Advances that open new avenues in developing aminoglycoside antibiotics
During the last twenty years, there have been numerous advances in the understanding of the chemistry, biochemistry, and recognition of aminoglycosides. This has led to the development of novel antibiotics and opened up new therapeutic targets for intervention. This is the first book to provide a complete overview of recent advances in the field and explore their tremendous potential for drug discovery and rational drug design. With chapters written by one or more leading experts in their specialty areas, the book addresses the chemistry, biology, and toxicology of aminoglycosides.
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: From Chemical Biology to Drug Discovery is a great resource for academic and industrial researchers in drug design and mechanism studies and for researchers studying antibiotic resistance, antibiotic design and synthesis, and the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, biophysics, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.
Doody Review Services
**Reviewer:**Eugene A Davidson, PhD(Georgetown University School of Medicine)
**Description:**This book covers many aspects of the chemistry and biology of the aminoglycoside antibiotics. Topics range from genetics to molecular modeling to clinical side effects.
**Purpose:**The goal is to provide a broad introduction to the area as well as an up-to-date summary of current work. Given the importance (past and present) of this class of drugs, this is a worthwhile objective and the book has largely succeeded in meeting its goal.
**Audience:**Although a relatively limited topic, the range of coverage is such as to appeal to a broad audience -- advanced students, research fellows, and principal investigators. The editor has assembled a qualified group of contributors.
**Features:**Since the discovery of streptomycin more than 60 years ago, aminoglycoside antibiotics have occupied a prominent place in the antimicrobial armamentarium. This book provides a current assessment of the field in a logical and coherent fashion. Following a prefatory chapter recounting relevant history, there is discussion of the genetics and biochemistry -- a major chapter. Additional discussions cover resistance mechanisms, molecular modeling, side effects in clinical use, and application to diseases such as HIV. Each chapter is accompanied by a useful bibliography. Although black-and-white figures are not of high quality, several color plates illustrate well the level of information that is available. This book will be of interest to those working in the area as well as investigators interested in antibiotic development generally.
**Assessment:**This is a well written and thorough contribution. Key aspects of drug action, development and design are covered, which provide readers with a strong overview. This is a worthwhile acquisition for investigators in the general area of drug development/antibiotics.