The natural products chemistry of West Indian gorgonian octocorals

Diastereo- and enantioselective direct vinylogous Michael addition of γ-substituted butenolides to 2-enoylpyridines catalyzed by chiral bifunctional amine-squaramides

The enantioselective vinylogous Michael addition of γ-substituted butenolides to 2-enoylpyridines was developed to yield γ,γ-disubstituted butenolide derivatives in excellent stereoselectivities.

Natural products with anti-Bredt and bridgehead double bonds

Well over a hundred years ago, Professor Julius Bredt embarked on a career pursuing and critiquing bridged bicyclic systems that contained ring strain induced by the presence of a bridgehead olefin. These endeavors founded what we now know as Bredt's rule (Bredtsche Regel). Physical, theoretical, and synthetic organic chemists have intensely studied this premise, pushing the boundaries of such systems to arrive at a better understood physical phenomenon. Mother nature has also seen fit to construct molecules containing bridgehead double bonds that encompass Bredt's rule. For the first time, this topic is reviewed in a natural product context.

Natural Prey Preferences and Spatial Variability of Predation Pressure by Cyphoma gibbosum (Mollusca: Gastropoda) on Octocoral Communities off La Parguera, Puerto Rico

This study evaluated the natural prey preferences and spatial variability of predation pressure (PP = proportion of colonies with snails and/or clear predation signs) by the gastropod Cyphoma gibbosum on octocoral communities off the La Parguera Natural Reserve, Puerto Rico. All octocoral colonies were checked for presence of C. gibbosum and/or clear predation signs in four permanent band-transects (2 × 10 m), along three depth intervals (0-5, 7-12, >15 m deep) in each of six reefs along an inshore offshore gradient. Results indicate that C. gibbosum preys on at least 16 species, six of which (Briareum asbestinum, Gorgonia ventalina, Pseudoterogorgia americana, P. acerosa, Plexaura flexuosa, and Pseudoplexaura porosa) consistently showed significantly higher (K-W, P < 0.05) (17-37%) PP compared to all other species. Plexaura flexuosa, P. americana, and P. porosa had significantly higher PP (11-38%) among inner and mid-shelf reefs, and G. ventalina had higher PP in shelf-edge reefs (16-20%). A combination of differential spatial distributions and octocoral species abundances seems to explain the observed patterns of predation by C. gibbosum. Prey preference and higher abundances of 3-dimensional octocorals providing increased refuge or microhabitats utilized for mating or egg-deposition could be driving the spatial distribution of C. gibbosum and the observed differential predation pressure.

Symbiodinium photosynthesis in Caribbean octocorals

Symbioses with the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium form the foundation of tropical coral reef communities. Symbiodinium photosynthesis fuels the growth of an array of marine invertebrates, including cnidarians such as scleractinian corals and octocorals (e.g., gorgonian and soft corals). Studies examining the symbioses between Caribbean gorgonian corals and Symbiodinium are sparse, even though gorgonian corals blanket the landscape of Caribbean coral reefs. The objective of this study was to compare photosynthetic characteristics of Symbiodinium in four common Caribbean gorgonian species: Pterogorgia anceps, Eunicea tourneforti, Pseudoplexaura porosa, and Pseudoplexaura wagenaari. Symbiodinium associated with these four species exhibited differences in Symbiodinium density, chlorophyll a per cell, light absorption by chlorophyll a, and rates of photosynthetic oxygen production. The two Pseudoplexaura species had higher Symbiodinium densities and chlorophyll a per Symbiodinium cell but lower chlorophyll a specific absorption compared to P. anceps and E. tourneforti. Consequently, P. porosa and P. wagenaari had the highest average photosynthetic rates per cm2 but the lowest average photosynthetic rates per Symbiodinium cell or chlorophyll a. With the exception of Symbiodinium from E. tourneforti, isolated Symbiodinium did not photosynthesize at the same rate as Symbiodinium in hospite. Differences in Symbiodinium photosynthetic performance could not be attributed to Symbiodinium type. All P. anceps (n = 9) and P. wagenaari (n = 6) colonies, in addition to one E. tourneforti and three P. porosa colonies, associated with Symbiodinium type B1. The B1 Symbiodinium from these four gorgonian species did not cluster with lineages of B1 Symbiodinium from scleractinian corals. The remaining eight E. tourneforti colonies harbored Symbiodinium type B1L, while six P. porosa colonies harbored type B1i. Understanding the symbioses between gorgonian corals and Symbiodinium will aid in deciphering why gorgonian corals dominate many Caribbean reefs.

