Ceragenin

Ceragenin

Ceragenin, also known as Cationic Steroid Antimicrobial (CSA), is a class of synthetic, steroidal antimicrobial agents. They are designed to mimic the body's natural immune system defenses, specifically the antimicrobial properties of endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).

History

Ceragenins were first developed by Dr. Paul B. Savage at Brigham Young University. The goal was to create a synthetic compound that could replicate the antimicrobial properties of AMPs, but with greater stability and lower production costs.

Mechanism of Action

Ceragenins work by disrupting the cell membrane of bacteria, causing the cells to lyse, or break apart. This is similar to the way AMPs work in the body's immune system. However, unlike AMPs, ceragenins are not proteins and therefore are not subject to proteolysis, which can degrade and inactivate AMPs.

Applications

Ceragenins have potential applications in a variety of medical fields. They have been studied for use in treating infections, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. They may also have potential as a new class of antibiotics, particularly against drug-resistant bacteria.

See Also

• Antimicrobial peptides
• Antibiotics
• Drug resistance

References

Ceragenin Resources
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