Lactocillin

Lactocillin

Lactocillin is a thiopeptide antibiotic that is produced by certain strains of Lactobacillus bacteria. It was first identified in 2013 by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Lactocillin has been found to have potent activity against a variety of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Structure and Biosynthesis

Lactocillin is a member of the thiopeptide class of antibiotics, which are characterized by their complex, highly modified structures. The core structure of lactocillin is a macrocyclic ring, which is decorated with a variety of unusual amino acids and other modifications. The biosynthesis of lactocillin involves a series of enzymatic transformations, including cyclization, oxidation, and methylation reactions.

Mechanism of Action

Lactocillin exerts its antibacterial activity by binding to the ribosome, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. By binding to the ribosome, lactocillin prevents the bacteria from making essential proteins, leading to cell death. This mechanism of action is similar to that of other thiopeptide antibiotics, such as thiostrepton and micrococcin.

Clinical Use and Resistance

While lactocillin has shown potent activity against a variety of Gram-positive bacteria in laboratory tests, it has not yet been approved for use in humans. However, research is ongoing to explore its potential as a new treatment for bacterial infections. One concern is the potential for bacteria to develop resistance to lactocillin, as has been seen with other antibiotics. However, the complex structure of lactocillin may make it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.

See Also

• Thiopeptide
• Antibiotic resistance
• Lactobacillus

References

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