Platensimycin

Platensimycin is a novel antibiotic that was discovered by researchers at Merck. It is a natural product that is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces platensis. Platensimycin has been shown to be effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Discovery

Platensimycin was discovered in 2006 by a team of researchers at Merck. The team was screening natural products for their potential as antibiotics, and platensimycin was identified as a promising candidate. The compound was isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces platensis, which was found in a soil sample from South Africa.

Mechanism of action

Platensimycin works by inhibiting the enzyme FabF, which is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids in bacteria. By blocking this enzyme, platensimycin prevents the bacteria from producing the fatty acids they need to build their cell membranes. This inhibits the growth of the bacteria and eventually leads to their death.

Potential uses

Platensimycin has been shown to be effective against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. These bacteria are responsible for a number of serious infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections. Platensimycin could therefore potentially be used to treat these infections.

However, platensimycin is not effective against Gram-negative bacteria, which have a different type of cell membrane. Further research is needed to determine whether platensimycin can be modified to be effective against these bacteria.

Research and development

Although platensimycin has shown promise in laboratory studies, it has not yet been tested in humans. Before it can be used as a drug, it will need to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy. This will involve preclinical studies in animals, followed by clinical trials in humans.

See also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Drug discovery
• Natural product

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