What is the mechanism of action for Rifamycin?

Rifamycin's primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting RNA polymerase. This antibiotic specifically binds to the beta subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase, which is crucial for the transcription process, the first step in gene expression where DNA is transcribed into RNA. By binding to this enzyme, Rifamycin effectively prevents the synthesis of mRNA, which leads to a halt in protein production necessary for bacterial growth and replication.

This action is particularly effective against various pathogenic bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making Rifamycin a key agent in the treatment of tuberculosis. The specificity of this action towards bacterial RNA polymerase also means that it has a relatively low impact on eukaryotic cells, allowing it to target pathogens without disrupting the host's RNA synthesis process as significantly. Thus, the mechanism of action of Rifamycin is well understood and critical in its role as an antibiotic.