Ferrocin A is a lipopeptide compound that targets the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12). Ferrocin A can stably bind to nsp12, and as an iron-chelating peptide, it reduces the concentration of free iron in the environment via complexation, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth by repressing the acquisition of essential metal cations. As an iron-chelating antiviral molecule, Ferrocin A may be used in studies related to COVID-19 and bacterial infections[1].
References
[1] Xia B, et al. Lipopeptides against COVID-19 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase using molecular docking. Biomed J. 2021 Dec;44(6 Suppl 1):S15-S24. DOI:10.1016/j.bj.2021.11.010 [2] Katayama N, et al. Ferrocins, new iron-containing peptide antibiotics produced by bacteria. Taxonomy, fermentation and biological activity. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1993 Jan;46(1):65-70. DOI:10.7164/antibiotics.46.65
