ilicicolin H

Ilicicolin H is a fungal metabolite and a 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone derivative featuring a decalin ring system. It has been identified as a potent, non-ATP-competitive inhibitor of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway that is often upregulated in various cancers. By inhibiting PGK1, ilicicolin H disrupts aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), leading to decreased glucose uptake and lactate production. This metabolic interference results in the suppression of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Historically recognized for its antifungal properties, current research highlights its potential as a targeted anticancer therapeutic agent.