chromomycin A2

Chromomycin A2 is an aureolic acid-type antibiotic and a member of the chromomycin family, which includes the more widely known chromomycin A3 (mithramycin). It is a small molecule that exerts its biological effects by binding to GC-rich regions of DNA in the minor groove. This binding alters chromatin architecture and inhibits RNA polymerase, leading to the suppression of essential transcriptional programs. In preclinical leukemia models, chromomycin A2 has demonstrated potent antileukemic activity by sequentially inducing autophagy, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. It also triggers DNA damage, as evidenced by γH2AX accumulation. Research conducted at the University of São Paulo suggests its potential efficacy against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including subtypes resistant to standard therapies like venetoclax and quizartinib.

Other names

chromomycin A2