Structural elucidation, total synthesis, and cytotoxic activity of effphenol A

Malfilanol C, a new sesquiterpenoid isolated from the deep-sea-derived Aspergillus puniceus A2 fungus

The chemical examination of the rice solid fermentation products of the deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus puniceus A2 resulted in the isolation of one new sesquiterpenoid malfilanol C (1), together with a rare analogue malfilanol B (2). The planar structure of 1 was resolved on the basis of the extensive analyses of the spectroscopic data (HRESIMS and NMR spectra), and its absolute configuration was assigned by quantum chemical calculation of the ECD data. Compound 1, featuring a bicyclo[5.4.0]-undecane nucleus skeleton, was the third example of this subclass sesquiterpenoids found from nature. Additionally, the subclass sesquiterpenoids 1 and 2 were discovered from marine-derived-fungi for the first time. All the isolated metabolites were evaluated the antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Compound 1 exhibited weak antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213.

Visualization of the relationship between fungi and cancer from the perspective of bibliometric analysis

The relationship between cancer and microorganisms has been extensively studied, with bacteria receiving more attention than fungi. However, fungi have been shown to play a significant role in cancer development and progression. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for identifying new avenues in prevention and treatment. To evaluate the current state of research on fungi and cancer, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Using the Web of Science Core Collection database, we searched for English-language articles published between 1998 and 2022. Analyzing the resulting publication data, we identified trends, patterns, and research gaps. Our analysis encompassed co-authorship networks, citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence analysis. With 8283 publications identified, averaging 331.32 publications per year, our findings highlight China, the United States, India, Japan, and Germany as the top contributing countries. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, and University of São Paulo emerged as the most productive institutions. Key themes in the literature included "cancer," "cytotoxicity," "apoptosis," "metabolites," and "fungus." Recent trends indicate increased interest in keywords such as "green synthesis," "molecular docking," "anticancer activity," "antibacterial," "anticancer," and "silver nanoparticles." Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current research landscape in the field of fungi and cancer, offering insights into collaborative networks, research directions, and emerging hotspots. The growing publication rate demonstrates the rising interest in the topic, while identifying leading countries, institutions, and research themes serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and funders interested in supporting investigations on fungi-derived compounds as potential anti-cancer agents.

Synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted phenols via Rh(III)-catalyzed alkenyl C-H activation assisted by phosphonium cations

An efficient method for the construction of various 3,4,5-trisubstituted phenol derivatives has been achieved via the Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling of phosphonium cations with internal alkynes. This protocol shows good substrate compatibility, as an array of structurally and electronically diverse phosphonium compounds react efficiently with up to 87% yield.

Total Syntheses and Antibacterial Evaluations of Neocyclomorusin and Related Flavones

Neocyclomorusin (1), a natural bioactive pyranoflavone mainly isolated from plants of the Moraceae family, was synthesized for the first time using a Friedel-Crafts reaction, a Baker-Venkataraman (BK-VK) rearrangement, a selective epoxidation, and a novel SN2-type cyclization as the key steps. The present protocol was also successfully applied for the total synthesis of oxyisocyclointegrin (2). Structurally related natural products morusin (23) and cudraflavone B (24) were also prepared. We investigated the antibacterial activities of these natural compounds against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. The prenylated flavones, morusin (23) and cudraflavone B (24), showed comparable activity to ampicillin and kanacycin A against Staphylococcus aureus. Both morusin (23) and cudraflavone B (24) showed better antibacterial activities than ampicillin against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis. Both neocyclomorusin (1) and oxyisocyclointegrin (2) displayed disappointing antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis strains.

Marine natural products

Covering: 2020This review covers the literature published in 2020 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 757 citations (747 for the period January to December 2020) 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 (1407 in 420 papers for 2020), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Pertinent reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. A meta analysis of bioactivity data relating to new MNPs reported over the last five years is also presented.

Hot off the Press

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as pedrolide from Euphorbia pedroi.