Benzyl N-Acetyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-muramic Acid Methyl Ester (CAS 104371-51-9)

Benzyl N-Acetyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-muramic Acid Methyl Ester is a chemically synthesized derivative of muramic acid, which is a component of the peptidoglycan layer in bacterial cell walls. This compound is particularly used in biochemical research focused on bacterial cell wall synthesis and the mechanisms of action of antibiotics targeting these pathways. The specific modifications in this compound, including the benzylidene and methyl ester groups, make it a valuable tool for studying the enzymatic activities involved in the biosynthesis and remodeling of peptidoglycan. In research settings, this compound is utilized to probe the specificity and kinetics of enzymes such as peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases, which play critical roles in the polymerization of glycan strands and the cross-linking processes crucial for maintaining cell wall integrity. By inhibiting these enzymes, researchers can study the effects of disrupted cell wall synthesis on bacterial growth and survival, providing insights into the development of new antibacterial strategies that target these pathways. Moreover, Benzyl N-Acetyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-muramic Acid Methyl Ester serves as a substrate or inhibitor in enzymatic assays, allowing scientists to explore how bacteria respond to and compensate for wall synthesis inhibition. This research is fundamental for advancing our understanding of bacterial physiology and the development of novel approaches to control bacterial infections.