Qun Göthel1, Matthias Köck1. 1. Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
Abstract
Four new sulfated sesquiterpene hydroquinones siphonodictyals E1-E4 (1-4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) were isolated from a sample of the Caribbean sponge Aka coralliphagum collected off the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-4 are derivatives of siphonodictyal E (9). Siphonodictyal E4 (4) exhibited mild antiproliferation activity against L929 mouse fibroblast, KB-31 epidermoid carcinoma, and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, while siphondictyal E3 (3) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Four new sulfated sesquiterpene hydroquinonessiphonodictyals E1-E4 (1-4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) were isolated from a sample of the Caribbean sponge Akacoralliphagum collected off the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-4 are derivatives of siphonodictyal E (9). Siphonodictyal E4 (4) exhibited mild antiproliferation activity against L929mouse fibroblast, KB-31 epidermoid carcinoma, and MCF-7 breast cancercell lines, while siphondictyal E3 (3) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Akacoralliphagum (Siphonodictyon coralliphagum) is known to have four distinct morphological forms: forma typica, f. tubulosa, f. obruta, and f. incrustans [1]. This sponge has the ability to burrow into live coral heads, leaving only the oscular chimney protruding (typica) or the flat crusts (incrustans) exposed. The oscular chimneys or the flat crusts are encircled by a so-called "dead zone" which protects the sponge from overgrowth [2]. Sullivan and Faulkner have proposed that the coral polyps are killed by the viscous mucus containing the toxic secondary metabolites which are produced by the sponge tissue [3]. This ecological observation inspired the chemical investigation of this sponge by different research groups. Thus many secondary metabolites have been reported, such as the sesquiterpene phenolicaldehydes, siphonodictyals B, C, D, E, the monosulfated siphonodictyols G and H, the disulfated siphonodictyal B3, and siphonodictyoic acid [2,4-5]. The sponge under our investigation is of the growth form incrustans, which was collected off the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas. Fractionation of the aqueous n-BuOH extract yielded the new compounds siphonodictyals E1–E4 (1–4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5). In this article, we describe the isolation, structural elucidation, and bioactivity of compounds 1–5 from the Aka growth form incrustans, as well as discuss the biosynthetic pathway of related compounds.
Results and Discussion
The aqueous n-BuOH extract from Akacoralliphagum was subjected to solvent partitioning, followed by gel chromatography and reversed phase (C18) HPLC to yield siphonodictyals E1–E4 (1–4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) (Figure 1). The structure elucidation was based on 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRMS-ESI(−) experiments. The 1H and 13CNMR chemical shifts for the five new compounds are given in Table 1.
Figure 1
Structures of the new compounds siphonodictyals E1–E4 (1–4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) isolated from the sponge Aka coralliphagum. Since the structure of siphonodictyal E4 (4) could not be unambiguously assigned, the two possible constitutional isomers (4a and 4b) are shown.
Table 1
NMR data of compounds 1–5 (δC 150 MHz, δH 600 MHz in DMSO-d6).a
No.
