Structure and Biological Activity of Ergostane-Type Steroids from Fungi

Mushrooms are known not only for their taste but also for beneficial effects on health attributed to plethora of constituents. All mushrooms belong to the kingdom of fungi, which also includes yeasts and molds. Each year, hundreds of new metabolites of the main fungal sterol, ergosterol, are isolated from fungal sources. As a rule, further testing is carried out for their biological effects, and many of the isolated compounds exhibit one or another activity. This study aims to review recent literature (mainly over the past 10 years, selected older works are discussed for consistency purposes) on the structures and bioactivities of fungal metabolites of ergosterol. The review is not exhaustive in its coverage of structures found in fungi. Rather, it focuses solely on discussing compounds that have shown some biological activity with potential pharmacological utility.

Synthesis of 9,11-Secosteroids Pinnisterol E, Glaciasterol B, and 6-Keto-aplidiasterol B

A 10-step gram-scale synthesis of 9,11-secosteroid pinnisterol E from the inexpensive ergosterol is reported. This synthesis features a series of highly selective redox transformations such as regioselective olefin hydrogenation (PtO₂), acid-sensitive endoperoxide reduction (Al-Ni alloy, Zn), and regio- and diastereoselective dienone oxidation. The robustness of this strategy is clearly demonstrated through the formal synthesis of 11(9 → 7)abeo-steroid pleurocin B and the divergent synthesis of 9,11-secosteroids glaciasterol B and 6-keto-aplidiasterol B from the inexpensive cholesterol.

Incorporation of 7-dehydrocholesterol into liposomes as a simple, universal and efficient way to enhance anticancer activity by combining PDT and photoactivated chemotherapy

Incorporation of 7-dehydrocholesterol instead of cholesterol can efficiently enhance the anticancer activity of photosensitizer-encapsulated liposomes upon irradiation.