Structure-activity relationship of S-benzylisothiourea derivatives to induce spherical cells in Escherichia coli
Iwai, N. (Tokyo Inst. of Technology, Yokohama (Japan)) | Ebata, T. | Nagura, H. | Kitazume, T. | Nagai, K. | Wachi, M.
We have previously reported that a novel S-benzylIsothiourea derivative, S-(3,4dichlorobenzyl)isothiourea, tentatively named A22, induced spherical cells in Escheriehia cod. To elucidate the structural element(srequired for Inducing these spherical cells, the biological activity of S-benzyllsothiourea derivatives and related compounds toward E. colt cells was Investigated. S-(4 Chlorobenzyl)isothiourea revealed spherical cell-inducIng activity, although being slightly less potent than A22, and S-benzyllsothlourea itself showed much less activity. S-Cyclohexylmethyllsothiourea did not show antibacterial activity and had little effect on the cell shape. SHeptylisothiourea showed antibacterial activity and Induced elongated cells rather than spherical cells. Benzylisothiocyanate Inhibited cell growth but did not induce spherical cells. S-Ethyllsothiourea, benzylthiocyanate, benzylisocyanate, and N-phenylthlourea did not show any activity under the present experimental conditions. These results indicate that the S-benzyllsothiourea structure was necessary and sufficient for inducing spherical cells and that 3 and/or 4-chlorosubstitution of the S-benzyl group enhanced this activity.
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