1
2
3
4
5
δC
δH
δC
δH
δC
δH
δC
δH
δC
δH
1
177.8
–
177.5
–
25.5
1.62 (s)
96.2
5.42 (s)
39.4
0.76 (m)
1.91 (m)
2
38.7
2.28 (m)
38.6
2.28 (m)
130.6
–
37.3
–
18.2
1.38 (m)
1.60 (m)
3
32.9
1.25 (m)
32.8
1.25 (m)
124.2
5.05 (t, 7.1)
31.4
1.03 (m)
41.6
1.08 (dt, 4.0, 13.5)
1.47 (m)
1.47 (m)
1.13 (m)
1.33 (m)
4
24.9
1.32 (m)
24.9
1.31 (m)
26.3
2.00 (m)
22.1
0.56 (m)
33.1
–
1.11 (m)
5
38.9
1.91 (m)
39.4
1.91 (t, 6.9)
39.3
1.92 (m)
39.3
1.28 (m)
55.4
0.83 (m)
1.75 (m)
6
134.4
–
134.4
–
134.4
–
134.9
–
19.8
1.58 (m)
1.60 (m)
7
124.0
5.09 (t, 6.5)
124.0
5.09 (t, 6.8)
124.0
5.09 (t, 7.1)
121.7
4.52 (t, 5.9)
40.1
1.43 (m)
1.60 (m)
8
26.2
2.06 (m)
26.2
2.06 (m)
26.2
2.06 (m)
23.8
1.89 (m)
78.5
–
2.01 (m)
9
40.1
1.98 (m)
39.8
1.99 (t, 7.2)
40.1
1.97 (m)
39.0
1.92 (m)
58.1
1.32 (m)
10
134.5
–
135.4
–
135.5
–
131.9
–
38.2
–
11
123.7
5.19 (t, 7.2)
122.9
5.21 (t, 7.2)
122.6
5.21 (t, 7.0)
125.7
5.10 (t, 7.9)
33.1
0.83 (s)
12
27.2
3.25 (d, 3.4)
26.9
3.33b,c
27.1
3.35b,c
29.8
2.58 (dd, 6.8, 12.6)
21.2
0.78 (s)
3.99 (dd, 9.6, 12.4)
13
17.0
1.01 (d, 6.6)
17.0
1.01 (d, 6.9)
17.6
1.54 (s)
19.9
1.04 (s)
21.6
1.31 (s)
14
15.7
1.53 (s)
15.6
1.53 (s)
16.0
1.55 (s)
17.2
1.36 (s)
15.3
0.79 (s)
15
15.9
1.65 (s)
15.9
1.66 (s)
15.8
1.66 (s)
15.1
1.62 (s)
20.8
2.33 (dd, 9.6, 15.5)
3.06 (d, 15.5)
16
120.5
–
125.9
–
125.5
–
126.5
–
129.9
–
17
117.7
6.50 (s)
122.8
6.84 (s)
129.5
7.48 (s)
120.8
7.19 (s)
146.4
–
18
144.0
–
141.8
–
137.7
–
137.2
–
113.7
6.45 (d, 8.6)
19
156.4c
–
147.8
–
151.3
–
143.2
–
112.4
6.38 (d, 8.6)
20
110.9c
–
115.5
–
115.9
–
120.3
–
146.5
–
21
141.8c
–
144.5
–
148.2
–
142.9
–
127.7
–
22
164.6
8.67 (s)
197.2
10.10 (s)
196.6
10.11 (s)
65.3
4.44 (s)
56.7
4.50 (d, 15.0)
4.64 (d, 15.0)
23
51.2d
3.83 (t, 6.5)
24
51.2d
2.82 (t, 6.2)
1-OH
7.07 (bs)
18-OH
9.09
19-OH
11.37
22-OH
5.09 (bs)
aδ are given in ppm (reference: DMSO-d6, 2.50 ppm, 39.52 ppm), coupling constants are given in Hz; assignments were confirmed by 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). bOverlap with water peak. cChemical shifts were obtained from HMBC spectra. dOverlap with each other.
Structures of the new compounds siphonodictyals E1–E4 (1–4) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) isolated from the sponge Akacoralliphagum. Since the structure of siphonodictyal E4 (4) could not be unambiguously assigned, the two possible constitutional isomers (4a and 4b) are shown.NMR data of compounds 1–5 (δC 150 MHz, δH 600 MHz in DMSO-d6).aaδ are given in ppm (reference: DMSO-d6, 2.50 ppm, 39.52 ppm), coupling constants are given in Hz; assignments were confirmed by 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). bOverlap with water peak. cChemical shifts were obtained from HMBC spectra. dOverlap with each other.Siphonodictyal E1 (1) was identified by NMR data and its accurate mass of 598.1338 [M + Na − 2H]− which indicated the molecular formula C24H35NO11S2. Comparison of the NMR data of 1 and siphonodictyal E (9, Figure 2) [2] revealed the presence of the identical sesquiterpene acyclicchain with one of the terminal methyl groups oxidized to a carboxylic acid. Moreover, the diagnostic values for C-14 (δ 15.7) and C-15 (δ 15.9) confirmed a common 6E, 10E double-bond geometry [6-7]. The NMR spectral data also suggested a similar aromatic ring system as in siphonodictyal E (9). Moreover, the 1H,1H-COSY correlation between the two methylene groups CH2-23 and CH2-24 as well as the 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations from H-22 (δ 8.67) to C-18 (δ 144.0), C-19 (δ 156.4), C-20 (δ 110.9), C-21 (δ 141.8), and C-23 (δ 51.2) further indicated that an iminoethanesulfonic acid is connected to the aromatic ring system in 1 (Figure 3), as in siphonodictyal B1 (6, Figure 2) [5].
