Sterol patterns of cultured zooxanthellae isolated from marine invertebrates: Synthesis of gorgosterol and 23-desmethylgorgosterol by aposymbiotic algae

QUANTITATIVE STEROL COMPOSITIONS OF CULTURED ZOOXANTHELLAE ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS PACIFIC AND ATLANTIC INVERTEBRATE HOSTS: Zoanthus sociatus (a zoanthid), Oculina diffusa (a scleractian coral), Tridacna gigas (a giant clam), Melibe pilosa (a nudibranch), and Aiptasia pulchella (a sea anemone) are reported. The results clearly demonstrate large differences in sterol patterns of zooxanthellae and that there is no obvious relationship between the taxonomic affiliation of the host and the sterol pattern of its isolated symbiont. The sterols of the zooxanthellae of O. diffusa (Cnidaria) and T. gigas (Mollusca) are qualitatively equivalent. Based on the structures of the two major free sterols synthesized by each alga, the zooxanthellae from different hosts were separated into three distinct groups. It was also found that an aposymbiotic alga can synthesize the unique marine sterols gorgosterol and 23-desmethylgorgosterol. Most of the sterols were identified by using mass spectroscopy and 360-MHz proton magnetic resonance. Spectroscopic data are reported for four novel sterols-(23,24R)-dimethyl-5alpha-cholest-(22E)-en-3beta-o l, 23-methyl-5alpha-cholest-22E-en-3beta-ol, cholesta-5,14-dien-3beta-ol, and 4alpha-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14)-24-dien-3beta-ol.

A new look at male contraception

As a first step towards a new form of male contraception--sperm cryopreservation, vasectomy and eventual artificial insemination--the military services should begin a large-scale sperm cryopreservation programme.

Biosynthetic studies of marine lipids. 42. Biosynthesis of steroid and triterpenoid metabolites in the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix

The saponins, conjugated sterols, and free sterols of the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix were examined. A total of 85 steroids, twelve of them new, were identified in the free sterol, sulfated sterol, and sterol-xyloside fractions. The free sterol fraction contained 4 alpha,14 alpha-dimethylcholest-9(11)-en-3 beta-ol(6) and 14 alpha-methylcholest-9(11)-en-3 beta-ol(7) together with 18 minor sterols. Examination of the aglycone moieties of the sterol-beta-xyloside fraction afforded 31 different sterols. Cholestan-3 beta-ol (15) and 24-methylcholesta-7,22-dien-3 beta-ol (20) were the major sterols in this group. Cholestanol sulfate (74) and cholesterol sulfate (64) were identified as the major components among the 34 different sterol sulfates present. Finally, cucumariosides G1 (1), C1 (2), C2 (3), H (4), and G2 (5) were isolated from the saponin fraction. Radiolabeling experiments indicated that there are two pathways of sterol biosynthesis in E. fraudratix. The first involves transformation of squalene to produce lanosta-9(11),24-dien-3 beta-ol(parkeol) which is subsequently demethylated to form 4 alpha,14 alpha-dimethylcholest-9(11)-en-3 beta-ol (6) and 14 alpha-methylcholest-9(11)-en-3 beta-ol (7). The second proceeds through squalene to lanosterol which is further metabolized to produce the triterpene saponins, 5 alpha-cholest-7-en-3 beta-ol (19) and its xyloside (49).

Steroid research at Syntex: "the pill" and cortisone

The period from late 1949 through 1951 was an extraordinarily productive one in steroid chemistry and especially so at Syntex S.A. in Mexico City. Two of the most important Syntex contributions--the synthesis of 19-nor-17 alpha-ethynyltestosterone (norethindrone) and of cortisone from diosgenin--are described from a historical perspective.

Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates 65. 23-Epidihydrocalysterol: a new cyclopropane-containing sponge sterol

A new cyclopropane-containing sterol was isolated from the marine sponge Cribrochalina vasculum. The new sterol was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry and the structure was shown to be (23R,24S,28R)-dihydrocalysterol. Implications concerning the biosynthesis of cyclopropane and cyclopropene sterols in sponges are discussed.

Biosynthetic studies of marine lipids 36. The origin of common sterol side chains in eleven sponges using [3-3H]-squalene

1. [3-3H]-Squalene was fed to 11 marine sponges containing a mixture of "common" sterol side chains. All of these sponges possess significant quantities of cholesterol, but their ability to biosynthesize it differs widely. 2. All the sponges possess significant quantities of delta 22 sterols, yet none of them was able to introduce the delta 22 double bond. 22-Dehydro-24-norcholesterol and 24-methyl-22-dehydro-27-norcholesterol side chains also originate from the diet. 3. These sponges biosynthesized between 40 and 80% of their sterols, a typical value being 70%. The remainder is derived from the diet or by modification of dietary sterols.

