Pleuromutilin (CAS 125-65-5)

Pleuromutilin, a natural diterpene antibiotic first isolated from the mushroom *Pleurotus mutilus*, features a unique tricyclic mutilin core structure, which underpins its antibacterial action. This compound exerts its effects by specifically targeting the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) within the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, crucially inhibiting the peptidyl transferase enzyme responsible for peptide bond formation during protein synthesis. By disrupting this fundamental process, pleuromutilin effectively halts the production of essential proteins, leading to the cessation of bacterial growth. Extensively utilized in research, pleuromutilin has provided significant insights into the mechanisms of bacterial protein synthesis and resistance to ribosomal inhibitors, aiding in the development of novel antibacterial agents. Researchers value pleuromutilin for its unique binding properties, which differ significantly from those of other antibiotic classes, making it a pivotal tool in the study of antibiotic action and resistance, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. This has implications for non-medical applications as well, including the development of new biopreservation techniques and antimicrobial treatments for industrial products, where preventing bacterial contamination is crucial.