Figure 2
Structures of the related known compounds siphonodictyal B1 (6), siphonodictyal B2 (7), siphonodictyal B3 (8), and siphonodictyal E (9) from the sponge Aka coralliphagum.
Figure 3
Selected 1H,13C-HMBC correlations (H → C) and 1H,1H-COSY correlation (bold line) observed for siphonodictyal E1 (1).
Structures of the related known compounds siphonodictyal B1 (6), siphonodictyal B2 (7), siphonodictyal B3 (8), and siphonodictyal E (9) from the sponge Akacoralliphagum.Selected 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations (H → C) and 1H,1H-COSY correlation (bold line) observed for siphonodictyal E1 (1).Examination of the NMR data for siphonodictyal E2 (2) revealed a high degree of similarity with the data reported for siphonodictyal E (9). However, the molecular ion peak of compound 2 was shown at m/z 469.1534 ([M − H]− C22H29O9S), which has 80 amu more than that of 9, indicating an additional sulfate ester group in compound 2. The 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations from 18-OH to C-17 (δ 122.8), C-18 (δ 141.8), and C-19 (δ 147.8) as well as from 19-OH to C-18 (δ 141.8), C-19 (δ 147.8), and C-20 (δ 115.5) indicated that C-18 and C-19 are connected to hydroxy groups rather than sulfate ester groups (Figure 4). Thus, the sulfate ester group should be at position C-21. Furthermore, the 13CNMR chemical shifts of the three constitutional isomers 2-I to 2-III were calculated using an increment system (Table 2) with additional values for sulfate esters published by Ragan [8]. These calculations (Table 3) allowed us to confirm the position of the sulfate moiety (2-I, Figure 5). The comparison of the NMR data of 2 and siphonodictyal B2 (7, Figure 2) [5] further confirmed the identity of the aromatic moiety of both compounds.
Figure 4
Selected 1H,13C-HMBC correlations (H → C) observed for siphonodictyal E2 (2).
Table 2
13C substituent effects Δδ in monosubstituted benzenes relative to the benzene carbon at 128.5 ppm [9].
Functional group
i [ppm]
o [ppm]
m [ppm]
p [ppm]
CHO
8.4
1.2
0.5
5.7
OH
26.9
−12.8
1.4
−7.4
Allyl
15.3
0
0.2
−2.4
OSO3H
22.0
−7.0
1.5
−2.0
Table 3
Results of the increment calculations for the aromatic moiety of the three constitutional proposals of siphonodictyal E2 (2) and siphonodictyal E3 (3).
Carbon No.
Siphonodictyal E2 (2)
2-I
2-II
2-III
16
125.9
131.3 (5.4)
130.9 (5.0)
125.6 (0.3)
17
122.8
124.3 (1.5)
124.3 (1.5)
130.0 (7.2)
18
141.8
141.3 (0.5)
141.7 (0.1)
131.0 (10.8)
19
147.8
142.9 (4.9)
137.9 (9.9)
148.6 (0.8)
20
115.5
118.7 (3.2)
118.7 (3.2)
113.0 (2.5)
21
144.5
145.7 (1.2)
150.7 (6.2)
156.0 (11.5)
Σ [ppm]
16.7
25.9
33.1
Carbon No.
