A class of macrocyclic lactams that consist of an aromatic (phenyl or naphthyl) or quinonoid (benzoquinone or naphthoquinone) moiety that is bridged by an aliphatic chain.
| Member | Definition | Role |
|---|
| 17-(dimethylaminoethylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin | A 19-membered macrocyle that is geldanamycin in which the methoxy group attached to the benzoquinone moiety has been replaced by a 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethylamino group. | alvespimycin |
| geldanamycin | An ansamycin consisting of a 19-membered macrocyle incorporating a benzoquinone ring and a lactam functionality. It shows antimicrobial activity against many Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. | geldanamycin |
| tanespimycin | A 19-membered macrocyle that is geldanamycin in which the methoxy substituent attached to the benzoquinone moiety has been replaced by an allylamino group. It is a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). A less toxic analogue than geldanamycin, it induces apoptosis and displays antitumour effects. | tanespimycin |