Sponge Theonella Research Articles

Chemical surprises from an uncultivated sponge symbiont

Marine sponges are a rich source of bioactive natural products and are promising sources for drug discovery and development An impressive example is the sponge Theonella swinhoei, which has yielded more than 120 compounds belonging to diverse structural types. Many sponges also harbor highly complex consortia of symbiotic bacteria that are suspected to be the true source of at least some of the secondary metabolites. In previous work, our group demonstrated a bacterial origin of onnamide- and psymberin-type polyketides for two different sponges (1–3), but there were no insights into the producer of compounds from other natural product families. In addition, the exact taxonomic identity of sponge-associated producers remained unknown. This talk will present new insights into these two issues. Isolation of genes encoding a peptide biosynthetic pathway from the T. swinhoei metagenome demonstrated a bacterial origin. Several genes were heterologously expressed and functionally characterized, which revealed unprecedented biosynthetic transformations. The novelty of these modifications suggests the existence of a structurally distinct natural product family, for which we propose the name proteusins. Using a strategy consisting of single-cell analysis and metagenomic sequencing, we identified the bacterial producer of onnamide polyketides in T. swinhoei. Surprisingly, the data suggest the symbiont to be a chemically exceptionally prolific bacterium, producing not only onnamides but most other compounds from this sponge chemotype, including the known and two previously unknown proteusins. Further biosynthetic studies and a survey of other sponges indicate that close relatives of the producer are widespread in these animals and vary with respect to their biosynthetic capabilities. These bacteria might therefore represent the first uncultivated taxon with a metabolic richness resembling that of major cultivated bacterial natural product sources. These results reveal a key role of symbiotic bacteria in the chemistry of their sponge hosts and provide new strategies to study uncultivated symbionts in a more systematic fashion.

Bromotheoynic acid, a brominated acetylenic acid from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei

A new brominated C17 acetylenic acid (1) designated as bromotheoynic acid has been isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei, collected off the coast of Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The structure was determined on the basis of the analysis of its extensive 2D NMR spectroscopic data as well as HRMS. Bromotheoynic acid (1) inhibited maturation of starfish oocytes and cell division of fertilised starfish eggs. Bromotheoynic acid (1) also inhibited proliferation of human leukaemia U937 and HL60 cells, human lung cancer A549 and H1299 cells, and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells.

Anti-inflammatory cyclopeptides from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei

DCCC chromatography followed by HPLC purification on the polar extract of marine sponge Theonella swinhoei resulted in the isolation of five new cyclopeptides, perthamides G–K. The new structures, featuring unprecedented amino acid units, were determined by interpretation of extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric data (MS, 1H and 13C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY). Pharmacological analysis demonstrated that these natural cyclopeptides are endowed with anti-inflammatory potential as assessed by their ability to reduce carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema.

Discovery That Theonellasterol a Marine Sponge Sterol Is a Highly Selective FXR Antagonist That Protects against Liver Injury in Cholestasis

BackgroundThe farnesoid-x-receptor (FXR) is a bile acid sensor expressed in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Despite FXR ligands are under investigation for treatment of cholestasis, a biochemical condition occurring in a number of liver diseases for which available therapies are poorly effective, mice harboring a disrupted FXR are protected against liver injury caused by bile acid overload in rodent models of cholestasis. Theonellasterol is a 4-methylene-24-ethylsteroid isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Here, we have characterized the activity of this theonellasterol on FXR-regulated genes and biological functions.Principal FindingsInterrogation of HepG2 cells, a human hepatocyte cell line, by microarray analysis and transactivation assay shows that theonellasterol is a selective FXR antagonist, devoid of any agonistic or antagonistic activity on a number of human nuclear receptors including the vitamin D receptor, PPARs, PXR, LXRs, progesterone, estrogen, glucorticoid and thyroid receptors, among others. Exposure of HepG2 cells to theonellasterol antagonizes the effect of natural and synthetic FXR agonists on FXR-regulated genes, including SHP, OSTα, BSEP and MRP4. A proof-of-concept study carried out to investigate whether FXR antagonism rescues mice from liver injury caused by the ligation of the common bile duct, a model of obstructive cholestasis, demonstrated that theonellasterol attenuates injury caused by bile duct ligation as measured by assessing serum alanine aminostrasferase levels and extent of liver necrosis at histopathology. Analysis of genes involved in bile acid uptake and excretion by hepatocytes revealed that theonellasterol increases the liver expression of MRP4, a basolateral transporter that is negatively regulated by FXR. Administering bile duct ligated mice with an FXR agonist failed to rescue from liver injury and downregulated the expression of MRP4.ConclusionsFXR antagonism in vivo results in a positive modulation of MRP4 expression in the liver and is a feasible strategy to target obstructive cholestasis.

