)-2-amino-3-{[(4-bromophenyl)methyl]sulfanyl}propanoic acidS-(4-Bromobenzyl)-L-cysteine