Antifouling briarane type diterpenoids from South China Sea gorgonians Dichotella gemmacea

Briarane-type diterpenoids, the inhibitors of osteoclast formation by interrupting Keap1-Nrf2 interaction and activating Nrf2 pathway

Chemoinformatic and bioassay-guided fractionation of a gorgonian coral Junceella juncea resulted in the isolation of 45 briarane-type diterpenoids, of which 16 new analogues were characterized. Their structures were identified by extensive analyses of the spectroscopic data. Most isolated briaranes showed significant inhibition against the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages cells (BMMs). Praelolide, one of the active analogues, significantly activates nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nucleus translocation, induces the expression of Nrf2-targeted genes, suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, abrogates the activation of downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) signaling, and subsequently attenuates osteoclast differentiation. Mechanically, praelolide interacts with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein by non-covalent interaction to interrupt the interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2 and thereby to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In addition, praelolide rescues the bone loss in prednisone-induced zebrafish. The present study provided praelolide as a new natural scaffold to remedy osteoclastogenic bone disease.

Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds-A Comprehensive Review

The present volume is the third in a trilogy that documents naturally occurring organohalogen compounds, bringing the total number-from fewer than 25 in 1968-to approximately 8000 compounds to date. Nearly all of these natural products contain chlorine or bromine, with a few containing iodine and, fewer still, fluorine. Produced by ubiquitous marine (algae, sponges, corals, bryozoa, nudibranchs, fungi, bacteria) and terrestrial organisms (plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, higher animals) and universal abiotic processes (volcanos, forest fires, geothermal events), organohalogens pervade the global ecosystem. Newly identified extraterrestrial sources are also documented. In addition to chemical structures, biological activity, biohalogenation, biodegradation, natural function, and future outlook are presented.

Briarane-type diterpenoids suppress osteoclastogenisis by regulation of Nrf2 and MAPK/NF-kB signaling pathway

Excess osteoclastic activity leads to an imbalance in bone remodeling and causes most adult skeletal diseases. Natural products are a promising source to attenuate the osteoporosis and relevant diseases of bone loss. Herein, a bioassay-guided detection of gorgonian corals resulted in junceellolide D (JD), a briarane-type diterpenoid from gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea, showing significant inhibition against the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in vitro. To extend the investigation for structure-activity relationship (SAR), a total of 39 briarane-type analogues were isolated including 28 new compounds, and their structures were determined by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data. The SAR data indicated that JD is the most active to inhibit osteoclast development due to the decreased number of multinucleated tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase positive cells, suppression of the actin ring formation, blockage of bone resorption, and downregulation of osteoclast-specific marker genes. Mechanistically, JD increased the protein stability of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation followed by activation its downstream antioxidant enzymes, which strongly abolished RANKL-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, JD inhibits the RANKL-stimulated activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Hence, JD is considered as a promising lead compound for anti-osteoclastogenesis via activating Nrf2 and suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to prevent osteoclast-mediated bone destructive diseases.

Briarane-type diterpenoids from a gorgonian coral Ellisella sp. with anti-HBV activities

Chemical investigation of a gorgonian coral Ellisella sp. resulted in the isolation of 12 briarane-type diterpenoids, including eight new congeners namely ellisellolides A-H (1-8). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, aided the calculated ECD data to support the configurational assignment. All compounds were evaluated for the in vitro anti-HBV activities in HepAD38 cell line, while preliminary analyses of the structure-activity relationship demonstrated that junceellolide C featured an 3E,5(16)-diene and a chlorine-substitution at C-6 is the most active congener. Junceellolide C exhibited efficient reduction against the HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBeAg production with a dose-dependent manner. It also significantly reduced the HBV cccDNA replenishment and promoted the existed HBV cccDNA degradation. These findings suggest junceellolide C to be a transcription inhibitor of cccDNA and a promising lead for the development of new anti-HBV agent.

