nigericin

Nigericin is a polyether ionophore antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It acts primarily as an antiporter for protons (H+) and potassium ions (K+), facilitating their exchange across biological membranes. Nigericin can also transport lead ions (Pb2+). Its mechanism of action involves disrupting ion gradients, particularly in mitochondria, affecting ATPase activity and mitochondrial membrane potential. In eukaryotic cells, nigericin inhibits Golgi function and induces K+ efflux, which potently activates the NLRP3 inflammasome—a multiprotein complex involved in innate immune responses and inflammation. Historically used as an antibiotic against gram-positive bacteria, nigericin is now mainly utilized as a research tool to study ion transport and inflammasome activation[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

polyetherin Aazalomycin Mhelixin C