Phleomycin

Overview

Chemical structure of Phleomycin D1

Phleomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that belongs to the bleomycin family of antibiotics. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. Phleomycin is known for its ability to bind to DNA and cause strand breaks, making it a potent antitumor and antimicrobial agent.

Mechanism of Action

Phleomycin exerts its effects by binding to DNA and inducing DNA strand breaks. This process involves the formation of a complex with metal ions, such as iron or copper, which facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive species then attack the DNA, leading to single and double-strand breaks. This mechanism is similar to that of other bleomycin antibiotics.

Clinical Uses

Phleomycin is primarily used in research settings rather than in clinical practice. It is often employed as a selective agent in molecular biology experiments, particularly in the selection of genetically modified cells that express a phleomycin resistance gene. This application is similar to the use of neomycin or hygromycin in cell culture.

Side Effects

While phleomycin is not commonly used in clinical settings, its side effects are expected to be similar to those of bleomycin, which include pulmonary fibrosis, skin toxicity, and mucositis. These side effects are primarily due to the drug's ability to cause DNA damage in normal cells.

Related Compounds

Phleomycin is part of the bleomycin family, which includes other compounds such as bleomycin A2 and bleomycin B2. These compounds share a similar mechanism of action and are used in various chemotherapy regimens.

Related Pages

• Bleomycin
• Antibiotic
• DNA damage
• Streptomyces