Quantitative NMR-Derived Interproton Distances Combined with Quantum Mechanical Calculations of 13C Chemical Shifts in the Stereochemical Determination of Conicasterol F, a Nuclear Receptor Ligand from Theonella swinhoei

Here we report the first application of combined accurate ROE-distance analysis with DFT calculations of NMR chemical shifts to achieve the relative configuration assignment of a marine natural product, conicasterol F, a new polyhydroxylated steroid isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. We demonstrate the substantial advantages of this combined approach as a tool for structural studies of natural products, providing a powerful alternative to, or information to underpin, total synthesis when more classical NMR data analysis fails to provide unequivocal results. In this paper, we also describe the isolation and structure elucidation of conicasterol F and its 24-ethyl derivative, theonellasterol I, and their pharmacological evaluation as human nuclear receptor modulators.

4-Methylenesterols from Theonella swinhoei sponge are natural pregnane-X-receptor agonists and farnesoid-X-receptor antagonists that modulate innate immunity

We report the isolation and the structural elucidation of a family of polyhydroxylated steroids from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Decodification of interactions of these family with nuclear receptors shows that these steroids are potent agonists of human pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) and antagonists of human farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) with the putative binding mode to nuclear receptors (NRs) obtained through docking experiments.By using monocytes isolated from transgenic mice harboring hPXR, we demonstrated that swinhosterol B counter-regulates induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a PXR-dependent manner. Exposure of CD4+ T cells to swinhosterol B upregulates the expression of IL-10 causing a shift toward a T cells regulatory phenotype in a PXR dependent manner. These results pave the way to development of a dual PXR agonist/FXR antagonist with a robust immunomodulatory activity and endowed with the ability to modulate the expression of bile acid-regulated genes in the liver.

Identification of the protease inhibitor miraziridine A in the Red sea sponge Theonella swinhoei

Background:Miraziridine A, a natural peptide isolated from a marine sponge, is a potent cathepsin B inhibitor with a second-order rate constant of 1.5 × 104 M-1 s-1. In the present study, miraziridine A was isolated from the Red Sea sponge Theonella swinhoei on the basis of chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. We conclude that T. swinhoei from the Red Sea represents an alternative source of the aziridinylpeptide miraziridine A to the previously identified Theonella mirabilis from Japan. We confirmed that the metabolite is produced by marine sponges from different geographical locations.Context:Marine sponges have been proven to be a rich source of secondary metabolites exhibiting a huge diversity of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. Theonella species (order Lithistida, Demospongiae) have been shown to be a source of anti-protease and anti-HIV secondary metabolites.Aims:To identify the protease inhibitor mirazirine A in the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei.Material and Methods:The marine sponge Theonella swinhoei was collected by SCUBA diving in the Red Sea in Eilat (Israel). Sponge material was lyophilized and further extracted successively with cyclohexane, dichloromethane and methanol to obtain three crude extracts. LC-MS analysis was performed to confirm the presence of Miraziridine A in the dichloromethane fraction.Results:In the present study, miraziridine A was isolated from the Red Sea sponge T. swinhoei on the basis of chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques.Conclusions:We conclude that T. swinhoei from the Red Sea represents an alternative source of the aziridinylpeptide miraziridine A to the previously identified Theonella mirabilis from Japan.

