Anticancer Peptides advanced
Plicamycin (Mithramycin)
Aureolic acid antibiotic from Streptomyces inhibiting RNA synthesis, used for testicular cancer and hypercalcemia.
By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 1 min read
plicamycin mithramycin aureolic-acid testicular-cancer hypercalcemia
Chemical Identity
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C52H76O24 |
| Molecular Weight | 1183.3 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 18476-37-8 |
| Source | Streptomyces argillaceus |
Structure
Plicamycin is a polyketide antibiotic belonging to the aureolic acid family, consisting of a tricyclic chromophore linked to a oligosaccharide chain.
Mechanism
Binds to the GC-rich region of DNA, inhibiting RNA polymerase and DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. Also inhibits Src kinase signaling.
Clinical Applications
- Testicular cancer (refractory)
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy (when bisphosphonates fail)
- Highly toxic (hepatic, renal, hemorrhagic)
References
- Encyclopeptide Database. “Plicamycin (Mithramycin)” monograph. encyclopeptide.com.
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