Neoantimycin (CAS 22862-63-1)

Neoantimycin, identified by the CAS number 22862-63-1, is a member of the antimycin class of compounds, which are distinguished by their potent activity as inhibitors of mitochondrial complex III (ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase) in the electron transport chain. This complex is critical for the mitochondrial process of oxidative phosphorylation, which is the primary pathway for ATP generation in eukaryotic cells. Neoantimycin exerts its effects by binding to the Qi site of cytochrome b, which is part of complex III. This binding interferes with the normal electron transfer from ubiquinol to cytochrome c, leading to a disruption in the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane and, consequently, a decrease in ATP synthesis. The inhibition also results in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts, which can induce oxidative stress in cells. In research, neoantimycin has been extensively used to study the biochemical and cellular effects of mitochondrial dysfunction. This includes investigations into how cells respond to decreased mitochondrial function and the role of ROS as signaling molecules. Additionally, neoantimycin serves as a tool in the study of apoptosis and other cell death pathways that are influenced by changes in cellular energy levels and oxidative stress, providing insights into disease mechanisms related to mitochondrial impairments.