Heat shock proteins as key biological targets of the marine natural cyclopeptide perthamide C

Linking bioactive compounds to their cellular targets is a central challenge in chemical biology. Herein we report the mode of action of perthamide C, a natural cyclopeptide isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Through an emerging mass spectrometry-based chemical proteomics approach, Heat Shock Protein 90 and Glucose Regulated Protein 94 were identified as key targets of perthamide C and this evidence has been validated using surface plasmon resonance. The ability of perthamide C to influence heat shock protein-mediated cell apoptosis revealed that this marine metabolite could be a good candidate for the development of a lead compound with therapeutic applications based on apoptosis modulation.

Conicasterol E, a Small Heterodimer Partner Sparing Farnesoid X Receptor Modulator Endowed with a Pregnane X Receptor Agonistic Activity, from the Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei

We report the isolation and pharmacological characterization of conicasterol E isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Pharmacological characterization of this steroid in comparison to CDCA, a natural FXR ligand, and 6-ECDCA, a synthetic FXR agonist generated by an improved synthetic strategy, and rifaximin, a potent PXR agonist, demonstrated that conicasterol E is an FXR modulator endowed with PXR agonistic activity. Conicasterol E induces the expression of genes involved in bile acids detoxification without effect on the expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP), thus sparing the expression of genes involved in bile acids biosynthesis. The relative positioning in the ligand binding domain of FXR, explored through docking calculations, demonstrated a different spatial arrangement for conicasterol E and pointed to the presence of simultaneous and efficient interactions with the receptor. In summary, conicasterol E represents a FXR modulator and PXR agonist that might hold utility in treatment of liver disorders.

Synthesis of tokaramide A, a cysteine protease inhibitor from marine sponge Theonella aff. mirabilis

The first synthesis of tokaramide A ( 1) is described. Tokaramide A ( 1) was synthesized via the peptide with a side-chain unprotected arginine residue on Weinreb AM resin by reductive cleavage.

ChemInform Abstract: Convergent Total Synthesis of the Complex Non‐Ribosomal Peptide Polytheonamide B

AbstractReview: 72 refs.

Perthamides C–F, potent human antipsoriatic cyclopeptides

Two new cyclopeptides, perthamides E and F were isolated from the polar extracts of the sponge Theonella swinhoei. The new structures, featuring an unprecedented β-amino acid unit (AHMOA), were determined by interpretation of NMR and MS data. The absolute configuration of the AHMOA residue was proposed on the basis of quantum chemical calculation of NMR chemical shifts. Perthamides were proved to inhibit TNF-α and IL-8 release in primary human keratinocytes cells and therefore could represent potentially leads for the treatment of psoriasis.

Swinholide J, a Potent Cytotoxin from the Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei

In our ongoing search for new pharmacologically active leads from Solomon organisms, we have examined the sponge Theonella swinhoei. Herein we report the isolation and structure elucidation of swinholide A (1) and one new macrolide, swinholide J (2). Swinholide J is an unprecedented asymmetric 44-membered dilactone with an epoxide functionality in half of the molecule. The structural determination was based on extensive interpretation of high-field NMR spectra and HRESIMS data. Swinholide J displayed potent in vitro cytotoxicity against KB cells (human nasopharynx cancer) with an IC50 value of 6 nM.

Total Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of Solomonsterol A, a Potent Marine Pregnane-X-Receptor Agonist Endowed with Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Recently, we reported the identification of a novel class of pregnane-X-receptor (PXR) agonists, solomonsterols A and B, isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Preliminary pharmacological studies demonstrated that these natural compounds are potential leads for the treatment of human disorders characterized by dysregulation of innate immunity. In this article, we describe the first total synthesis of solomonsterol A and its in vivo characterization in animal models of colitis. Using transgenic mice expressing the human PXR, we found that administration of synthetic solomonsterol A effectively protects against development of clinical signs and symptoms of colitis and reduced the generation of TNFα, a signature cytokine for this disorder. In addition, we have provided the first evidence that solomonsterol A might act by triggering the expression of TGFβ and IL-10, potent counter-regulatory cytokines in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Finally, we have shown that solomonsterol A inhibits NF-κB activation by a PXR dependent mechanism. In summary, solomonsterol A is a marine PXR agonist that holds promise in the treatment of inflammation-driven immune dysfunction in clinical settings.

