Lugdunin

Lugdunin

Lugdunin is a cyclic peptide antibiotic that is produced by the bacteria Staphylococcus lugdunensis. It was discovered in 2016 by a team of researchers from the University of Tübingen in Germany. Lugdunin is notable for its ability to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics.

Discovery

The discovery of Lugdunin was made by a team of researchers led by Andreas Peschel and Bernhard Krismer. The team was studying the microbiota of the human nose when they found that Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a bacteria commonly found in the human nose, was producing a substance that could kill Staphylococcus aureus. Further analysis revealed that this substance was a new antibiotic, which they named Lugdunin.

Structure and Synthesis

Lugdunin is a cyclic peptide, meaning it is a short chain of amino acids that forms a cyclic structure. It is synthesized by Staphylococcus lugdunensis through a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) pathway. The NRPS pathway is a common method of peptide synthesis in bacteria and fungi, and is responsible for the production of many antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of Lugdunin is not fully understood. However, it is known that Lugdunin is able to kill Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains, by disrupting their cell membrane. This disruption leads to a loss of proton motive force, which is essential for the bacteria's survival.

Potential Applications

The discovery of Lugdunin has potential implications for the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by MRSA. However, as of 2021, Lugdunin has not yet been tested in humans, and further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy.

See Also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Nonribosomal peptide

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