Alamethicin F50 (CAS 56165-93-6)

Alamethicin F50, identified by the CAS number 56165-93-6, is a peptide antibiotic that is part of a broader class of compounds known as peptaibols, which are typically produced by fungi from the genus Trichoderma. Alamethicin F50 is particularly notable for its role in forming voltage-dependent ion channels in phospholipid bilayers. This mechanism involves the insertion of the alamethicin molecule into a lipid membrane, facilitated by its amphipathic nature—it possesses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Upon insertion, alamethicin aggregates to form a helical bundle that spans the lipid bilayer, creating a pore that disrupts cellular ion gradients. This disruption allows for the uncontrolled flow of ions, particularly calcium and sodium, across the cell membrane, which can lead to increased membrane permeability and ultimately, cellular dysfunction. In research, alamethicin F50 has been extensively used to study membrane biophysics, including the dynamics of peptide-lipid interactions and the functional modeling of ion channel behavior. These studies are crucial for understanding the fundamental properties of cellular membranes and ion channel operation, offering insights into the basic principles of electrophysiology and potential applications in developing synthetic ion channels and new methods for controlling bioelectrical processes in cells.