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'''Vancosamine''' is a [[amino sugar]] that is a constituent of several [[antibiotic]]s, including [[vancomycin]], [[rhamnovancomycin]], and [[avoparcin]]. It is a non-proteinogenic [[amino acid]] that is derived from [[glucose]].
== Vancosamine ==
 
[[File:Vancosamine_and_epivancosamine.png|thumb|right|Vancosamine and epivancosamine structures]]
 
'''Vancosamine''' is a sugar derivative that is part of the glycopeptide antibiotic [[vancomycin]]. It is a deoxy sugar, specifically a 3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxyhexose, and plays a crucial role in the activity of vancomycin by contributing to its ability to bind to bacterial cell walls.


== Structure and Properties ==
== Structure and Properties ==


Vancosamine is a [[monosaccharide]] derivative, specifically an [[amino sugar]]. It is a [[stereoisomer]] of [[glucosamine]], meaning it has the same molecular formula but a different three-dimensional arrangement of atoms. Vancosamine has a molecular formula of C_6H_13NO_5 and a molar mass of 179.17 g/mol.
Vancosamine is characterized by its unique structure, which includes an amino group at the C-3 position and the absence of hydroxyl groups at the C-2, C-3, and C-6 positions. This structure is essential for its function in antibiotics, as it allows for specific interactions with bacterial targets.
 
== Biosynthesis ==


The structure of vancosamine includes a [[hydroxyl]] group (-OH), an [[amino group]] (-NH2), and a [[carboxyl group]] (-COOH). The presence of these functional groups gives vancosamine its chemical properties, including its ability to form [[hydrogen bond]]s and its solubility in water.
The biosynthesis of vancosamine involves several enzymatic steps that convert simple sugar precursors into the complex structure of vancosamine. The process begins with the formation of a nucleotide-activated sugar, which undergoes a series of modifications, including deoxygenation and amination.


== Biological Role ==
=== Initial Steps ===


Vancosamine is a component of several antibiotics, including vancomycin, rhamnovancomycin, and avoparcin. These antibiotics are used to treat a variety of [[bacterial infection]]s, particularly those caused by [[Gram-positive bacteria]]. The presence of vancosamine in these antibiotics contributes to their antibacterial activity.
[[File:Vancosamine_biosynth_part_1.png|thumb|right|Initial steps in vancosamine biosynthesis]]


In the case of vancomycin, vancosamine is thought to interact with the [[peptidoglycan]] layer of bacterial cell walls, preventing the synthesis of new cell wall material and thus inhibiting bacterial growth. This makes vancomycin a valuable treatment for infections caused by [[methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]] (MRSA) and other drug-resistant bacteria.
The biosynthesis pathway starts with the conversion of a common sugar nucleotide, such as [[UDP-glucose]], into a deoxygenated form. This is achieved through the action of specific dehydratase enzymes that remove hydroxyl groups.


== Synthesis ==
=== Amination and Final Modifications ===


Vancosamine is synthesized from glucose through a series of enzymatic reactions. The first step is the conversion of glucose to [[glucosamine]] by the enzyme [[glucosamine synthase]]. Glucosamine is then converted to vancosamine by the enzyme [[vancosamine synthase]].
[[File:Vancosamine_biosynthesis_part_2.png|thumb|right|Amination and final modifications in vancosamine biosynthesis]]


== See Also ==
Subsequent steps involve the introduction of an amino group, typically through the action of transaminase enzymes. The final structure of vancosamine is achieved after several more modifications, including the addition of methyl groups and further deoxygenation.
 
== Role in Antibiotics ==
 
Vancosamine is a critical component of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. It enhances the antibiotic's ability to bind to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of bacterial cell wall precursors, thereby inhibiting cell wall synthesis and exerting its antibacterial effects. This makes vancomycin an important treatment option for infections caused by [[Gram-positive bacteria]], including [[methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]] (MRSA).
 
== Related Pages ==


* [[Vancomycin]]
* [[Vancomycin]]
* [[Rhamnovancomycin]]
* [[Glycopeptide antibiotics]]
* [[Avoparcin]]
* [[Bacterial cell wall synthesis]]
* [[Amino sugar]]
* [[Antibiotic]]
 
[[Category: Amino sugars]]
[[Category: Antibiotics]]
[[Category: Non-proteinogenic amino acids]]


{{medicine-stub}}
[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Carbohydrates]]
<gallery>
File:Vancosamine_and_epivancosamine.png|Vancosamine and Epivancosamine
File:Vancosamine_biosynth_part_1.png|Vancosamine Biosynthesis Part 1
File:Vancosamine_biosynthesis_part_2.png|Vancosamine Biosynthesis Part 2
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 04:02, 18 February 2025

Vancosamine[edit]

Vancosamine and epivancosamine structures

Vancosamine is a sugar derivative that is part of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. It is a deoxy sugar, specifically a 3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxyhexose, and plays a crucial role in the activity of vancomycin by contributing to its ability to bind to bacterial cell walls.

Structure and Properties[edit]

Vancosamine is characterized by its unique structure, which includes an amino group at the C-3 position and the absence of hydroxyl groups at the C-2, C-3, and C-6 positions. This structure is essential for its function in antibiotics, as it allows for specific interactions with bacterial targets.

Biosynthesis[edit]

The biosynthesis of vancosamine involves several enzymatic steps that convert simple sugar precursors into the complex structure of vancosamine. The process begins with the formation of a nucleotide-activated sugar, which undergoes a series of modifications, including deoxygenation and amination.

Initial Steps[edit]

Initial steps in vancosamine biosynthesis

The biosynthesis pathway starts with the conversion of a common sugar nucleotide, such as UDP-glucose, into a deoxygenated form. This is achieved through the action of specific dehydratase enzymes that remove hydroxyl groups.

Amination and Final Modifications[edit]

Amination and final modifications in vancosamine biosynthesis

Subsequent steps involve the introduction of an amino group, typically through the action of transaminase enzymes. The final structure of vancosamine is achieved after several more modifications, including the addition of methyl groups and further deoxygenation.

Role in Antibiotics[edit]

Vancosamine is a critical component of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. It enhances the antibiotic's ability to bind to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of bacterial cell wall precursors, thereby inhibiting cell wall synthesis and exerting its antibacterial effects. This makes vancomycin an important treatment option for infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Related Pages[edit]