Isolation of a jadomycin incorporating l -ornithine, analysis of antimicrobial activity and jadomycin reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Herein, we report the characterization and antimicrobial activity of a previously unreported jadomycin (1) obtained from a culture of S. venezuelae ISP5230 with l-ornithine (Orn). 1 arises from the rearrangement of a putative five-membered ring containing jadomycin incorporating Orn, whereby intramolecular attack of the E-ring carbonyl from the δ-NH2 group of the Orn side chain results in collapse of the oxazolone ring and formation of a stable six-membered lactam. This rearrangement produces a jadomycin with a 3a hemiaminal position that is susceptible to solvolysis. A structure–activity relationship is discussed based on the antimicrobial activity of 1 compared to previously reported jadomycins, providing evidence that the presence of a 3a hemiaminal enhances activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, assays to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cell viability were performed using a series of nine jadomycins. Compound 1 was found to produce the highest ROS activity and to possess the greatest cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.