Phospholipid studies of marine organisms: 26. Interactions of some marine sterols with 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (SOPC) in model membranes

The thermotropic behavior of multilamellar vesicles (MLV) composed of different mole fractions of various marine sterols and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (SOPC) was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and was compared to pure SOPC as well as their mixtures with cholesterol. The marine sterols investigated were capable of interacting with the phospholipid bilayers. Upon addition of marine sterols, the apparent transition temperature (Tm) of SOPC decreased significantly. Desmosterol (cholesta-5,24-dien-3 beta-ol) had the least interaction with SOPC, as reflected by the larger delta H values of its mixtures with the phospholipid. Fucosterol (24-ethylcholesta-5,24(28)-dien-3 beta-ol) showed a non-linear trend as the mole percent of the sterol increased. Mixtures of sutinasterol (24R-24-ethyl-26,26-dimethylcholesta-7,25(27)-dien-3 beta-ol) with SOPC had similar enthalpy values to cholesterol. The shape of the SOPC/marine sterol endotherm and their delta H values were not identical when liposomes prepared by dialysis were compared to MLV.

Metabolism of unusual membrane phospholipids in the marine sponge Microciona prolifera

Sponges are unique in regard to membrane phospholipid composition. Features virtually without parallel in other organisms are the predominance of the C26-C30 polyenoic acids (demospongic acids) in the phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and the attachment of identical acyl groups to the glycerol moiety. The biosynthesis and disposition of these unusual phospholipids were followed in the marine sponge Microciona prolifera where PE ( delta 5,9-26:2, delta 5,9-26:2) is a major molecular species. Incorporation experiments with radiolabeled fatty acids, bases, and intact phospholipids revealed the de novo biosynthesis of the two major phosphatides, phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylcholines (PC), via the cytidine pathway as in higher animals, with ethanolamine selectively incorporated into PE( delta 5,9-26:2, delta 5,9-26:2). Methylation of PE and random acyl chain migration across different phospholipid classes were marginal, but the exchange of PC for PE, apparently mediated by the action of phospholipase, was indicated after uptake of the unnatural PC( delta 9-27:1, delta 9-26:1). The present study demonstrates in the most primitive multicellular animals a phospholipid metabolic pattern similar to that in higher organisms, with unique acyl and phosphoethanolamine transferases apparently involved in the biosynthesis of the (demospongic) di-C26-acyl-PE molecular species.

Biosynthetic studies of marine lipids. 35. The demonstration of de novo sterol biosynthesis in sponges using radiolabeled isoprenoid precursors

1. De novo sterol biosynthesis in the sponges Tethya aurantia and Aplysina fistularis was investigated, using sodium [5,5-3H]-mevalonate, [1-3H]-farnesol and [3-3H]-squalene. [3-3H]-Squalene was found to be the best precursor for demonstrating de novo sterol biosynthesis in a wider range of sponges. 2. By feeding [3-3H]-squalene and using cell-free techniques, the de novo sterol biosynthesis was established in 18 sponges belonging to nine orders. Among these sponges were Axinella polypoides and Axinella verrucosa which had previously been thought to be incapable of de novo sterol biosynthesis based on work with radiolabeled lanosterol, cycloartenol, mevalonate, and acetate. 3. In contrast to earlier assumptions, it is likely that all sponges are capable of de novo sterol biosynthesis.

Inhibition and substrate specificity of yeast delta 22-desaturase

Using yeast microsomes, 23-hydroxysterols were tested as intermediates in the formation of the sterol side delta 22-double bond. No evidence could be found supporting a two-stage mechanism of desaturation via hydroxylation and dehydration. Sterols with various side chains were tested as substrates. Those with alkyl substituents in the 24-alpha position were poor substrates. A series of sterols, including cyclopropyl sterols, were tested as mechanism-based inhibitors without success. Inhibition was observed with an isocyano-sterol.

