Chemistry and biology of salinomycin and its analogues

Natural carboxylic polyether ionophores such as salinomycin, monensin, and lasalocid have been objects of great interest because of their antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities. Recently, it has been found that polyether ionophores might be also important chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. These compounds have shown potent activity against the proliferation of various cancer cells, including those that display multidrug resistance (MDR), and cancer stem cells (CSCs). This chapter deals with the structure, synthesis, chemical and biological properties of salinomycin and its derivatives.