1-O-Alkylglycerol Ethers from the Marine Sponge Guitarra abbotti and Their Cytotoxic Activity

The cytotoxicity-bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract from the marine sponge Guitarra abbotti, whose 1-O-alkyl-sn-glycerol ethers (AGEs) have not been investigated so far, led to the isolation of a complex lipid fraction containing, along with previously known compounds, six new lipids of the AGE type. The composition of the AGE fraction as well as the structures of 6 new and 22 previously known compounds were established using ¹H and ¹³C NMR, GC/MS, and chemical conversion methods. The new AGEs were identified as: 1-O-(Z-docos-15-enyl)-sn-glycerol (1), 1-O-(Z-docos-17-enyl)-sn-glycerol (2), 1-O-(Z-tricos-15-enyl)-sn-glycerol (3), 1-O-(Z-tricos-16-enyl)-sn-glycerol (4), 1-O-(Z-tricos-17-enyl)-sn-glycerol (5), and 1-O-(Z-tetracos-15-enyl)-sn-glycerol (6). The isolated AGEs show weak cytotoxic activity in THP-1, HL-60, HeLa, DLD-1, SNU C4, SK-MEL-28, and MDA-MB-231 human cancer cells. A further cytotoxicity analysis in JB6 P⁺ Cl41 cells bearing mutated MAP kinase genes revealed that ERK2 and JNK1 play a cytoprotective role in the cellular response to the AGE-induced cytotoxic effects.     

Theonellamide G,a Potent Antifungal and Cytotoxic Bicyclic Glycopeptide from the Red Sea Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei

In our search for bioactive metabolites from marine organisms, we have investigated the polar fraction of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Theonella swinhoei. Successive chromatographic separations and final HPLC purification of the potent antifungal fraction afforded a new bicyclic glycopeptide, theonellamide G (1). The structure of the peptide was determined using extensive 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectral determinations. The absolute configuration of theonellamide G was determined by chemical degradation and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Theonellamide G showed potent antifungal activity towards wild and amphotericin B-resistant strains of Candida albicans with IC₅₀ of 4.49 and 2.0 μM, respectively. Additionally, it displayed cytotoxic activity against the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HCT-16) with IC₅₀ of 6.0 μM. These findings provide further insight into the chemical diversity and biological activities of this class of compounds.     

In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Stellettin B,a Triterpene from Marine Sponge Jaspis stellifera,on Human Glioblastoma Cancer SF295 Cells

Stellettin B was isolated from marine sponge Jaspis stellifera. In vitro antitumor activities were investigated on 39 human cancer cell lines. Stellettin B exhibited highly potent inhibition against the growth of a human glioblastoma cell line SF295, with a GI50 of 0.01 μM. In contrast, stellettin B showed very weak inhibitory activity on normal cell lines including HMEC, RPTEC, NHBE and PrEC, with GI50s higher than 10 μM, suggesting its relatively selective cytotoxicity against human cancer cells compared to normal human cell lines. We then focused on the antitumor activity of this compound on SF295 cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that stellettin B induced apoptosis in SF295 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Further study indicated that stellettin B increased the production of ROS, the activity of caspase 3/7, as well as the cleavage of PARP, each of which is known to be involved in apoptosis. To investigate the molecular mechanism for cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction, effect on the phosphorylation of several signal proteins of PI3K/Akt and RAS/MAPK pathways was examined. Stellettin B inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt potently, with no activity on p-ERK and p-p38, suggesting that inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway might be involved in the antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effect. However, homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay indicated that stellettin B did not inhibit PI3K activity, suggesting that the direct target might be signal protein upstream of Akt pathway other than PI3K.     

Structure Elucidation of Calyxoside B,a Bipolar Sphingolipid from a Marine Sponge Cladocroce sp. through the Use of Beckmann Rearrangement

Marine sponges are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites. We focus on deep-sea sponges for our discovery study. A marine sponge Cladocroce sp. exhibited cytotoxic activity in the bioactivity screening. From this sponge a previously unreported cytotoxic glycosphingolipid, calyxoside B, was isolated and the structure of this compound was elucidated by analyses of MS and NMR spectra and chemical derivatization. We converted the ketone in the middle of a long aliphatic chain into an oxime to which was applied Beckmann rearrangement to afford two positional isomers of amides. The products were subjected to acidic hydrolysis followed by LC-MS analysis, permitting us to assign unequivocally the position of the ketone. Calyxoside B shows cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with an IC₅₀ value of 31 µM and also weakly stimulated the production of cytokines in mice.     