New briarane diterpenoids from Taiwanese soft coral Briareum violacea

Ten new briarane diterpenoids, briaviolides A-J (1-10), together with six known briaranes, solenolides A and D, excavatolide A, briaexcavatolide I, 4β-acetoxy-9-deacetystylatulide lactone and 9-deacetylstylatulide lactone, were isolated from the Taiwanese soft coral, Briareum violacea. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data ((1)H- and (13)C-NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY), HR-MS and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of briaviolide A (1) was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 5, 9 and derivative 11 showed moderate inhibitory activities on superoxide-anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils in response to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine/ Cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB).

Ecological shifts in Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages related to gorgonian forest loss

Mediterranean gorgonian forests are threatened by several human activities and are affected by climatic anomalies that have led to mass mortality events in recent decades. The ecological role of these habitats and the possible consequence of their loss are poorly understood. Effects of gorgonians on the recruitment of epibenthic organisms were investigated by manipulating presence of gorgonians on experimental panels at 24 m depth, for Eunicella cavolinii, and at 40 m depth, for Paramuricea clavata, at two sites: Tavolara Island (Tyrrhenian Sea) and Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea). After 4 months, the most abundant taxa on the panels were encrusting green algae, erect red algae and crustose coralline algae at 24 m depth and encrusting brown algae and erect red algae at 40 m depth. Assemblages on the panels were significantly affected by the presence of the gorgonians, although effects varied across sites and between gorgonian species. Species diversity and evenness were lower on panels with gorgonian branches. Growth of erect algae and recruitment of serpulid polychaetes were also affected by the presence of the gorgonians, primarily at Tavolara. Crustose coralline algae and erect sponges were more abundant on E. cavolinii panels at 24 m depth, while encrusting bryozoans were more abundant on P. clavata panels at 40 m depth. Effects of gorgonians on recruited assemblages could be due to microscale modification of hydrodynamics and sediment deposition rate, or by a shading effect reducing light intensity. Gorgonians may also intercept settling propagules, compete for food with the filter-feeders and/or for space by producing allelochemicals. Presence of gorgonians mainly limits the growth of erect algae and enhances the abundance of encrusting algae and sessile invertebrates. Therefore, the gorgonian disappearances may cause a shift from assemblages characterised by crustose coralline algae to filamentous algae assemblages, decreasing complexity and resilience of coralligenous bioconstructions.

Antifouling eunicellin-type diterpenoids from the gorgonian Astrogorgia sp

Twelve new eunicellin-based diterpenoids, astrogorgins B-M (1-12), were isolated from a Chinese gorgonian Astrogorgia sp., together with ophirin, muricellin, astrogorgin, calicophirins A and B, and 14-deacetoxycalicophirin B. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with data reported in the literature. Significant antifouling activity was observed for 14-deacetoxycalicophirin B against the larval settlement of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite at nontoxic concentrations with an EC(50) = 0.59 μg/mL, while the other analogues were effective within an EC(50) range of 5.14-17.8 μg/mL.

Bioactive cubitane diterpenoids from a Colombian gorgonian species of the genus Eunicea

Two new diterpenes having the rare cubitane skeleton were isolated from a southwestern Caribbean gorgonian coral of the genus Eunicea. The structures of the new metabolites, as well as those of three known cubitanes were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. One compound showed significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against a National Cancer Institute (NCI) panel of cancer cell lines, whereas the remaining metabolites were shown to exert mild antitubercular and antimalarial activities against the pathogenic microbes Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum.

