Identification of novel deoxyribofuranosyl indole antimicrobial agents

Three novel deoxyribofuranosyl indole derivatives, FG050227 (1), FG050223 (2) and FG050204 (3), were identified as antimicrobial agents effective against Gram-positive bacterial strains and some fungi. The MIC values of (1), (2) and (3) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were 3.0, 6.0 and 13 mu gml(-1), respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 had bactericidal activity against exponentially growing S. aureus and inhibited biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, protein, RNA and DNA. Compound 2 was bacteriostatic and inhibited the biosynthesis of protein and RNA. The results indicated that deoxyribofuranosyl indole derivatives could be potential lead compounds for the development of antimicrobial agents. The Journal of Antibiotics (2012) 65, 53-57; doi: 10.1038/ja.2011.110; published online 14 December 2011