Cytochalasin E in the lichen Pleurosticta acetabulum. Anti-proliferative activity against human HT-29 colorectal cancer cells and quantitative variability.

A biological screening of sixteen lichen extracts on human HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, led to the selection of Pleurosticta acetabulum, a lichen widely present in tree barks in Europe. Bioguided purification of the acetonic extract resulted in the isolation of cytochalasin E, a common fungal metabolite. This compound is responsible for the anti-proliferative activity of the extract. Its presence in lichens is reported here for the first time. LC-MS quantitation of cytochalasin E in different samples of P. acetabulum demonstrated quantitative variations of cytochalasin E production in the lichen and especially high concentrations in apothecia.