The oxazolomycin family: a review of current knowledge

Oxazolomycin A and neooxazolomycin were firstly isolated in 1985 by the group of Uemura et al. from the Streptomyces sp. bacteria. To date, there have been reported 15 different natural compounds commonly classified as part of the oxazolomycin family. All oxazolomycin compounds possess extraordinary structures and they represent a synthetic challenge. Such molecules are additionally known for their wide range of biological activity including antibacterial, antiviral and cytotoxic effects. The present review summarizes the structural elucidation and classification of oxazolomycin compounds, their biosynthesis and biological activity. It is further focused on the total syntheses of oxazolomycins and one formal synthesis reported to date.