Cholesterol interactions with tetracosenoic acid phospholipids in model cell membranes: role of the double-bond position

The synthesis and thermotropic properties of 1,2-di-(9Z)-9-tetracosenoylphosphatidylcholine [delta 9-PC(24:1,24:1), 1], 1,2-di-(5Z)-5-tetracosenoylphosphatidylcholine [delta 5-PC(24:1,24:1), 2], and 1,2-di-(15Z)-15- tetracosenoylphosphatidylcholine [delta 15-PC(24:1,24:1), 3] are reported. Liposomes prepared from these phospholipids differ from those of the natural sponge phospholipids, 1,2-di-(5Z,9Z)-5,9-hexacosadienoylphosphatidylcholine (4a) and the corresponding ethanolamine (4b), both of which virtually exclude cholesterol from their bilayers. The behavior of 1 and 2 is similar to that of 1,2-di-(6Z,9Z)-6,9-hexacosadienoylphosphatidylcholine (5), which exhibits a partial molecular interaction with cholesterol. In the case of 3, cholesterol appears to interact with the saturated acyl chain regions of this phospholipid in a manner similar to that of its interaction with DPPC acyl chains. This study delineates the effect of the double-bond location in long fatty acyl chains of phospholipids on their interactions with cholesterol.

Unusual pattern of fatty acid biosynthesis. Evidence for C-19 desaturase activity in freshwater sponges

The two long chain fatty acids common in marine demosponges, (5Z, 9Z)-5,9-hexacosadienoic (delta 5,9-26:2) and (5Z, 9Z, 19Z)-5,9,19-hexacosatrienoic (delta 5,9,19-26:3) acids), were identified also as the major phospholipid components in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis. Whereas the typical marine sponge Microciona prolifera biosynthesizes the delta 5,9,19-26:3 acid solely by homologation of exogenous palmitoleic acid (delta 9-16:1) and subsequent desaturation at positions 5 and 9, it was found that the freshwater sponge could further desaturate the delta 5,9-26:2 acid to the triene, indicating for the first time the existence of delta 19 -desaturase activity in a living organism.

The bitter pill

Fundamentally new approaches to birth control--for example, a male pill, a once-a-month menses inducer, and an antifertility vaccine--cannot be realized before the next century, and then only if the virtual withdrawal of the pharmaceutical industry from this field can be reversed. Major changes in product liability would be the most significant incentive.

The distribution of lipids and sterols in cell types from the marine sponge Pseudaxinyssa sp

The sponge Pseudaxinyssa sp., unique in sterol and fatty acid composition, was cellularly dissected into fractions enriched in each of the major cell types present in the sponge: microbial symbionts (cyanobacteria), small sponge cells (pinacocytes and choanocytes), and large sponge cells (archeocytes and cyanophytes). Three phototrophic microbial symbionts were also isolated from the cell fractions and grown in culture. An unsymmetrical distribution of fatty acids and sterols was observed for the sponge cells: small cells contained larger quantities of long chain fatty acids (greater than C24) and smaller quantities of sterols than were present in the larger sponge cells. Moreover, the rare sterols 24-isopropylcholesterol predominated in the smaller sponge cells, whereas its 22-dehydro analog predominated in the larger sponge cells. Long chain fatty acids and sterols were not detected in the cultured microbial symbionts. This constitutes the first report of lipid variability according to cell type for this most primitive group of Metazoa.

Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates. 62. Novel coprostanols with unusual side chains from the marine sponge Calyx nicaeensis

Seventeen stanols with a variety of unusual side chains and possessing the rare 5 beta-dihydro nucleus have been isolated from the sponge Calyx nicaeensis. These stanols probably result from bacterial metabolism of the endogenous sponge sterols.

Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates. 61. Isolation and structure elucidation of new A-nor sterols from the marine sponge Phakellia aruensis

An examination of the Australian sponge Phakellia aruensis led to the isolation and identification of sterols with six different nuclei. Eight new sterols were isolated which included three delta 15-A-nor sterols, three delta 7-A-nor sterols, and two saturated A-nor sterols. Their structures were established through mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR spectral studies.

