Cellocidin (CAS 543-21-5)

Cellocidin, a polycyclic antibiotic, has been a focal point in microbiological and biochemical research due to its unique mechanism of action and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. It functions by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis and membrane integrity, leading to cell lysis and death. Specifically, cellocidin targets the peptidoglycan layer in bacterial cell walls, interfering with cross-linking processes essential for cell wall strength and rigidity. This compound has been instrumental in studies exploring bacterial resistance mechanisms, particularly in Gram-positive bacteria. Researchers have utilized cellocidin to investigate its interactions with bacterial enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, providing insights into its bactericidal efficacy. Additionally, cellocidin has been used in structural biology to explain the three-dimensional configurations of enzyme-inhibitor complexes through techniques like X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These studies have highlighted its binding affinity and specificity for bacterial targets, offering a blueprint for the design of new antibacterial agents. Recent research has also focused on modifying cellocidin′s chemical structure to enhance its activity and stability, aiming to overcome resistance issues and broaden its antibacterial spectrum. As a result, cellocidin continues to be a valuable tool in the development of novel antibiotics and the understanding of bacterial cell wall synthesis and resistance mechanisms.