Drug Groups

approved

Description

Cerulenin is an antifungal antibiotic that inhibits sterol and fatty acid biosynthesis. In fatty acid synthesis, reported to bind in equimolar ratio to b-keto-acyl-ACP synthase. In sterol synthesis, inhibits HMG-CoA synthetase activity. It is also shown to inhibit feeding and induce dramatic weight loss in mice. It is found naturally in the Cephalosporium caerulensfungus. [Wikipedia]

Indication

For use as a biochemical tool, Cerulenin is shown to cause dramatic weight loss in animals

Pharmacology

Cerulenin is an antifungal antibiotic isolated from Cephalosporium caerulens. It interrupts fungal growth by inhibiting the biosynthesis of sterols and fatty acids (inhibits bacterial fatty acid synthesis). It also inhibits HMG-CoA synthetase activity. Cerulenin produces metabolic effects similar to effects of leptin, but through mechanisms that are independent of, or down-stream from, both leptin and melanocortin receptors.

Toxicity

Oral, mouse LD₅₀: 547 mg/kg. Symptoms of overexposure include moderate to severe erythema (redness) and moderate edema (raised skin), nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Affected Organisms

References

External Links