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Antimicrobial Compounds That Inhibit FtsZ Protein

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

BackgroundThere is an ongoing need to identify new lead compounds with novel mechanisms of action to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and it has been estimated that in the United States more people die from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) related infections than from HIV. Moreover, the prevalence of invasive infections is reported to have risen with the increasing numbers of patients infected with HIV, receiving cancer therapy or treatment with broad- spectrum antibiotics. In fact 90,000 people die from hospital-acquired bacterial infections in the United States each year in part due to the fact that clinically important bacteria have developed multiple antibiotic resistance to drugs of last resort such as fluoroquinolones, vancomycin, and carbapemens. One reason for the development of antimicrobial resistance is the ability of infectious organisms to adapt quickly to new environmental conditions. The innate adaptability of microbes is complemented by the widespread and sometimes inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs. TechnologyA new class of chrysophaentin antibiotics has been discovered. Eight novel broad-spectrum antibiotics, chrysophaentins 1-8, belonging to a new structural class were isolated from the yellow alga. These are effective at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA), and/or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Application1) Antibiotic to treat infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteriaAdvantages1) Antibiotic targets the bacterial cell division protein, FtsZ, a relatively new target in antimicrobial drug discovery programs2) Target is not found in mammalian cells, making it a more specific target for antimicrobial agents3) Does not affect cell division in mammals being treated for an infection

*Principal Investigator

Name: Carol Bewley

Department:

Name: Peter Wipf, Professor

Department: Chemistry

Country/Region

USA