Scientists have discovered new chemical compounds that can fight fungal infestations in humans and plants. They also gave it a special name.
At the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, scientists have come across three powerful, natural compounds that can effectively fight fungi. Sounds theoretical, but could be an important discovery: Many fungal organisms are becoming increasingly resistant to so-called antimycotics, because these are used in large quantities on agricultural land, among other things. As the fungi become more resilient, they can pose a serious threat to agriculture, but also to human health.
Keanu, the molecule
Due to the high penetrating power of the three newly discovered substances, the researchers were so impressed that they named them after an actor who very efficiently puts an end to villains in Hollywood films: Keanu Reeves, known among other things from the film series “John Wick” or “Matrix”. .
The “keanumycins” are a by-product of the bacterium of the genus Pseudomonas, which is normally found in soil and water. The molecules don’t just work on plants: The compounds, called lipopeptides, may also work efficiently on human fungal infections, according to the study, recently published in the “Journal of the American Chemical Society” has been published.
Keanumycins A, B and C were first tested on a hydrangea infested with Botrytis cinerea, a causative agent of gray mold rot. The fungus causes enormous crop damage. It turned out that the keanumycins are extremely effective and at the same time biodegradable. So they could represent an alternative to pesticides.
Also conceivable for medicines against fungal infestation
The compounds also proved to be effective against a natural yeast called Candida albicans, which is found in the human microbiome but can overgrow it and lead to a severe infection, while at the same time not being harmful to human cells. The results could be a basis for the development of new antifungal drugs.
The researchers said they now want to test other compounds. Will these be named after a Hollywood star if they are effective?