11β,20β-Epoxybriaranes from the Gorgonian Coral Junceella fragilis (Ellisellidae)

Two 11,20-epoxybriaranes, including a known compound, juncenolide K (1), as well as a new metabolite, fragilide X (2), have been isolated from gorgonian Junceella fragilis collected off the waters of Taiwan. The absolute configuration of juncenolide K (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for the first time in this study and the structure, including the absolute configuration of briarane 2 was established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and compared with that of model compound 1. One aspect of the stereochemistry of the known compound 1 was revised. Briarane 2 was found to enhance the generation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) release from RAW 264.7 cells.

Isolation and Structure-Activity Relationship of Subergorgic Acid and Synthesis of Its Derivatives as Antifouling Agent

In this study, as part of our continuous search for environmentally-friendly antifoulants from natural resources, subergorgic acid (SA) was identified from the gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa, demonstrating non-toxic, significant inhibitory effects (EC50 1.25 μg/mL, LC50 > 25 μg/mL) against the settlement of Balanus amphitrite. To further explore the bioactive functional groups of SA and synthesize more potent antifouling compounds based on the lead SA, the structure-activity relationships of SA were studied, followed by rational design and synthesis of two series of SA derivatives (one being benzyl esters of SA and another being SA derivatives containing methylene chains of various lengths). Our results indicated that (1) both the double bond and ketone carbonyl are essential elements responsible for the antifouling effect of SA, while the acid group is not absolutely necessary for maintaining the antifouling effect; (2) all benzyl esters of SA displayed good antifouling effects (EC50 ranged from 0.30 to 2.50 μg/mL) with the most potent compound being 5 (EC50 0.30 μg/mL, LC50 > 25 μg/mL), which was over four-fold more potent than SA; and (3) the introduction of a methylene chain into SA reduces the antifouling potency while the length of the methylene chain may differently influence the antifouling effect, depending on the functional group at the opposite site of the methylene chain. Not only has this study successfully revealed the bioactive functional groups of SA, contributing to the mechanism of SA against the settlement of B. amphitrite, but it has also resulted in the identification of a more potent compound 5, which might represent a non-toxic, high-efficiency antifoulant.

Halogenated Compounds from Corals: Chemical Diversity and Biological Activities

As important marine biological resources, corals produce a large amount of active organic compounds in their secondary metabolic processes, including numerous brominated, chlorinated, and iodinated compounds. These compounds, with novel structures and unique activities, guide the discovery and research of important lead compounds and novel biological mechanisms. Through a large number of literature surveys, this paper summarized a total of 145 halogenated secondary metabolites which were roughly divided into four major classes of terpenes, prostaglandins, steroids and alkaloids, and they were mainly isolated from ten coral families, Ellisellidae, Gorgoniidae, Briareidae, Plexauridae, Anthothelidae, Alcyoniidae, Clavularidae, Tubiporidae, Nephtheidae and Dendrophyllidae to the best of our knowledge. In addition, their organism species, structure composition and biological activity were also discussed in the form of a chart in this essay.

Antifouling Compounds from Marine Invertebrates

In this review, a comprehensive overview about the antifouling compounds from marine invertebrates is described. In total, more than 198 antifouling compounds have been obtained from marine invertebrates, specifically, sponges, gorgonian and soft corals.

Briarane Diterpenoids Isolated from Octocorals between 2014 and 2016

The structures, names, bioactivities, and references of 124 briarane-type natural products, including 66 new metabolites, isolated between 2014 and 2016 are summarized in this review article. All of the briarane diterpenoids mentioned in this review were isolated from octocorals, mainly from Briareum violacea, Dichotella gemmacea, Ellisella dollfusi, Junceella fragilis, Junceella gemmacea, and Pennatula aculeata. Some of these compounds exhibited potential biomedical activities, including anti-inflammatory activity, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity towards cancer cells.

