The aflatoxins are a group of highly carcinogenic mycotoxins which are produced by various Aspergillus species, and which constitute serious health hazards as food contaminants. Their biogenesis, which is still not completely elucidated, involves a complex series of transformations starting from derivatives of 2-n-hexylanthraquinone. As part of this sequence, averufin is converted into versicolorin A in a process involving an unusual side-chain rearrangement. Recently, we discovered a new rearrangement of an alkyl-substituted anthraquinone which we believe represents the first chemical model for the crucial step in the averufin to versicolorin A transformation. Our present objective is to explore this new rearrangement in detail, with emphasis on the synthesis of compounds of the versicolorin type.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01ES003959-01
Application #
3251732
Study Section
Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry Study Section (BNP)
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
1987-01-31
Budget Start
1985-07-01
Budget End
1986-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35487