Identification of novel deoxyribofuranosyl indole antimicrobial agents

Three novel deoxyribofuranosyl indole derivatives, FG050227 ( 1 ), FG050223 ( 2 ) and FG050204 ( 3 ), were identified as antimicrobial agents effective against Gram-positive bacterial strains and some fungi. The MIC values of ( 1 ), ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were 3.0, 6.0 and 13 μ g ml −1 , respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 had bactericidal activity against exponentially growing S. aureus and inhibited biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, protein, RNA and DNA. Compound 2 was bacteriostatic and inhibited the biosynthesis of protein and RNA. The results indicated that deoxyribofuranosyl indole derivatives could be potential lead compounds for the development of antimicrobial agents.