Novel sesquiterpenoid matrix metalloproteinase-3 inhibitors from an acid mine waste extremophile.

Berkeley Pit Lake is a 1500 ft deep abandoned open-pit copper mine filled with 30 billion gallons of acidic, metal-contaminated water. This harsh environment is proving to be a source of unusual, biologically active microorganisms. Bioassay-guided fractionation using signal transduction enzyme assays led to the isolation of three novel bisabolane sesquiterpenes and a novel coumarin. The isolation and characterization of these compounds are reported here.