Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) inhibitors as target-based weapon for future cancer drug development

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of precise and effective therapeutic strategies. Targeted cancer therapies aim to enhance treatment specificity while minimizing adverse effects. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), a key enzyme in Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis and cell division, has emerged as a critical target in cancer research. By inhibiting RNR, the production of deoxyribonucleotides is disrupted, ultimately impeding DNA replication and halting cancer cell proliferation. Given its essential role in cell cycle regulation, RNR inhibition represents a promising approach for anticancer therapy. This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and biological evaluation of RNR inhibitors, emphasizing their potential as precision-targeted therapeutics. Furthermore, computational insights into their mechanism of action provide a foundation for designing next-generation inhibitors with enhanced potency and selectivity, paving the way for future pharmaceutical developments.