Bioactive Compounds from the Red Sea Marine Sponge Hyrtios Species

In continuation of our search for drug leads from Red Sea sponges we have investigated the ethyl acetate fraction of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Hyrtios species. Bioassay-directed fractionation of the active fraction resulted into the identification of three new alkaloids, hyrtioerectines D–F (1–3). Hyrtioerectines D–F belong to the rare marine alkaloids in which the indole and β-carboline fragments of the molecule are linked through C-3/C-3 of both moieties. The structures of the isolated compounds were established based on different spectroscopic data including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) and high-resolution mass spectral studies. The antimicrobial activity against several pathogens and the free radical scavenging activity of the compounds using DPPH reagent were evaluated. In addition, the growth inhibitory activity of the compounds against three cancer cell lines was also evaluated. Hyrtioerectines D–F (1–3) displayed variable antimicrobial, free radical scavenging and cancer growth inhibition activities. Generally, compounds 1 and 3 were more active than compound 2.     

New Hippolide Derivatives with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitory Activity from the Marine Sponge Hippospongia lachne

Five new sesterterpenoids, compounds 1–5, have been isolated from the sponge Hippospongia lachne off Yongxing Island in the South China Sea. The structures of compounds 1–5 were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRMS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments. The stereochemistry, including absolute configurations of these compounds, was determined by spectroscopic, chemical, and computational methods. Compounds 1 and 5 showed moderate protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 5.2 μM and 8.7 μM, respectively, more potent than previously reported hippolides.     

Five New Cytotoxic Metabolites from the Marine Fungus Neosartorya pseudofischeri

The marine fungus Neosartorya pseudofischeri was isolated from Acanthaster planci from the South China Sea. In a preliminary bioactivity screening, the crude methanol extract of the fungal mycelia showed significant inhibitory activity against the Sf9 cell line from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Five novel compounds, including 5-olefin phenylpyropene A (1), 13-dehydroxylpyripyropene A (4), deacetylsesquiterpene (7), 5-formyl-6-hydroxy-8-isopropyl-2- naphthoic acid (9) and 6,8-dihydroxy-3-((1E,3E)-penta-1,3-dien-1-yl)isochroman-1-one (10), together with eleven known compounds, phenylpyropene A (2) and C (3), pyripyropene A (5), 7-deacetylpyripyropene A (6), (1S,2R,4aR,5R,8R,8aR)-1,8a-dihydroxy-2-acetoxy-3,8-dimethyl-5- (prop-1-en-2-yl)-1,2,4a, 5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalene (8), isochaetominine C (11), trichodermamide A (12), indolyl-3-acetic acid methyl ester (13), 1-acetyl-β-carboline (14), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-hydroxyl-2-methyl-l,3,4-trioxopyrazino[l,2-a]-indole (15) and fumiquinazoline F (16), were obtained. The structures of these compounds were determined mainly by MS and NMR data. The absolute configuration of 9 was assigned by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 1–11 and 15 showed significant cytotoxicity against the Sf9 cells from S. frugiperda.     

Mirabolides A and B; New Cytotoxic Glycerides from the Red Sea Sponge Theonella mirabilis

As a part of our continuing work to find out bioactive lead molecules from marine invertebrates, the CHCl₃ fraction of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge Theonella mirabilis showed cytotoxic activity in our primary screen. Bioassay-guided purification of the active fractions of the sponge’s extract resulted in the isolation of two new glycerides, mirabolides A and B (1 and 2), together with the reported 4-methylene sterols, conicasterol (3) and swinhosterol B (4). The structures of the compounds were assigned by interpretation of their 1D (¹H, ¹³C), 2D (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) NMR spectral data and high-resolution mass determinations. Compounds 1–4 displayed marked cytotoxic activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) with IC₅₀ values of 16.4, 5.18, 6.23 and 3.0 μg/mL, respectively, compared to 5.4 μg/mL observed by doxorubicin as reference drug.     

Bioactive Bromotyrosine Derivatives from the Pacific Marine Sponge Suberea clavata (Pulitzer-Finali, 1982)

Chemical investigation of the South-Pacific marine sponge Suberea clavata led to the isolation of eight new bromotyrosine metabolites named subereins 1–8 (2–9) along with twelve known co-isolated congeners. The detailed configuration determination of the first representative major compound of this family 11-epi-fistularin-3 (11R,17S) (1) is described. Their chemical characterization was achieved by HRMS and integrated 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopic studies and extensive comparison with literature data. For the first time, a complete assignment of the absolute configurations for stereogenic centers C-11/17 of the known members (11R,17S) 11-epi-fistularin-3 (1) and 17-deoxyfistularin-3 (10) was determined by a combination of chemical modifications, Mosher’s technology, and ECD spectroscopy. Consequently, the absolute configurations of all our new isolated compounds 2–9 were determined by the combination of NMR, Mosher’s method, ECD comparison, and chemical modifications. Interestingly, compounds 2–7 were obtained by chemical transformation of the major compound 11-epi-fistularin-3 (1). Evaluation for acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChE), DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) modulating activity and antifouling activities using marine bacterial strains are also presented.     

