Enniatins are a family of depsipeptide ionophores, produced several Fusarium species. More recently, the effects of the enniatins on acyl-CoA cholesterol transferase, transporters and the selectivity of their antitumour action have received more focus. Enniatin B1 is one of four major analogues of the enniatin complex and has not previously been available for investigation.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Enniatins are a group of cyclohexadepsipeptide mycotoxins produced by Gnomonia errabuda and several Fusaria species, with phytotoxic, antibiotic, and insecticidal activities. Enniatins function as ionophors by their incorporation into the cellular membrane to form dimeric structures that transport monovalent ions across the membrane (especially the mitochondrial membranes) affecting oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling. It has been demonstrated that enniatins have a cytotoxic effect on human cancer cells. Furthermore, incubation of H4IIE hepatoma cells with enniatins strongly diminished phosphorylation of the ERK (p44/p42). Enniatins B and B1 inhibit the multi-drug resistance transporter Pdr5p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating their beneficial potential in cases of drug resistant patients.
