Mutacin 1140

Mutacin 1140 is a lantibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. It is a potent antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

Structure and Mechanism of Action

Mutacin 1140 is a peptide composed of 22 amino acids. It is characterized by the presence of unusual amino acids, such as dehydroalanine and lanthionine, which are responsible for its unique structure and potent antibiotic activity.

The mechanism of action of Mutacin 1140 involves binding to the lipid II molecule, a crucial component of the bacterial cell wall synthesis. This binding inhibits the transglycosylation step in cell wall biosynthesis, leading to cell death.

Clinical Applications

Due to its potent antibiotic activity, Mutacin 1140 has potential applications in the treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Studies have shown that it is effective against MRSA and VRE, two of the most challenging drug-resistant bacteria in clinical settings.

Moreover, Mutacin 1140 has a low propensity for inducing resistance, making it a promising candidate for the development of new antibiotics. However, further studies are needed to assess its safety and efficacy in humans.

See Also

• Lantibiotic
• Streptococcus mutans
• Antibiotic resistance