10-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazine

Description

You are likely referring to **10-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazine** which is also known as **pyocyanin**.

**Pyocyanin** is a blue-green pigment produced by the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*. It is a redox-active molecule that can act as a signaling molecule, an antioxidant, and a toxin.

Here's why pyocyanin is important for research:

**1. Role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections:**
* *P. aeruginosa* is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
* Pyocyanin is one of the major virulence factors produced by this bacterium.
* It contributes to bacterial survival and pathogenesis by:
* **Generating reactive oxygen species (ROS)**: Pyocyanin promotes oxidative stress in host cells, damaging tissues and contributing to inflammation.
* **Inhibiting immune cell function**: Pyocyanin can interfere with the activity of immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, hindering their ability to fight infection.
* **Forming biofilms**: Pyocyanin can facilitate the formation of biofilms, which are resistant to antibiotics and make infections difficult to treat.

**2. Potential Therapeutic Applications:**
* Despite its role as a virulence factor, pyocyanin also exhibits some interesting biological activities that have potential therapeutic applications.
* **Antioxidant activity:** Pyocyanin can scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. This has led to investigations into its use in treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
* **Anti-cancer activity:** Studies have shown that pyocyanin can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, potentially by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
* **Anti-inflammatory activity:** Pyocyanin has been shown to reduce inflammation in some animal models.

**3. Research Tool:**
* Pyocyanin is a valuable research tool for studying oxidative stress and its role in various diseases.
* It can be used to model oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo.

**4. Understanding Bacterial Pathogenesis:**
* Research on pyocyanin helps scientists understand the complex mechanisms by which *P. aeruginosa* causes infections.
* This knowledge can contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies to combat these infections.

**In summary, 10-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazine (pyocyanin) is a fascinating molecule with a complex dual nature. It is a key virulence factor produced by *P. aeruginosa*, contributing to its ability to cause disease. However, it also exhibits potential therapeutic properties that are being explored for treating various conditions. Research on pyocyanin continues to shed light on its biological roles and potential for medical applications.**

10-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenazine: structure given in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]