Trioxacarcin B (TXN-B) is a potent cytotoxic agent and DNA-targeted inhibitor. Trioxacarcin B disrupts DNA function and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Trioxacarcin B not only effectively inhibits the growth of various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Plasmodium falciparum, but also blocks the colony formation of cancer stem cells, significantly reduces tumor volume and prolongs survival in preclinical in vivo models. The activity of Trioxacarcin B is highly dependent on its intact spiro-epoxide structure; it loses efficacy once this moiety undergoes hydrolysis, and Trioxacarcin B shows no activity against fungi, microalgae and small RNA viruses. Trioxacarcin B can be used for research on bacterial infections, malaria, and various cancers including colon cancer and melanoma.
