Gilvocarcin V

Gilvocarcin V

Gilvocarcin V is a benzopyranopyrrole antibiotic that is produced by the bacteria Streptomyces. It is known for its antitumor properties and has been the subject of extensive research in the field of cancer therapy.

History

Gilvocarcin V was first isolated in 1976 from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces griseoflavus G-22. The compound was named after the Japanese scientist Kazuo Gilvocarcin, who first discovered it.

Structure and Properties

Gilvocarcin V is a complex molecular structure that consists of a benzopyranopyrrole core, a sugar moiety, and a vinyl side chain. The compound is yellow and crystalline in its pure form.

Biological Activity

Gilvocarcin V exhibits potent antitumor activity against a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. It works by intercalating into DNA and inducing DNA damage, which leads to cell death.

Clinical Use

Despite its potent antitumor activity, Gilvocarcin V has not yet been approved for clinical use. This is primarily due to its high toxicity and the difficulty of synthesizing the compound in large quantities.

Research

Research into Gilvocarcin V is ongoing, with scientists exploring ways to reduce its toxicity and improve its synthesis. Some studies have also suggested that the compound may have potential as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy.

See Also

• Streptomyces
• Antibiotic
• Antitumor
• Cancer therapy