Nystatin

Authors: A J Birch

Publish Date: 1967

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 228-230

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Abstract

The biosynthesis of nystatin cannot be divorced in principle from that of the macrolide antibiotics in general for a review see for example Grisebach 1964 It is unique however in that much of what is known of the structure is due to biosynthetic investigations The macrolides are characterised by manymembered lactone rings carrying numerous substituents methyl groups hydroxyl groups unusual sugar and frequently at least one carbonyl group The subgroup of polyenes contains a conjugated series of double bonds usually about four to seven in number They are biogenetically of the class of polyketides composed of “acetate” and “propionate” units the methyl groups are due to “propionate” units apart in some cases from a terminal “acetate” one and much of the oxygen frequently in βpositions is a remnant of the polyketide carbonyl groups and is usually present as OH More introduced oxygens are also frequently present

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