Nonactin is a cyclic ionophore commonly produced by several species of Streptomyces which selectively binds K⁺ and NH₄⁺. Nonactin has been reported to inhibit the processing of cytoplasmic precursor proteins destined for the mitochondria. Nonactin is an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and induces ATP hydrolysis at a concentration of  1x10^-7 M.

Nonactin has been shown to inhibit the production and gene transcription of IL-5 but not of IL-2 or IL-4. Nonactin has also been used as an ammonium ionophore for ammonium ion determination in a potentiometric electrode for biosensor construction as well as in a fluorescent immuno assay to detect K⁺ ions in pharmaceutical samples.

In the presence of Thallus acetate, Nonactin has further stimulated the swelling of rat liver mitochondria than thallus acetate alone. It also has shown to inhibit the effects on P170 glycoprotein-mediated efflux of chemotherapeutic agents in MDR cancer cells.

Additional Information

Additional Information