Siphonodictyal E3 (3)
3-I
3-II
3-III
16
125.5
131.4 (5.9)
136.7 (11.2)
131.0 (5.5)
17
129.5
130.1 (0.6)
124.4 (5.1)
130.1 (0.6)
18
137.7
136.4 (1.3)
147.1 (9.4)
136.8 (0.9)
19
151.3
148.7 (2.6)
138.0 (13.3)
143.7 (7.6)
20
115.9
118.8 (2.9)
124.5 (8.6)
118.8 (2.9)
21
148.2
151.1 (2.9)
145.8 (2.4)
156.1 (7.9)
Σ [ppm]
16.2
50.0
25.4
Figure 5
Possible constitutions for the aromatic moieties of siphonodictyals E2 (2) and E3 (3) (sum over all Δδ(13C): 2-I 16.7 ppm, 2-II 25.9 ppm, 2-III 33.1 ppm, 3-I 16.2 ppm, 3-II 50.0 ppm, 3-III 25.4 ppm); plain arrows in 2-I showed the HMBC correlations from 18-OH and 19-OH to the aromatic carbons; dashed arrows in 2-II and 2-III indicate HMBC correlations which would be expected.
Selected 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations (H → C) observed for siphonodictyal E2 (2).13C substituent effects Δδ in monosubstituted benzenes relative to the benzenecarbon at 128.5 ppm [9].Results of the increment calculations for the aromatic moiety of the three constitutional proposals of siphonodictyal E2 (2) and siphonodictyal E3 (3).Possible constitutions for the aromatic moieties of siphonodictyals E2 (2) and E3 (3) (sum over all Δδ(13C): 2-I 16.7 ppm, 2-II 25.9 ppm, 2-III 33.1 ppm, 3-I 16.2 ppm, 3-II 50.0 ppm, 3-III 25.4 ppm); plain arrows in 2-I showed the HMBCcorrelations from 18-OH and 19-OH to the aromaticcarbons; dashed arrows in 2-II and 2-III indicate HMBCcorrelations which would be expected.The HRMS-ESI(−) spectrum for siphonodictyal E3 (3) displayed the pseudomolecular ion peak [M + Na − 2H]− at m/z 539.1046, indicating the molecular formula C22H30O10S2. The 13CNMR spectrum contained six olefinic signals in addition to the aromatic signals, and the 1HNMR spectrum contained four olefinic methyl signals at δ 1.62 (s), δ 1.54 (s), δ 1.55 (s), and δ 1.66 (s), which suggested a sesquiterpene side chain containing three trisubstituted olefinic bonds. The two sulfate ester groups were assigned to attach to C-18 and C-21 after comparison of the NMR data of the aromatic moieties of 3 with those of siphonodictyal B3 (8, Figure 2). Nevertheless, the results of the increment calculations using the values for sulfate esters from Ragan [8] clearly favours the isomer 3-I (Figure 5), which further supports our proposed structure.The HRMS-ESI(−) spectrum for siphonodictyal E4 (4) showed the pseudomolecular ion peak [M + Na − 2H]− at m/z 555.0954, confirmed its molecular formula as C22H30O11S2, corresponding to eight double bond equivalents. The sesquiterpenoid moiety of the molecule contained two trisubstituted olefinic bonds (δ 121.7, δ 125.7, δ 131.9, δ 134.9) and a hemiacetalcarbon (δ 96.2) at one terminus which differed from the acyclic side chain in 1 and 2. The remaining six carbon signals in the downfield region of the 13CNMR spectrum belonged to the tetrasubstituted aromatic ring system. In contrast to 1 and 2, compound 4 contained an oxymethine group (CH-22, δC 65.3, δH 4.44) which connected the sesquiterpenechain with the aromatic ring. This is supported by the six/seven HMBCcorrelations from H-22 to C-1 (δ 96.2), C-2 (δ 37.3), C-3 (δ 31.4), C-13 (δ 19.9), C-19 (δ 143.2) / C-21 (δ 142.9), and C-20 (δ 120.3). The HMBCcorrelations from H-12 (δ 2.58, 3.99) to C-17 (δ 120.8) and C-21 and from H-17 (δ 7.19) to C-18 (δ 137.2) confirmed the position of the unsubstituted CH-17 as shown in the proposed structure (Figure 6). Since the very weak HMBCcorrelation from H-1 to C-19 or C-21could not be unambiguously assigned, the constitutional isomers with respect to the position of the oxygen bridge 4a and 4b (Figure 1) are in accordance with the NMR data. This is the first compound isolated from this sponge which contains a macrocycle. Moreover, this macrocycle could probably be formed by an aldol addition from a precursor with an acyclicsesquiterpene side chain (Figure 