Cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride

Cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride is an anti-leukemic agent which binds to topoisomerase I, resulting in DNA fragmentation and inhibition of replication. This compound does not have any effects on RNA synthesis. Cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride functions as a ligand with strong affinity and selectivity for the translocator protein (TSPO). Studies suggest that cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride can down-regulate deoxycytidine kinase in acute myeloid leukemia murine cell lines, which inhibits the phosphorylation of several deoxyribonucleosides. Furthermore, cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride can be inhibited in myeloid leukemic cells via suppression of ENT1 promoter activity, responsible for transporting cytosine β-D-arabinofuranoside into the cell.