Gramicidin A is a peptide antibiotic isolated from B. brevis.Gramicidin A is a highly hydrophobic channel-forming ion carrier that forms monovalent cation-permeable channels in artificial membranes.Gramicidin A induces the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) and reduces the growth of a mouse xenograft model of human renal cell carcinoma. Gramicidin A has antibacterial, antimalarial and hemolytic activities.

Gramicidin A (0.1 nM-10 μM; 72 h) reduces the viability of RCC cell lines and affects cell viability comparable to Monensin.[2]
Gramicidin A (1 and 10 μM, 48 or 72 h) induces nonapoptotic cell death in RCC cells.[2]
Gramicidin A (0-10 μM, 24 h) depletes cellular energy and induces metabolic dysfunction in RCC cells.[2]
Gramicidin A (0-1 μM, 24-72 h) reduces HIF-1α and HIF-2α protein expression and reduces HIF transcriptional activity and target gene expression (24 h).[3]

Gramicidin A (0.11 mg/kg; intratumoral injection; 2 weeks; 14 days) inhibits the growth of RCC tumor xenografts, the average tumor mass was reduced by approximately 40% without significant toxicity.[2]
Gramicidin A (0.22 mg/kg; intratumoral injection; 3 weeks; 26 days) inhibits the growth and angiogenesis of VHL-expressing RCC tumor xenografts.[3]