Semisynthesis of Platensimycin Derivatives with Antibiotic Activities in Mice via Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions

Platensimycin (PTM), originally isolated from soil bacteria Streptomyces platensis, is a potent FabF inhibitor against many Gram-positive pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. However, the further clinical development of PTM is hampered by its poor pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, 20 PTM derivatives were prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by Pd (0)/C. Compared to PTM, 6-pyrenyl PTM (6t) showed improved antibacterial activity against MRSA in a mouse peritonitis model. Our results support the strategy to target the essential fatty acid synthases in major pathogens, in order to discover and develop new generations of antibiotics.