Althiomycin

Althiomycin

Althiomycin is a pyrrole-derived antibiotic that is produced by several strains of Streptomyces bacteria. It was first isolated in 1953 from Streptomyces althioticus and has since been found in other Streptomyces species. Althiomycin is notable for its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and its unique structure, which includes a pyrrole ring and a thiomethyl group.

History

Althiomycin was first isolated in 1953 by researchers at the Lederle Laboratories in the United States. The antibiotic was named after the Streptomyces althioticus bacteria from which it was first extracted. Since its discovery, althiomycin has been found in several other Streptomyces species, including S. griseus and S. coelicolor.

Structure and Properties

The structure of althiomycin is unique among antibiotics. It consists of a pyrrole ring, a five-membered aromatic ring that contains one nitrogen atom, and a thiomethyl group, a sulfur-containing functional group. This structure is responsible for althiomycin's broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.

Althiomycin is a yellow, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and organic solvents. It has a molecular weight of 282.33 g/mol and a melting point of 162-164 °C.

Mechanism of Action

Althiomycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the formation of peptide bonds and thus stopping the growth of the bacteria.

Clinical Use

Due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, althiomycin has potential use in the treatment of various bacterial infections. However, its clinical use has been limited due to its toxicity and the development of resistance by some bacteria.

See Also

• Streptomyces
• Pyrrole
• Antibiotic resistance

References

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