Ophiodilactones A and B, Cytotoxic Tetrameric Phenylpropanoids, from the Ophiuroid Ophiocoma scolopendrina

Curacin E from the Brittle Star Ophiocoma scolopendrina

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the extract of the brittle star Ophiocoma scolopendrina afforded curacin E (1), a congener of curacin A (2). Curacin A (2) is an antimitotic agent of cyanobacterial origin. The structure of curacin E was studied by interpretation of NMR data and the ECD spectrum. Curacin E has an ethylcarbonyl terminus in its side chain and inhibits the proliferation of P388 cells.

Bioactive compounds derived from echinoderms

This is the first review paper devoted exclusively to natural compounds isolated from echinoderms with special emphasis on bioactive compounds.

Total synthesis of (-)-ophiodilactone A and (-)-ophiodilactone B

The first asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-ophiodilactone A and (-)-ophiodilactone B, isolated from the ophiuroid (Ophiocoma scolopendrina), is reported. The key features of the synthesis include the highly stereocontrolled construction of the structurally congested γ-lactone/δ-lactone skeleton through an asymmetric epoxidation, diastereoselective iodolactonization, and intramolecular epoxide-opening with a carboxylic acid, and biomimetic radical cyclization of ophiodilactone A to ophiodilactone B.