Meleagrin

Meleagrin is a biological compound that is derived from the fungus Penicillium minioluteum. It is a member of the roquefortine class of compounds, which are known for their antibiotic properties.

History

Meleagrin was first isolated in 1971 from Penicillium minioluteum, a species of fungus that is commonly found in soil. The compound was named after the Greek word for guinea fowl, "meleagris", due to the bird-like appearance of the fungus's spores under a microscope.

Structure and Properties

File:Meleagrin structure.png

Chemical structure of meleagrin

Meleagrin is a nitrogen-containing compound with a complex molecular structure. It is composed of a cyclic peptide core, with a pyridine ring and a hydroxyl group attached. The compound is known for its blue-green color and its strong, unpleasant odor.

Biological Activity

Meleagrin has been found to have potent antibiotic activity against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is also active against certain fungi, including Candida albicans.

In addition to its antibiotic properties, meleagrin has been found to have cytotoxic activity, meaning it can kill cells. This has led to interest in its potential use as a cancer treatment.

Potential Medical Applications

Due to its antibiotic and cytotoxic properties, meleagrin has potential for use in the treatment of a range of medical conditions. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to determine its safety and efficacy in humans.

See Also

• Roquefortine
• Penicillium
• Antibiotics
• Cytotoxicity