Identification and Characterization of a New Type III Polyketide Synthase from a Marine Yeast,Naganishia uzbekistanensis

A putative Type III Polyketide synthase (PKSIII) encoding gene was identified from a marine yeast, Naganishia uzbekistanensis strain Mo29 (UBOCC-A-208024) (formerly named as Cryptococcus sp.) isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This gene is part of a distinct phylogenetic branch compared to all known terrestrial fungal sequences. This new gene encodes a C-terminus extension of 74 amino acids compared to other known PKSIII proteins like Neurospora crassa. Full-length and reduced versions of this PKSIII were successfully cloned and overexpressed in a bacterial host, Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Both proteins showed the same activity, suggesting that additional amino acid residues at the C-terminus are probably not required for biochemical functions. We demonstrated by LC-ESI-MS/MS that these two recombinant PKSIII proteins could only produce tri- and tetraketide pyrones and alkylresorcinols using only long fatty acid chain from C8 to C16 acyl-CoAs as starter units, in presence of malonyl-CoA. In addition, we showed that some of these molecules exhibit cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines.     

New Metabolites from the Marine Sponge Scopalina hapalia Collected in Mayotte Lagoon

The biological screening of 44 marine sponge extracts for the research of bioactive molecules, with potential application in the treatment of age-related diseases (cancer and Alzheimer’s disease) and skin aging, resulted in the selection of Scopalina hapalia extract for chemical study. As no reports of secondary metabolites of S. hapalia were found in the literature, we undertook this research to further extend current knowledge of Scopalina chemistry. The investigation of this species led to the discovery of four new compounds: two butenolides sinularone J (1) and sinularone K (2), one phospholipid 1-O-octadecyl-2-pentanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (3) and one lysophospholipid 1-O-(3-methoxy-tetradecanoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (4) alongside with known lysophospholipids (5 and 6), alkylglycerols (7–10), epidioxysterols (11 and 12) and diketopiperazines (13 and 14). The structure elucidation of the new metabolites (1–4) was determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR as well as mass spectrometry. Molecular networking was also explored to complement classical investigation and unravel the chemical classes within this species. GNPS analysis provided further information on potential metabolites with additional bioactive natural compounds predicted.     

Pathophysiological Effects of Synthetic Derivatives of Polymeric Alkylpyridinium Salts from the Marine Sponge,Reniera sarai

Polymeric 3-alkylpyridinium salts (poly-APS) are among the most studied natural bioactive compounds extracted from the marine sponge, Reniera sarai. They exhibit a wide range of biological activities, and the most prominent among them are the anti-acetylcholinesterase and membrane-damaging activity. Due to their membrane activity, sAPS can induce the lysis of various cells and cell lines and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Because of their bioactivity, poly-APS are possible candidates for use in the fields of medicine, pharmacy and industry. Due to the small amounts of naturally occurring poly-APS, methods for the synthesis of analogues have been developed. They differ in chemical properties, such as the degree of polymerization, the length of the alkyl chains (from three to 12 carbon atoms) and in the counter ions present in their structures. Such structurally defined analogues with different chemical properties and degrees of polymerization possess different levels of biological activity. We review the current knowledge of the biological activity and toxicity of synthetic poly-APS analogues, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of their physiological and pharmacological effects and, in particular, the mechanisms of toxicity of two analogues, APS12-2 and APS3, in vivo and in vitro.     

New Theonellapeptolides from Indonesian Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei as Anti-Austerity Agents

We reported three new members of the theonellapeptolide family from theonellapeptolide II series, namely theonellapeptolides IIb (1), IIa (2), IIc (3), and three known members—IId (4), IIe (5), and Id (6)—from Kodingarengan marine sponge Theonella swinhoei collected in Makassar, Indonesia. The structures of tridecadepsipeptides 1–3, including the absolute configurations of their amino acids, were determined by the integrated NMR and tandem MS analyses followed by Marfey’s analysis. To the best of our knowledge, 1 and 2 are the first theonellapeptolide-type compounds to have a valine residue with _D configuration at residue position 6. The isolated theonellapeptolide-type compounds 1–6 showed selective cytotoxic activity against human pancreatic MIA PaCa-2 cancer cells in a nutrient-deprived medium. Among them, the most potent preferential cytotoxicity was observed in new theonellapeptolide IIc (3) and known IId (4), IIe (5), and Id (6).     

