MedicalTerminology DB

1 Definition of plicamycin

Meaning of plicamycin: An antibiotic isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces plicatus with antineoplastic activity.

An antibiotic isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces plicatus with antineoplastic activity. Plicamycin, also known as mithramycin, binds to the minor groove of DNA at GC-rich sites, resulting in inhibition of RNA synthesis; this agent also inhibits mRNA expression, resulting in a reduction in protein synthesis. In addition, plicamycin may inhibit bone resorption by down regulating transcription of c-src, an oncogene involved in bone metabolism and resorption.

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