7). The aromatic ring system of proposed precursor 3-ox in Figure 7 also appeared in the known compound siphonodictyal B3 (8) [5] isolated from the same sponge source as well as the newly identified compound 3. There are no similar compounds known which contained the aromatic ring system with two adjacent sulfate ester groups. Therefore, we assumed that the constitutional isomer 4a is more likely. The δ values of methyl carbonsC-14 and C-15 below 20 ppm indicated the E configuration of the double bonds C-6/C-7 and C-10/C-11 of the isoprenoidchain [6-7]. Additionally, in the NOESY spectrum we could observe a weak correlation between H-22 (δ 4.44) and H-3 (δ 1.03) as well as between H-22 (δ 4.44) and H-13 (δ 1.04). Because of the overlapping of the proton signals of H-3 and H-13, this assignment is not unambiguous. Due to the flexibility of the macrocycle of 4 it was not possible to analyse the conformation of the pyrane. Therefore, the configurations at the centers C-1, C-2, and C-22could not be assigned. Further investigations are hindered by the fact that compound 4 easily degrades.
Figure 6
Selected 1H,13C-HMBC correlations (H → C) observed for siphonodictyal E4 (4a).
Figure 7
Proposed biogenesis of 4a starting from the hypothetical precursor 3-ox with an acyclic sesquiterpenoid part.
Selected 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations (H → C) observed for siphonodictyal E4 (4a).Proposed biogenesis of 4a starting from the hypothetical precursor 3-ox with an acyclicsesquiterpenoid part.The HRMS-ESI(−) spectrum for cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) showed the pseudomolecular ion peak [M + Na − 2H]− at m/z 343.2292, confirmed its molecular formula as C22H32O3. The 13CNMR spectrum displayed six signals in the area of aromaticcarbon atoms and 16 signals in the aliphatic region. The 1H,13C-HSQC spectrum indicated four methyl and seven methylene groups. Two of these methylene groups connected directly to the aromatic ring system indicated by the 1H,13C-HMBCcorrelations H-15 (δ 2.33, 3.06) → C-16 (δ 129.9), C-17(δ 146.4), and C-21 (δ 127.7) as well as H-22 (δ 4.50, 4.64) → C-16, C-20 (δ 146.5), and C-21. The sesquiterpene unit of 5 was identified by 1H,1H-COSY and 1H,13C-HMBC experiments. Furthermore, the HMBCcorrelations H-15 → C-8 (δ 78.5), C-9 (δ 58.1), and C-10 (δ 38.2) confirmed the connection between C-15 and C-9 and the HMBCcorrelation H-22 → C-8 indicated the existence of the oxygen bridge between C-22 and C-8. The p-hydroquinone moiety was established on the basis of the 1H and 13CNMR chemical shifts as well as the HMBCcorrelations mentioned above, namely, H-15 → C-16, C-17, C-21; H-22 → C-16, C-20, C-21. The relative configuration was confirmed by a ROESY experiment. The observed ROESY correlations between H-12 and H-13, H-13 and H-15, H-14 and H-15 suggested that the three methyl groups as well as CH2-15 are axial. Examination of the NMR data for 5 revealed a high degree of similarity with data reported for bis(sulfato)cyclosiphonodictyol A [10]. The difference concerned the absence of the two sulfate ester groups. Compound 5 could be the precursor of bis(sulfato)cyclosiphonodictyol A. Another possibility is that bis(sulfato)cyclosiphonodictyol A lost its sulfate ester group during the isolation procedure.The new compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and for antiproliferative activity. The results given in Table 4 show that siphonodictyal E3 (3) and cyclosiphonodictyol A (5) exhibited mild activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, while siphonodictyal E4 (4) show cytotoxic activity against the L929mouse fibroblasts, KB-31 epidermoid carcinoma, and the breast cancercell line MCF7, although none of them showed activity in the antimicrobial assays against Gram-negative bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans.
