It contains a bicyclic aromatic chromophore that is attached to the dimerized cyclic peptide core and a thioacetal bridge.

It intercalates into DNA at two specific sites, thereby blocking the binding of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1alpha).

There is great interest in this group of compounds because they have very potent antibacterial, anticancer, and antiviral activities.

Initially Emc18 transfers the activated methyl group from SAM to one of the sulfur atoms in the disulfide bond.

Secondly deprotonation of the alpha proton to the tertiary sulfonium cation promotes the rearrangement for the formation of the thioacetal bond.