Apoptotic Activity of New Oxisterigmatocystin Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus nomius NC06

Sponge-derived fungi have recently attracted attention as an important source of interesting bioactive compounds. Aspergillus nomius NC06 was isolated from the marine sponge Neopetrosia chaliniformis. This fungus was cultured on rice medium and yielded four compounds including three new oxisterigmatocystins, namely, J, K, and L (1, 2, and 3), and one known compound, aspergillicin A (4). Structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and by high-resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against HT 29 colon cancer cells, where compounds 1, 2, and 4 exhibited IC₅₀ values of 6.28, 15.14, and 1.63 µM, respectively. Under the fluorescence microscope by using a double staining method, HT 29 cells were observed to be viable, apoptotic, and necrotic after treatment with the cytotoxic compounds 1, 2, and 4. The result shows that compounds 1 and 2 were able to induce apoptosis and cell death in HT 29 cells.     

Nepheliosyne B,a New Polyacetylenic Acid from the New Caledonian Marine Sponge Niphates sp

A new C₄₇ polyoxygenated acetylenic acid, nepheliosyne B (2), along with the previously described nepheliosyne A (1), have been isolated from the New Caledonian marine sponge Niphates sp. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. These metabolites exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity against K562, U266, SKM1, and Kasumi cancer cell lines.     

1,5-Diazacyclohenicosane,a New Cytotoxic Metabolite from the Marine Sponge Mycale sp

A new cyclic diamine, 1,5-diazacyclohenicosane (1), was isolated from samples of the marine sponge Mycale sp. collected at Lamu Island (Kenya). Its structure was determined by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including (+)-HRESIMS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The compound displayed cytotoxicity at the μM level against three human tumor cell lines.     

Bioactive Hydantoin Alkaloids from the Red Sea Marine Sponge Hemimycale arabica

In the course of our continuing efforts to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Red Sea marine invertebrates, we have investigated the sponge Hemimycale arabica. The antimicrobial fraction of an organic extract of the sponge afforded two new hydantoin alkaloids, hemimycalins A and B (2 and 3), together with the previously reported compound (Z)-5-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (1). The structures of the compounds were determined by extensive 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) studies and high-resolution mass spectral determinations. Hemimycalins A (2) and B (3) represent the first examples of the natural N-alkylated hydantoins from the sponge Hemimycale arabica. Compounds 1–3 displayed variable antimicrobial activities against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. In addition, compound 1 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity against the human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell line. These findings provide further insight into the chemical diversity as well as the biological activity of this class of compounds.     

Long-Chain Acetylenic Ketones from the Micronesian Sponge Haliclona sp. Importance of the 1-yn-3-ol Group for Antitumor Activity

Two new long-chain C₃₃ polyacetylenic compounds, halicynones A and B were isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona sp. along with known analogs. The known compound pellynol A possessing a 1-yn-3-ol terminus, exhibited strong antitumor activity against the human colon tumor cell line HCT-116 (IC₅₀ 0.026 μg/mL), however, the corresponding 1-yn-3-one, halicynone A, was inactive, which suggests an important role for the terminal 1-yn-3-ol functional group in mediating cytotoxic activity.     

New Guanidine Alkaloids Batzelladines O and P from the Marine Sponge Monanchora pulchra Induce Apoptosis and Autophagy in Prostate Cancer Cells

Two new guanidine alkaloids, batzelladines O (1) and P (2), were isolated from the deep-water marine sponge Monanchora pulchra. The structures of these metabolites were determined by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ECD. The isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxic activity in human prostate cancer cells PC3, PC3-DR, and 22Rv1 at low micromolar concentrations and inhibited colony formation and survival of the cancer cells. Batzelladines O (1) and P (2) induced apoptosis, which was detected by Western blotting as caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Additionally, induction of pro-survival autophagy indicated as upregulation of LC3B-II and suppression of mTOR was observed in the treated cells. In line with this, the combination with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine synergistically increased the cytotoxic activity of batzelladines O (1) and P (2). Both compounds were equally active in docetaxel-sensitive and docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells, despite exhibiting a slight p-glycoprotein substrate-like activity. In combination with docetaxel, an additive effect was observed. In conclusion, the isolated new guanidine alkaloids are promising drug candidates for the treatment of taxane-resistant prostate cancer.