Ruthmycin, a New Tetracyclic Polyketide from Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15

The isolation and structural elucidation of a new tetracyclic polyketide (ruthmycin) from Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15, a bacteria isolated near thermal vents from the Ruth Mullins underground coal mine fire in eastern Kentucky, is reported. In comparison to the well-established frenolicin core scaffold, ruthmycin possesses an unprecedented signature C3 bridge and a corresponding fused six member ring. Preliminary in vitro antibacterial, anticancer, and antifungal assays revealed ruthmycin to display moderate antifungal activity.