Nocardiopsins: new FKBP12-binding macrolide polyketides from an Australian marine-derived actinomycete, Nocardiopsis sp.

A marine-derived actinomycete, Nocardiopsis sp. (CMB-M0232), obtained from a sediment sample collected at a depth of 55 m off the coast of Brisbane, Australia, yielded two new macrolide polyketides. Structures for nocardiopsins A and B were assigned by detailed spectroscopic analysis, degradation and chemical derivatization. A Marfey's analysis revealed an unexpected acid-mediated partial racemization of the L-pipecolic acid incorporated within the nocardiopsins. The scope of this racemization was assessed against a selection of natural and synthetic N-acyl pipecolic acids. While the nocardiopsins are not antibacterial, antifungal or cytotoxic, they do exhibit low-micromolar binding to the immunophilin FKBP12, consistent with their structural and biosynthetic relationship to the immunosuppressive agents FK506 and rapamycin. The nocardiopsins represent a new point of entry into what has been a valuable, exclusive and reclusive region of bioactive chemical space--that surrounding the FK506/rapamycin pharmacophore.