Lysobactin

Lysobactin is a natural product that is classified as a peptide antibiotic. It was first isolated from the bacteria Lysobacter sp. in 1988. Lysobactin is known for its potent antibacterial activity against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Structure and Biosynthesis

Lysobactin is a cyclic peptide composed of seven amino acids, including a rare dehydroamino acid and a keto acid. The biosynthesis of lysobactin involves a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) system, which is a common mechanism for the production of peptide antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of lysobactin is not fully understood. However, it is believed to inhibit cell wall synthesis in bacteria by binding to lipid II, a critical precursor in the cell wall biosynthesis pathway. This binding disrupts the formation of the cell wall, leading to cell death.

Clinical Use and Research

Lysobactin has not been approved for clinical use due to its poor bioavailability and potential toxicity. However, it has been the subject of extensive research due to its potent antibacterial activity. Recent studies have focused on the modification of lysobactin to improve its pharmacological properties and potential as a therapeutic agent.

See Also

• Peptide antibiotics
• Nonribosomal peptide
• Antibiotic resistance