What is "germicidin"

Germicidins are a groups of natural products arising from Streptomyces species that acts as autoregulatory inhibitor of spore germination. In Streptomyces viriochromogenes, low concentrations (200 pM) inhibit germination of its own arthrospores, and higher concentrations inhibit porcine Na+/K+ -activated ATPase. Inhibitory effects on germination are also observed when germicidin from Streptomyces is applied to Lepidium sativum. Germicidins and other natural products present potential use as pharmaceuticals, and in this case, those with possible antibiotic or antifungal activity.

Four germicidin homologs have been isolated from Streptomyces coelicor: germicidin A, germicidin B, germicidin C, and surugapyrone A (germicidin D). All compounds inhibit spore germination. Germicidin A exhibits reversible inhibition as well as having activity resulting in hyphal elongation.