Carbamate derivatives and sesquiterpenoids from the South China Sea gorgonian Melitodes squamata

Five carbamate derivatives, obtucarbamates C and D (1, 2), dimethyl ((carbonylbis(azanediyl))bis(2-methyl-5,1-phenylene))dicarbamate (3), obtucarbamates A and B (4, 5), and four aromadendrane-type sesquiterpenoids, (+)-4β-N-methenetauryl-10β-methoxy-1β,5α,6β,7β-aromadendrane (6), (−)-4β-N-methenetauryl-10β-methoxy-1β,5β,6α,7α-aromadendrane (7), (−)-4α,10β-aromadendranediol (8), (+)-4β,10β-aromadendranediol (9) were obtained from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Melitodes squamata Nutting. Compounds 1, 2, 6, and 7 were new, and their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 6 and 7 contained a taurine group that was rarely found in marine natural compounds, and 7 showed moderate antibacterial activity. The possible biosynthesis routes of 1–5 were conjectured.

Cnidarians as a source of new marine bioactive compounds--an overview of the last decade and future steps for bioprospecting

Marine invertebrates are rich sources of bioactive compounds and their biotechnological potential attracts scientific and economic interest worldwide. Although sponges are the foremost providers of marine bioactive compounds, cnidarians are also being studied with promising results. This diverse group of marine invertebrates includes over 11,000 species, 7500 of them belonging to the class Anthozoa. We present an overview of some of the most promising marine bioactive compounds from a therapeutic point of view isolated from cnidarians in the first decade of the 21st century. Anthozoan orders Alcyonacea and Gorgonacea exhibit by far the highest number of species yielding promising compounds. Antitumor activity has been the major area of interest in the screening of cnidarian compounds, the most promising ones being terpenoids (monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids). We also discuss the future of bioprospecting for new marine bioactive compounds produced by cnidarians.

Total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A

The total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A are reported in 15 steps and 16 steps, respectively, from a known compound. The flexible, readily scalable synthetic strategy allows for rapid construction of a critical tricyclic intermediate and is demonstrated via the synthesis of these two marine natural products. A key reaction in this synthetic protocol is a combination Wittig/intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

Bioactive (3Z,5E)-11,20-epoxybriara-3,5-dien-7,18-olide diterpenoids from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea

Six new (3Z,5E)-11,20-epoxybriara-3,5-dien-7,18-olide diterpenoids, gemmacolides N-S (1-6), were isolated together with four known analogues, juncenolide D, and juncins R, S and U (7-10), from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by the detailed analysis of spectroscopic data in combination with the comparison with reported data. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by a TDDFT calculation of its solution ECD spectrum, affording the determination of absolute configuration of other analogues by simply comparing their ECD spectra with that of 1. The cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of these compounds were evaluated. In preliminary in vitro bioassays, compounds 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 showed cytotoxicity against A549 and MG63, while compounds 1, 2, 4, 7-10 showed antimicrobial activity against the fungus Septoria tritici and the bacterium Escherichia coli.

Ethylene in organic synthesis. Repetitive hydrovinylation of alkenes for highly enantioselective syntheses of pseudopterosins

In this report we highlight the significant potential of ethylene as a reagent for the introduction of a vinyl group with excellent stereoselectivity at three different stages in the synthesis of a broad class of natural products, best exemplified by syntheses of pseudopterosins. The late-stage applications of the asymmetric hydrovinylation reaction further illustrate the compatibility of the catalyst with complex functional groups. We also show that, depending on the choice of the catalyst, it is possible to either enhance or even completely reverse the inherent diastereoselectivity in the reactions of advanced chiral intermediates. This should enable the synthesis of diastereomeric analogs of several classes of medicinally relevant compounds that are not readily accessible by the existing methods, which depend on 'substrate control' for the installation of many of the chiral centers, especially in molecules of this class.

