Hypericin and pseudohypericin specifically inhibit protein kinase C: Possible relation to their antiretroviral activity

The plant pathogen Erwinia carotovora regulates expression of virulence factors and antibiotic production via an N-3-oxohexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL) dependent quorum sensing mechanism. The marine alga Delisea pulchra produces halogenated furanones known to antagonise 3-oxo-C6-HSL activity. We have tested the effects of a halogenated furanone on the production of carbapenem, cellulase and protease in E. carotovora. Despite differences in the regulatory mechanisms controlling carbapenem and exoenzyme production each was inhibited by the algal metabolite. We present evidence to suggest that the furanone dependent inhibition of carbapenem production is a result of the disruption of the 3-oxo-C6-HSL dependent expression of the carABCDEFGH operon.

Halogenated furanones from the red alga, Delisea pulchra, inhibit carbapenem antibiotic synthesis and exoenzyme virulence factor production in the phytopathogen Erwinia carotovora

The North Sea bryozoan Flustra foliacea was investigated to determine its secondary metabolite content. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of a dichloromethane extract of the bryozoan enabled 11 compounds to be identified. Preparative high-performance liquid chromatography of the extract resulted in the isolation of 10 brominated alkaloids (compounds 1 to 10) and one diterpene (compound 11). All of these compounds were tested to determine their activities in agar diffusion assays against bacteria derived from marine and terrestrial environments. Compounds 1, 3 to 7, 10, and 11 exhibited significant activities against one or more marine bacterial strains originally isolated from F. foliacea but only weak activities against all of the terrestrial bacteria. By using the biosensors Pseudomonas putida(pKR-C12), P. putida(pAS-C8), and Escherichia coli(pSB403) the antagonistic effect on N-acyl-homoserine lactone-dependent quorum-sensing systems was investigated. Compounds 8 and 10 caused reductions in the signal intensities in these bioassays ranging from 50 to 20% at a concentration of 20 μg/ml.

Secondary metabolites of Flustra foliacea and their influence on bacteria.

All surfaces that are submerged in the sea rapidly become covered by a biofilm. This process, called biofouling, has substantial economic consequences. Paints containing tri-butyl-tin (TBT) and copper compounds are used to protect marine structures by reducing biofouling. However, these compounds have damaging effects on the marine environment, as they are not biodegradable. It has been noted that many seaweeds and invertebrates found in the sea are not covered by a mature biofilm. This is due to the release of compounds into the surrounding seawater that deter the settlement of fouling organisms. In addition, seaweeds and invertebrates have bacteria on their surfaces that produce compounds to deter settling organisms. The production of compounds by bacteria and their living hosts work in concert to protect the hosts' surfaces. All of these compounds can be collected so they may be natural alternatives to TBT and copper compounds. However, the benefits associated with the use of bacteria as sources of these compounds means that bacteria are the organisms of choice for obtaining natural products for antifouling coatings.

Prevention of marine biofouling using natural compounds from marine organisms

This is a review of production and cultivation methods of the accepted types and varieties of buckwheat. A brief description of seed characteristics and structure is followed by a detailed review of seed composition (carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, lipids, and miscellaneous compounds) in mature and maturing buckwheat. A major part of the review deals with buckwheat uses as food, feed, honey, and rutin. Mechanical processing, thermal treatment, specific food uses, standard specifications, and changes during storage are covered. The review ends with a projection into the future and research needs.

Peter W. Schiess

Papers

Experiments Directed toward the Total Synthesis of Terpenes. IV. The Synthesis of (±)-Sandaracopimaradiene and (±)-Pimaradiene1,2

The synthesis of dl-sandaracopimaradiene, dl-pimaradiene and some observations on the structure of rimuene☆