Labyrinthopeptins: A New Class of Carbacyclic Lantibiotics

A-maze-ing peptides: The structure of the novel lantibiotic labyrinthopeptin A2 (see picture) contains labionin—an unprecedented carbacyclic, posttranslationally modified amino acid. The identification of the biosynthetic gene cluster of labyrinthopeptins was also successful. Labyrinthopeptin A2 revealed a pronounced in vivo efficacy (attenuation of tactile allodynia) in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.