Fred E. Boettner

Bio: Fred E. Boettner is an academic researcher from Arizona State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Pancratistatin & Dolabella auricularia. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 10 publications receiving 1063 citations.

Antineoplastic agents, 120. Pancratium littorale.

Abstract: The bulbs of Pancratium littorale collected in Hawaii were found to contain a new phenanthridone biosynthetic product designated pancratistatin (4a) that proved to be effective (38-106% life extension at 0.75-12.5 mg/kg dose levels) against the murine P-388 lymphocytic leukemia. Pancratistatin also markedly inhibited (ED50, 0.01 microgram/ml) growth of the P-388 in vitro cell line and in vivo murine M-5076 ovary sarcoma (53-84% life extension at 0.38-3.0 mg/kg). An X-ray crystal structure determination of pancratistatin monomethyl ether (4c) and a detailed high resolution (400 MHz) nmr study of pancratistatin and its pentaacetate (4b) completed assignment of structure 4a. Companion antineoplastic constituents of P. littorale were found to be narciclasine (2c) and its 7-deoxy derivative (2a). The structure of 7-deoxynarciclasine (2c) was also confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Isolation and structure of the powerful human cancer cell growth inhibitors spongistatins 4 and 5 from an African Spirastrella spinispirulifera(porifera)

Abstract: The Southwest Indian Ocean marine sponge Spirastrella spinispirulifera has been found to contain (in 10–7% yields) two extraordinarily potent (Gl50ca. 10–8µg ml–1) human cancer cell line inhibitors designated spongistatins 4 1d and 5 2.

Some Practical Considerations and Applications of the National Cancer Institute In Vitro Anticancer Drug Discovery Screen

Abstract: During 1985-1990 the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) phased out its murine leukemia P388 anticancer drug screening program and developed as the replacement a new in vitro primary screen based upon a diverse panel of human tumor cell lines. For each substance tested, the screen generates a remarkably reproducible and characteristic profile of differential in vitro cellular sensitivity, or lack thereof, across the 60 different cell lines comprising the panel. Several investigational approaches to display, analysis and interpretation of such profiles and databases, derived from the testing of tens of thousands of substances during the past 4-5 years since the NCI screen became fully operational, have been explored. A variety of useful, practical applications of the in vitro screen have become apparent. As these applications continue to evolve, they are proving to be complementary to diverse other anticancer screening and drug discovery strategies being developed or pursued elsewhere. Reviewed herein are some practical considerations and selected specific examples, particularly illustrating research applications of the NCI screen that may be more broadly applicable to the search for new anticancer drug development leads with novel profiles of antitumor activity and/or mechanisms of action.

High-value products from microalgae—their development and commercialisation

Abstract: Microalgae (including the cyanobacteria) are established commercial sources of high-value chemicals such as β-carotene, astaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosahexaenoic acid, phycobilin pigments and algal extracts for use in cosmetics. Microalgae are also increasingly playing a role in cosmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and functional foods. In the last few years, there has been renewed interest in microalgae as commercial sources of these and other high-value compounds, driven in part by the attempts to develop commercially viable biofuels from microalgae. This paper briefly reviews the main existing and potential high-value products which can be derived from microalgae and considers their commercial development with a particular focus on the various aspects which need to be considered on the path to commercialisation, using the experience gained in the commercialisation of existing algae products. These considerations include the existing and potential market size and market characteristics of the product, competition by chemically synthesised products or by ‘natural’ compounds from other organisms such as fungi, bacteria, higher plants, etc., product quality requirements and assurance, and the legal and regulatory environment.

Drug development from marine natural products

Abstract: Drug discovery from marine natural products has enjoyed a renaissance in the past few years. Ziconotide (Prialt; Elan Pharmaceuticals), a peptide originally discovered in a tropical cone snail, was the first marine-derived compound to be approved in the United States in December 2004 for the treatment of pain. Then, in October 2007, trabectedin (Yondelis; PharmaMar) became the first marine anticancer drug to be approved in the European Union. Here, we review the history of drug discovery from marine natural products, and by describing selected examples, we examine the factors that contribute to new discoveries and the difficulties associated with translating marine-derived compounds into clinical trials. Providing an outlook into the future, we also examine the advances that may further expand the promise of drugs from the sea.