The pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins are diterpene glycosides isolated from the marine soft coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity greater than the industry standard, indomethacin. Our objective is to develop a production method of these potent compounds and biosynthetically related anti-inflammatory metabolites by completing biosynthetic studies, enzymology and synthetic work. We plan to elucidate the biosynthetic pathway in order to gain detailed knowledge of the biosynthesis and enzymology of the system, and utilize the information in the development of the production method. In addition, purification of the diterpene cyclase will supply sequence data needed to facilitate cloning of the enzyme into a vector. Synthetic aromatization and oxidation of the cyclized enzymatic product will be studied in order to produce the promising anti-inflammatory compounds in significant quantities. Since the only present supply of these compounds is from extraction of harvested coral, this production method could provide these compounds for clinical development or for a commercial market.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM064005-02
Application #
6526149
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BIOL-1 (01))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2002-08-24
Project End
2003-05-02
Budget Start
2002-08-24
Budget End
2003-05-02
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$19,277
Indirect Cost
Name
Florida Atlantic University
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
004147534
City
Boca Raton
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33431