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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Production and Testing of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Mimics
Published on: April 10, 2026
Structure-based design, synthesis, and A-site rRNA cocrystal complexes of functionally novel aminoglycoside
Stephen Hanessian1, Janek Szychowski, Susanta Sekhar Adhikari
1Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C. P. 6128, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, P. Q., Canada. stephen.hanessian@umontreal.ca
Abstract:
A series of 2"-O-substituted ether analogues of paromomycin were prepared based on new site-selective functionalizations. X-ray cocrystal complexes of several such analogues revealed a new mode of binding in the A-site rRNA, whereby rings I and II adopted the familiar orientation and position previously observed with paromomycin, but rings III and IV were oriented differently. With few exceptions, all of the new analogues showed potent inhibitory activity equal or better than paromomycin against a sensitive strain of S. aureus. Single digit microM MIC values were obtained against E. coli, with some of the ether appendages containing polar or basic end groups. Two analogues showed excellent survival rate in a mouse septicemia protection assay. Preliminary histopathological analysis of the kidney showed no overt signs of toxicity, while controls with neomycin and kanamycin were toxic at lower doses.
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