Platensimycin: Difference between revisions

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'''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.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Platensimycin}}
 
== Overview ==
[[File:Platensimycin_skeletal.svg|thumb|right|Skeletal structure of Platensimycin]]
'''Platensimycin''' is a novel [[antibiotic]] compound that was discovered in 2006. It is produced by the bacterium ''[[Streptomyces platensis]]''. Platensimycin is notable for its unique mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of [[fatty acid synthesis]] in bacteria, a process essential for bacterial cell membrane production.


== Discovery ==
== 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.
Platensimycin was discovered by researchers at [[Merck & Co.]] during a screening of natural products for antibiotic activity. The compound was isolated from a strain of ''Streptomyces platensis'' found in a soil sample. Its discovery was significant because it represented a new class of antibiotics at a time when antibiotic resistance was becoming a major public health concern.


== Mechanism of action ==
== 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.
Platensimycin functions by inhibiting the enzyme [[FabF]], which is a key component of the [[fatty acid biosynthesis]] pathway in bacteria. By blocking this enzyme, platensimycin effectively halts the production of fatty acids, which are crucial for the formation of bacterial cell membranes. This leads to the death of the bacterial cells.


== Potential uses ==
== Spectrum of Activity ==
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.
Platensimycin has been shown to be effective against a range of [[Gram-positive bacteria]], including [[methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]] (MRSA) and [[vancomycin-resistant Enterococci]] (VRE). However, it is not effective against [[Gram-negative bacteria]] due to their outer membrane, which prevents the compound from reaching its target.


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.
== Clinical Development ==
As of the latest updates, platensimycin is still in the preclinical stages of development. Its potential as a therapeutic agent is being explored, but challenges such as its pharmacokinetic properties and the need for effective delivery methods are areas of ongoing research.


== Research and development ==
== Related Pages ==
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]]
* [[Antibiotic resistance]]
* [[Drug discovery]]
* [[Streptomyces]]
* [[Natural product]]
* [[Fatty acid synthesis]]
* [[Gram-positive bacteria]]


[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Antibiotics]]
[[Category:Natural products]]
[[Category:Streptomyces]]
[[Category:Drug discovery]]
[[Category:2006 in science]]
 
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Latest revision as of 11:08, 15 February 2025


Overview[edit]

Skeletal structure of Platensimycin

Platensimycin is a novel antibiotic compound that was discovered in 2006. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces platensis. Platensimycin is notable for its unique mechanism of action, which involves the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis in bacteria, a process essential for bacterial cell membrane production.

Discovery[edit]

Platensimycin was discovered by researchers at Merck & Co. during a screening of natural products for antibiotic activity. The compound was isolated from a strain of Streptomyces platensis found in a soil sample. Its discovery was significant because it represented a new class of antibiotics at a time when antibiotic resistance was becoming a major public health concern.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Platensimycin functions by inhibiting the enzyme FabF, which is a key component of the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway in bacteria. By blocking this enzyme, platensimycin effectively halts the production of fatty acids, which are crucial for the formation of bacterial cell membranes. This leads to the death of the bacterial cells.

Spectrum of Activity[edit]

Platensimycin has been shown to be effective against a range of Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). However, it is not effective against Gram-negative bacteria due to their outer membrane, which prevents the compound from reaching its target.

Clinical Development[edit]

As of the latest updates, platensimycin is still in the preclinical stages of development. Its potential as a therapeutic agent is being explored, but challenges such as its pharmacokinetic properties and the need for effective delivery methods are areas of ongoing research.

Related Pages[edit]