Enniatin A

Cyclohexadepsipeptide mycotoxin. One of four major analogs in the enniatin complex. Commonly found food contaminant in cereals and their products. Ionophore antibiotic. Incorporation into the cell membrane forms dimeric structures that transport monovalent ions across the membrane (especially the mitochondrial membranes) affecting oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling. Anticancer compound. Triggers apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. Leads to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest. Moderate inhibitor of ACAT (acylcoenzyme A:cholesterolacyl transferase). Shown to have a variety of other biological activities such as antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, immunomodulatory and phytotoxic activity.