Theonellasterols and Conicasterols from Theonella swinhoei. Novel Marine Natural Ligands for Human Nuclear Receptors

Silica gel column chromatography, followed by HPLC purification on the apolar fraction of the methanol extract of marine sponge Theonella swinhoei, resulted in the isolation of a library of 10 polyhydroxylated steroids which we named theonellasterols B-H (1-7) and conicasterols B-D (8-10). The structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (MS, (1)H and (13)C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY) analysis, and the putative binding mode to nuclear receptors (NRs) has been obtained through docking calculations. Pharmacological and structure-activity relationship analysis demonstrate that these natural polyhydroxylated steroids are potent ligands of human nuclear pregnane receptor (PXR) and modulator of farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR). In addition, the molecular characterization of theonellasterol G allowed the identification of the first FXR modulator and PXR ligand so far identified. Exposure of liver cells to this agent resulted in potent induction of PXR-regulated genes and modulation of FXR-regulated genes, highlighting its pharmacological potential in the treatment of liver disorders.

Convergent Total Synthesis of the Complex Non‐Ribosomal Peptide Polytheonamide B

AbstractPolytheonamide B, isolated from the Japanese marine sponge Theonella swinhoei, is by far the largest non‐ribosomal peptide known to date, and displays potent cytotoxicity. Its 48 amino acid residues include a variety of non‐proteinogenic D‐ and L‐amino acids, and the chiralities of these amino acids alternate in sequence. These structural features induce the formation of a stable β6.3‐helical structure in the hydrophobic environment, giving rise to an overall tubular structure of 45 Å in length. In a biological setting, this fold is believed to transport cations across the lipid bilayer through a pore with an inner diameter of 4 Å, thereby acting as an ion channel. In this account, we describe in detail our total synthetic route to polytheonamide B. The total synthesis relies on a combination of four key stages: synthesis of eight non‐proteinogenic amino acids and an N‐terminus moiety, a solid phase assembly of four fragments of polytheonamide B, three Ag+‐mediated couplings of the fragments, and finally, acid‐promoted global deprotection. The generality and modularity of the developed strategy will enable future studies of the chemical and biological properties of this unusual ion‐channel‐forming peptide and its synthetic analogues.

Solomonamides A and B, New Anti-inflammatory Peptides from Theonella swinhoei

Two unprecedented cyclic peptides, solomonamides A and B, were isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. The structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. A combined approach, involving Marfey's method, QM J based analysis, and DFT J/(13)C calculations, was used for establishing the absolute configuration of the entire molecule. Solomonamide A showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Towards new ligands of nuclear receptors. Discovery of malaitasterol A, an unique bis-secosterol from marine sponge Theonella swinhoei

Malaitasterol A, an unprecedented bis-secosterol, was isolated from a Solomon collection of Theonella swinhoei. The structure was elucidated on the basis of a combination of comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR analysis, high-resolution mass spectrometry and DFT (13)C chemical shift calculations. The biological characterization of malaitasterol A provided evidence that this compound is a potent agonist of pregnane-X-receptor and its putative binding mode to PXR has been obtained through docking calculations.

ChemInform Abstract: Keramamides B-D (Ia)-(Ic): Novel Peptides from the Okinawan Marine Sponge Theonella sp.

ChemInform Abstract: Keramamides B-D (Ia)-(Ic): Novel Peptides from the Okinawan Marine Sponge Theonella sp.

ChemInform Abstract: Bioactive Marine Metabolites. Part 38. Aurantosides A and B: Cytotoxic Tetramic Acid Glycosides from the Marine Sponge Theonella sp.

ChemInform Abstract: Bioactive Marine Metabolites. Part 38. Aurantosides A and B: Cytotoxic Tetramic Acid Glycosides from the Marine Sponge Theonella sp.