Table 4
Results of the antimicrobial and antiproliferation assays of compounds 1–5. Minimum inhibiting concentrations (MIC) for the antimicrobial assays and the IC50 values for the antiproliferation assays are given in µM.
1
2
3
4
5
Gram-negative bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
–
–
–
–
–
Klebsiella pneumonia
–
–
–
–
–
Gram-positive bacteria
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
–
–
37
–
117
Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)
–
–
74
–
117
Micrococcus luteus
–
–
74
–
58
Fungi
Candida albicans
–
–
–
–
–
Cytotoxic activity
L929 mouse fibroblasts
–
–
–
27
–
KB31 epidermoid carcinoma
–
–
–
108
–
MCF7 breast cancer
–
–
–
54
175
FS4-LTM conditional immortalization human fibroblasts
–
–
–
–
–
Results of the antimicrobial and antiproliferation assays of compounds 1–5. Minimum inhibiting concentrations (MIC) for the antimicrobial assays and the IC50 values for the antiproliferation assays are given in µM.Many of the isolated compounds from Akacoralliphagum are bicyclicsesquiterpene hydroquinones. However, in the course of our investigation, three linear sesquiterpenes were isolated. From a biosynthetical point of view [11], we propose that the linear sesquiterpenes are the precursors of the bicyclicsesquiterpenes (Figure 8). Therefore, siphonodictyals B1–B3 (6–8) could be derived from siphonodictyals E1–E3 (1–3), respectively.
Figure 8
Hypothetical biogenesis of the bicyclic sesquiterpenoid moiety from the acyclic precursor of the siphonodictyals in the sponge Aka coralliphagum [11]. The newly formed bonds from the acyclic to the bicyclic sesquiterpenoid moiety are drawn in red. The isomerizing double bond is drawn in blue.
Hypothetical biogenesis of the bicyclicsesquiterpenoid moiety from the acyclic precursor of the siphonodictyals in the sponge Akacoralliphagum [11]. The newly formed bonds from the acyclic to the bicyclicsesquiterpenoid moiety are drawn in red. The isomerizing double bond is drawn in blue.Aromatic sulfates occur in a wide range of higher plants and animals, particularly those growing in marine, estuarine, or freshwater environments. This is probably due to the high content of inorganic sulfate in aquatic environments (both limnic and marine environments – seawatercontains an average of 28.7 mM inorganic sulfate [12]). Jensen and Ragan have demonstrated the presence of the natural product 1,2,3,5-tetrahydroxybenzene-2,5-disulfate in the marine brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum [13]. Kobayashi et al. isolated halenaquinol sulfate from the marine sponge Xestospongia sapra [14].In the course of our investigation on the sponge Akacoralliphagum, we isolated a number of compounds containing sulfated phenols. These sulfated metabolites are labile [5], and easily loose the sulfate ester groups by hydrolysis in water [15]. Moreover, the influence of the sulfate esters on the bioactivity has been proven by activity tests: the desulfated compounds tend to be more active [5]. Therefore, we propose that the sulfate esters act as hydroxy protecting groups. The sponges excrete the sesquiterpene hydroquinones primarily in the sulfated form and their activities get increased by hydrolysis of these labile groups. This would lead to a prolonged bioactivity of these metabolites and therefore to a more efficient defense against predators or pathogens.
