Luzopeptin A (Synonyms: BBM-928A)

Luzopeptin A is a cyclic depsipeptide antibiotic.

A depsipeptide is a peptide in which one or more of its amide groups are replaced by the corresponding ester, or more generally, is a molecule that has both peptide and ester linkages in proximity in the same amino acid-containing small molecule or chain.

In vitro: Previous study found that luzopeptin A treatment could produce additional DNA bands which were the products of type II biintercalation. The types of restriction fragments involved were identified. Maximal type II biintercalation occurred at a luzopeptin A/DNA range of 0.14 to 0.18, at which more than 50% of the total DNA molecules were involved. Type II products were gradually converted to type I products upon prolonged incubation at 37 degrees, maybe due to the tendency for intermolecular bonds to disrupt. Echinomycin treatment failed to produce type II products, probably because of a DNA-binding affinity weaker than that of luzopeptin A [1].

In vivo: Animal study showed that when administered as a suspension in 0.9% NaCl solution, luzopeptin A demonstrated good activity against i.p. B16 melanoma and i.p. P388 leukemia and weak activity versus i.v. P388, i.p. L1210 leukemia, Lewis lung, and Madison 109 lung carcinomas. In terms of tumor cell kill, luzopeptin A induced net reductions in the body burdens of L1210 and P388 leukemias following single-drug injections but failed to yield net reductions following multiple-injection therapies [2].

Clinical trial: So far, no clinical study has been conducted.

References:
[1] Huang, C. H.,Mirabelli, C.K.,Mong, S., et al. Intermolecular cross-linking of DNA through bifunctional intercalation of an antitumor antibiotic, luzopeptin A (BBM-928A). Cancer Research 43, 2718-2724 (1983).
[2] Rose WC, Schurig JE, Huftalen JB, Bradner WT.  Experimental antitumor activity and toxicity of a new chemotherapeutic agent, BBM 928A. Cancer Res. 1983 Apr;43(4):1504-10.