Chemistry and Bioactivity of Briaranes from the South China Sea Gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea

Seven new briarane diterpenoids, gemmacolides AZ–BF (1–7), were isolated together with eight known analogues (8–15) from the South China gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. Their structures were elucidated based on detailed spectroscopic analysis and a comparison with reported data. In an in vitro bioassay, these compounds exhibited different levels of growth inhibition activity against A549 and MG63 cells, giving continuous evidences about the biological contribution of functional groups at C-2, C-12, C-13, and C-16. These compounds were also evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Compound 8 exhibited a potential antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus megaterium and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli.

Marine natural products

This review covers the literature published in 2013 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 982 citations (644 for the period January to December 2013) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1163 for 2013), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.

Biological Activity of Recently Discovered Halogenated Marine Natural Products

This review presents the biological activity-antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiviral, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and enzymatic activity-of halogenated marine natural products discovered in the past five years. Newly discovered examples that do not report biological activity are not included.

Mini-review: marine natural products and their synthetic analogs as antifouling compounds: 2009-2014

This review covers 214 marine natural compounds and 23 of their synthetic analogs, which were discovered and/or synthesized from mid-2009 to August 2014. The antifouling (AF) compounds reported have medium to high bioactivity (with a threshold of EC(50) < 15.0 mg ml(-1)). Among these compounds, 82 natural compounds were identified as new structures. All the compounds are marine-derived, demonstrating that marine organisms are prolific and promising sources of natural products that may be developed as environmentally friendly antifoulants. However, this mini-review excludes more than 200 compounds that were also reported as AF compounds but with rather weak bioactivity during the same period. Also excluded are terrestrial-derived AF compounds reported during the last five years. A brief discussion on current challenges in AF compound research is also provided to reflect the authors' own views in terms of future research directions.

Briarane diterpenoids isolated from gorgonian corals between 2011 and 2013

The structures, names, bioactivities and references of 138 briarane-type diterpenoids, including 87 new compounds, are summarized in this review. All the briarane-type compounds mentioned in this review article were obtained from gorgonian corals including the genus Briareum, Dichotella, Junceella and Verrucella. Some of these compounds showed potential bioactivities.

Briarane diterpenes from the South China Sea gorgonian coral, Junceella gemmacea

Four new briarane diterpenoids, junceellolides M–P (1–4), were isolated together with seven known analogs (5–11) from the South China Sea gorgonian, Junceella gemmacea. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the reported data. The absolute configuration of compounds 1–3 were determined based on an ECD experiment, while the absolute configuration of compound 4 was genetically determined. All the compounds were isolated for the first time from J. gemmacea. These compounds showed no growth inhibitory activity against A549, MG63 and SMMC-7721 cell lines in an in vitro bioassay.

Chemistry and tumor cell growth inhibitory activity of 11,20-epoxy-3Z,5(6)E-diene briaranes from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea

Eighteen new 11,20-epoxy-3Z,5E-dien briaranes, gemmacolides AA-AR (1-18), were isolated together with three known analogs, dichotellides F (19) and I (20), and juncenolide C (21), from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. The absolute configuration was determined based on the ECD experiment. In the in vitro bioassay, compounds 1-3, 5, 6, 8-12, and 14-19 exhibited different levels of growth inhibition activity against A549 and MG63 cell lines. Preliminary structure-activity analysis suggests that 12-O-isovalerate may increase the activity whereas 13- or 14-O-isovalerate may decrease the activity. Contribution of substitutions at C-2 and C-16 remains uncertain.

Steroids glycosylated with both D- and L-arabinoses from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea

Three new 19-hydroxy steroidal glycosides, namely, junceellosides E-G (2-4), were isolated together with the known analogue junceelloside C (1) from the South China Sea gorgonian Dichotella gemmacea. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by a combination of detailed spectroscopic analyses, chemical methods, and comparison with reported data. These glycosides are found to have sugar moieties of both β-l- and β-d-arabinopyranoses by HPLC analysis of their thiocarbamoyl-thiazolidine derivatives and those of authentic d- and l-arabinoses, leading to the structure revision of junceelloside C (1). This is the first report of steroidal glycosides from the gorgonian D. gemmacea and the first report of glycosides with β-l-arabinopyranose from marine sources.