Inhibition of mycolic acid biosynthesis in a cell-wall preparation from Mycobacterium smegmatis by methyl 4-(2-octadecylcyclopropen-1-y1) butanoate, a structural analogue of a key precursor |
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Authors: | P R Wheeler G S Besra D E Minnikin C Ratledge |
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Institution: | *Department of Applied Biology, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK;†Department of Chemistry, The University, Newcastle-upon-Type NE1 7RU, UK |
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Abstract: | 14C]acetate was incorporated into mycolic acids by a cell-free, cell-wall fraction from Mycobacterium smegmatis . This activity was inhibited by methyl 4-(2-octadecylcyclopropen-1-y1) butanoate which was designed as a structural analogue of cis -tetracos-5-enoate, a precursor of mycolic acid biosynthesis. Other fatty acids and their methyl esters failed to inhibit mycolic acid biosynthesis at the concentration 1–2 mg ml-1, at which methyl 4-(2-octadecylcyclopropen-1-y1) butanoate was effective. Thus a novel agent was shown to act against an enzyme activity or target involved specifically in biosynthesis of a characteristic, mycobacterial, cell-wall component. |
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