antimycin

Antimycin is a group of secondary metabolites produced by *Streptomyces* bacteria, with Antimycin A being the most prominent and widely studied member. It is a potent inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, specifically targeting the **cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III)**. By binding to the Qi site of the complex, antimycin blocks the transfer of electrons from cytochrome b to ubiquinone, effectively halting cellular respiration and ATP production. Due to its high toxicity, it is primarily utilized as a **research reagent** to study mitochondrial bioenergetics and as a **piscicide** (fish poison) in aquaculture to manage fish populations. In oncology research, antimycin is used to probe the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which may exhibit reduced respiratory reserve capacity and heightened sensitivity to mitochondrial inhibition.

Brand names

Fintrol

Other names

Antimycin AAntimycin A1Antimycin A2Antimycin A3Antimycin A4