A new cyclopyrophosphate as a bacterial antistressor?

Abstract
In a number of bacteria an unusual glycosyl pyrophosphate (31P NMR signal chemical shift at about −15 ppm) was detected when the cells were subjected to oxidative stress. This substance from Brevibacterium ammoniagenes has now been identified as 2‐methyl‐butan‐1,2,3,4‐tetraol‐2,4‐cyclopyrophosphate, which is accumulated in the cell under certain conditions in concentrations of about 50 mM. It is now suggested that this compound is the long sought after bacterial antistressor.