Microbe-derived aromatic polyketides toward MRSA infection: current advances and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major multidrug-resistant pathogen causing significant global health issues.
• Aromatic polyketides are complex natural products with diverse biological activities, offering potential as antimicrobial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review natural aromatic polyketides with anti-MRSA activity discovered between 2005 and 2025.
• To summarize their structure-activity relationships, bioactivities, mechanisms, and clinical status.
• To provide perspectives on future drug development for anti-MRSA aromatic polyketide therapies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of natural aromatic polyketides with reported anti-MRSA activity (MICs < 10 µg mL⁻¹).
• Classification of compounds based on microbial sources.
• Analysis of structure-activity relationships, additional bioactivities, and antibacterial mechanisms.
• Assessment of clinical utilization, limitations, and future trends.

Main Results:

• Identification and classification of numerous natural aromatic polyketides exhibiting potent anti-MRSA activity.
• Detailed summary of structure-activity relationships and diverse biological profiles.
• Evaluation of current clinical applications and challenges for MRSA treatment.

Conclusions:

• Natural aromatic polyketides represent a valuable resource for developing novel anti-MRSA drugs.
• Further research into structure optimization and mechanism elucidation is crucial for advancing these compounds.
• This review offers insights for future drug innovation in combating MRSA infections.