Fusidic acid (CAS 6990-06-3)

Fusidic acid, with the CAS number 6990-06-3, is a steroidal antibiotic compound derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum. This molecule is distinguished by its unique steroidal structure, which plays a crucial role in its mode of action against bacterial cells. Fusidic acid operates by selectively binding to the elongation factor G (EF-G) found in the bacterial ribosome. This interaction effectively blocks the translocation step of protein synthesis, where EF-G is instrumental in advancing the mRNA and tRNA through the ribosome during protein assembly. By inhibiting this critical step, fusidic acid disrupts protein synthesis, leading to the cessation of bacterial growth. This specific mechanism makes fusidic acid a valuable tool in research, particularly in the study of bacterial protein synthesis and ribosome function. It provides a means to probe the dynamics of the ribosome′s action and to understand the role of various bacterial elongation factors in protein synthesis. Additionally, research involving fusidic acid has expanded into studying the potential for resistance mechanisms that bacteria can develop, which is crucial for the ongoing development of strategies to combat bacterial infections. This research has broad implications for understanding the fundamentals of bacterial physiology and the development of antibacterial agents.