Fatty acids as biological markers for bacterial symbionts in sponges

Analyses of fatty acids with carbon numbers between C12 and C22 are reported for five Great Barrier Reef sponges. These analyses indicate that phototrophic cyanobacterial symbionts (blue-green algae) present in three of the sponges are chemically distinct, whereas the other two sponges do not contain cyanobacterial symbionts. All the sponges contain other, nonphototrophic bacteria. The fatty acid analyses indicate that the non-phototrophic bacterial populations present in the different sponges are distinct in both their chemical compositions and their abundances. Nonphototrophic bacteria are estimated to account for between 60 and 350 micrograms/g (extractable fatty acids:tissue wet weight), whereas cyanobacteria account for between 10 and 910 micrograms/g. One sponge (Pseudaxinyssa sp.) contains a relatively large amount of the isoprenoid acid, 4, 8, 12-trimethyltridecanoic acid; this acid is presumed to be derived from phytol, a degradation product of chlorophyll. This sponge also contains relatively large amounts of the nonmethylene interrupted fatty acid, octadeca-5,9-dienoic acid. Analyses of interior and cyanobacteria-rich surface tissues of this sponge indicate that these two acids are probably not associated with the symbiotic cyanobacteria.

Localization of long-chain fatty acids and unconventional sterols in spherulous cells of a marine sponge

The first direct evidence is provided for the presence of unconventional lipids in a particular subcellular membrane system of a sponge. Spherulous cells were isolated from the variety of cell types present in the marine sponge Aplysina fistularis by density gradient centrifugation. Spherulous cell plasma membrane was subsequently isolated by cell rupture followed by differential centrifugation and sucrose, or Percoll, density gradient ultracentrifugation. Plasma membrane isolates were identified and assessed for purity using [3H]concanavalin A plasma membrane marker, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ratios of protein, sterol and phosphate. Plasma membrane isolates could not be assessed for purity by traditional enzymatic means. Spherulous cell plasma membrane was found to contain unusual lipids, including long-chain (C24-C30) fatty acids (16.8-27.2%) and unconventional 26-alkylated sterols (66.4-72.6%), in addition to more conventional fatty acids and sterols. Spherulous cell intracellular membranes were also found to contain long-chain fatty acids and unconventional sterols, although the relative importance of these unusual lipids apparently varies between intracellular membranes, with some containing approximately 50% long-chain acids.

Analogs of unusual sponge phospholipids. Synthesis and thermotropic properties of 1,2-di-(6Z,9Z)-6,9-hexacosadienoyl phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine

The major marine sponge phospholipids 1,2-di-(5Z,9Z)-5,9-hexacosadienoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PE) hardly incorporate cholesterol into their liposomal bilayers, as reported earlier. Our previous studies indicated that their synthetic short chain (C18-C24) analogs with the same double bond pattern readily incorporated cholesterol, thus demonstrating the importance of the chain length. In order to investigate the possible role of the unusual delta 5,9 diunsaturation 1,2-di-(6Z,9Z)-6,9-hexacosadienoyl phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were synthesized and their thermotropic behavior studied. Both analogs shows a transition endoterm at 45 degrees C, while the natural 1,2-di-(5Z,9Z)-5,9-hexacosadienoyl PC and its PE counterpart exhibited it at 42 degrees C. A partial incorporation of cholesterol into liposomal bilayers of 1,2-di-(6Z,9Z)-6,9-hexacosadienoyl PC was observed. Our results suggest that while the chain length is the predominant factor in the interactions of these phospholipids with sterols, the double bond location may also play a contributing role.

Cell membrane localization of sterols with conventional and unusual side chains in two marine demosponges

Subcellular fractionation by differential centrifugation was performed on two previously unstudied marine sponges that predominantly contain either conventional (Reniera sp.) or unconventional (Pseudaxinyssa sp.) sterols. Direct evidence for the presence of unconventional sterols with C24 alkylated side chains in the cellular membranes of Pseudaxinyssa sp. is provided, but the presence of unconventional sterols in sponge membranes is shown not to be a universal feature of the Porifera. Possible structural and functional roles of unconventional lipid molecules in sponge cell membranes are discussed.

Cell membrane localization of long chain C24-C30 fatty acids in two marine demosponges

Subcellular fractionation by differential centrifugation was performed on two previously unstudied marine sponges (Reniera sp. and Pseudaxinyssa sp.) that represent both major subclasses of the Demospongiae. Long chain fatty acids (LCFA) with 24-30 carbon units were found as major constituents of cell membrane isolates of both sponges. Most LCFA were polyunsaturated and were constituents of the phospholipids, which are typical membrane lipids, and in particular the amino-phospholipids. The LCFA composition of phospholipids from whole sponge tissue was shown to provide a reliable indication of the LCFA composition of cell membrane phospholipids in the sponges studied. An unusual triply branched C16 isoprenoid fatty acid, 4,8,12-trimethyltridecanoic acid, also was identified as a cell membrane acid in the sponge Pseudaxinyssa sp.