Experimental
1H and 13CNMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance 600 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a cryo platform and a Bruker Avance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. All experiments were measured at 303 K. HPLC separation was achieved by a Kromasil RP-18 column (16 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) applying a H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN/MeOH gradient. UV spectra were recorded during HPLC separation with a DAD detector (Jasco MD-2010 Plus). Accurate mass spectra were acquired using a Bruker micrOTOFLC mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI source. Mass calibration was performed using a sodium formate cluster prior each experiment.The sponges were collected by SCUBA diving at a depth of 29 m off the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas in June 2008. The samples were immediately frozen after collection and kept at −20 °C until extraction. A voucher specimen of this species is deposited in our lab (voucher number: AKA 08/45). The freeze-dried sponge sample (107.6 g) was extracted three times at room temperature with DCM/MeOH (1:1). After filtration, the filtrate was evaporated to yield 35.5 g crude extract which was further partitioned between n-hexane and methanol. The methanol extract was dried and followed with the partitioning between n-BuOH and H2O. The resulting n-BuOH phase was concentrated (9.2 g) and purified by liquid chromatography using RP-18 silica gel with a stepwise gradient from H2O/MeOH (100:0), (85:15), (50:50) to (0:100) yielding fractions A, B, C, and D, respectively. The fraction B was further purified by HPLC using an RP-18 column yielding compounds 1 (2.2 mg, HPLC gradient flow: H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN: 0 min 81:19, 40 min 75:25), 2 (3.1 mg, HPLC isocratic flow: H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN: 87:13 40 min), 4 (1.3 mg, HPLC gradient flow: H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN: 0 min 85:15, 40 min 83:17, 60 min 80:20), and 5 (3.0 mg, HPLC gradient flow: H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN: 0 min 85:15, 40 min 83:17, 60 min 80:20). The fraction C was also further purified by HPLC using the same RP-18 column yielding 3 (2.5 mg, HPLC gradient flow: H2O (5 mM NH4OAc)/MeCN: 0 min 76:24, 40 min 74:26, 45 min 70:30)
Antimicrobial assay
Determination of antimicrobial activities was carried out by the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), and was based on the microdilution test, using 96-well micro titration plates. The MIC was defined as 50% growth inhibition after 24 hour incubation compared to that in the growth control well.
Cytotoxic assay
The cytotoxicity was determined using WST-1 assays, targeting cell lines L929mouse fibroblasts, KB-31 epidermoid carcinoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, and FS4-LTM conditional immortalization human fibroblasts, respectively. The FS4-LTM cell line was incubated for 24 hours with the tested substances. The other cell lines were incubated for 5 days with the tested substances.
Experimental data
Siphonodictyal E1 (1): yellow powder; 1HNMR (DMSO-d6, 600 MHz) and 13CNMR (DMSO-d6, 150 MHz) see Table 1; HRMS-ESI(−) m/z: [M + Na − 2H]− calcd for C24H33NO11S2Na, 598.1398; found, 598.1338.Siphonodictyal E2 (2): yellow powder; 1HNMR (DMSO-d6, 600 MHz) and 13CNMR (DMSO-d6, 150 MHz) see Table 1; HRMS-ESI(−) m/z: [M − H]− calcd for C22H29O9S, 469.1538; found, 469.1561.Siphonodictyal E3 (3): yellow powder; 1HNMR (DMSO-d6, 600 MHz) and 13CNMR (DMSO-d6, 150 MHz) see Table 1; HRMS-ESI(−) m/z: [M + Na − 2H]− calcd for C22H28O10S2Na, 539.1027; found, 539.1046.Siphonodictyal E4 (4): yellow powder; CD data {(MeOH) = +37}; 1HNMR (DMSO-d6, 600 MHz) and 13CNMR (DMSO-d6, 150 MHz) see Table 1; HRMS-ESI(−) m/z: [M + Na − 2H]− calcd for C22H28O11S2Na, 555.0976; found, 555.0954.Cyclosiphonodictyol A (5): colorless powder; CD data {(MeOH) = +163}; 1HNMR (DMSO-d6, 600 MHz) and 13CNMR (DMSO-d6, 150 MHz) see Table 1; HRMS-ESI(−) m/z: [M − H]− calcd for C22H31O3, 343.2279; found, 343.2292.1D and 2D NMR spectra of the isolated compounds.