Pterulone

Pterulone

Pterulone is a natural product isolated from the fungus Pterula. It is a member of the polyketide class of natural products, which are derived from polyketide synthase enzymes. Pterulone exhibits antibiotic activity, and has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of bacterial infections.

History

Pterulone was first isolated in 1977 from the fungus Pterula, which is a member of the Basidiomycota phylum. The structure of pterulone was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Structure and Biosynthesis

Pterulone is a polyketide, a class of natural products that are synthesized by polyketide synthase enzymes. These enzymes build up the polyketide structure by sequentially adding acetyl-CoA units to a growing chain. The structure of pterulone includes a cyclopentenone ring, which is a common feature in polyketides.

Biological Activity

Pterulone exhibits antibiotic activity, and has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It is thought that pterulone works by disrupting the cell membrane of the bacteria, leading to cell death.

Potential Therapeutic Uses

Due to its antibiotic activity, pterulone has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of bacterial infections. However, further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of pterulone in humans.

See Also

• Polyketide
• Pterula
• Antibiotic