Cytochrome P450 diversity and induction by gorgonian allelochemicals in the marine gastropod Cyphoma gibbosum

BACKGROUND

Intense consumer pressure strongly affects the structural organization and function of marine ecosystems, while also having a profound effect on the phenotype of both predator and prey. Allelochemicals produced by prey often render their tissues unpalatable or toxic to a majority of potential consumers, yet some marine consumers have evolved resistance to host chemical defenses. A key challenge facing marine ecologists seeking to explain the vast differences in consumer tolerance of dietary allelochemicals is understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying diet choice. The ability of marine consumers to tolerate toxin-laden prey may involve the cooperative action of biotransformation enzymes, including the inducible cytochrome P450s (CYPs), which have received little attention in marine invertebrates despite the importance of allelochemicals in their evolution.

RESULTS

Here, we investigated the diversity, transcriptional response, and enzymatic activity of CYPs possibly involved in allelochemical detoxification in the generalist gastropod Cyphoma gibbosum, which feeds exclusively on chemically defended gorgonians. Twelve new genes in CYP family 4 were identified from the digestive gland of C. gibbosum. Laboratory-based feeding studies demonstrated a 2.7- to 5.1-fold induction of Cyphoma CYP4BK and CYP4BL transcripts following dietary exposure to the gorgonian Plexaura homomalla, which contains high concentrations of anti-predatory prostaglandins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. gibbosum CYP4BK and CYP4BL were most closely related to vertebrate CYP4A and CYP4F, which metabolize pathophysiologically important fatty acids, including prostaglandins. Experiments involving heterologous expression of selected allelochemically-responsive C. gibbosum CYP4s indicated a possible role of one or more CYP4BL forms in eicosanoid metabolism. Sequence analysis further demonstrated that Cyphoma CYP4BK/4BL and vertebrate CYP4A/4F forms share identical amino acid residues at key positions within fatty acid substrate recognition sites.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate differential regulation of CYP transcripts in a marine consumer feeding on an allelochemical-rich diet, and significantly advance our understanding of both the adaptive molecular mechanisms that marine consumers use to cope with environmental chemical pressures and the evolutionary history of allelochemical-metabolizing enzymes in the CYP superfamily.

Total synthesis of the proposed structure of briarellin J

The total synthesis of the originally proposed structure of briarellin J is reported in 15 steps from a known compound and in 23 steps from readily available materials. Key reactions include an exo-selective intramolecular Diels-Alder and a substrate-controlled hydroboration. Discrepancies in the spectroscopic data of the synthetic and natural material led to a revision of the assigned structure.

Dolabellane Diterpenoids from the South Atlantic Gorgonian Convexella magelhaenica

Two new dolabellane diterpenoids (1 and 2) were isolated from a small sample of the deep water gorgonian octocoral Convexella magelhaenica collected as a nontarget by-catch by dredging (-93 m) in commercial Patagonian scallop fishing grounds in the South Atlantic. The structures of the new compounds, which are major metabolites in the extract, were established by spectroscopic techniques and chemical transformations. Both compounds were cytotoxic against a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line at micromolar concentrations.

Synthetic pseudopterosin analogues: A novel class of antiinflammatory drug candidates

The synthesis and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of a series of pseudopterosin analogues are presented. Synthetic tricyclic catechol aglycons with different substitution patterns were monofucosylated or -xylosylated. Anti-inflammatory activity was conserved over a wide range of structural modifications. The most active synthetic compound 33 reduced phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced inflammation in the mouse ear by 72% at 50 μg/ear. This corresponds to 80% of the activity of natural pseudopterosin A.

Dolabellane-type diterpenoids with antiprotozoan activity from a southwestern Caribbean gorgonian octocoral of the genus Eunicea

Ten new diterpenes, 1-10, having a dolabellane skeleton were isolated from a Colombian gorgonian coral of the genus Eunicea. Their structures, as well as those of known compounds 11-18, were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and, in some instances, by chemical conversion and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The absolute structure of 7 was established by chemical conversion from 11, a co-occurring dolabellane congener of known absolute structure. Most of these diterpenoids showed antimalarial activity against the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum.