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Title: Identification of novel cytotoxic agents from the dinoflagellate symbiont of the gorgonian Erythropodium caribaeorum.
Creator: Wynter, Sherine, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: Erythropodium caribaeorum is an octocoral known for its production of novel anticancer agents, such as eleutherobin and its analogs as well as for its complex association with symbiotic dinoflagellates (Zooxanthellae; genus Symbiodimum). With this in mind, two sets of experiments were conducted using the extracts of the symbiotic algal cells from Erythropodium caribaeorum: an isolation and characterization of a novel tri-hydroxy sterol and a bioassay-guided isolation of three additional...
Show moreErythropodium caribaeorum is an octocoral known for its production of novel anticancer agents, such as eleutherobin and its analogs as well as for its complex association with symbiotic dinoflagellates (Zooxanthellae; genus Symbiodimum). With this in mind, two sets of experiments were conducted using the extracts of the symbiotic algal cells from Erythropodium caribaeorum: an isolation and characterization of a novel tri-hydroxy sterol and a bioassay-guided isolation of three additional compounds. All compounds exhibit significant bioactivity against the following three cell lines: the human melanoma cell line M14P, the colon cancer cell line RKO and the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Importantly, this study reports the first isolation of a bioactive polyhydroxy sterol from a gorgonian's symbiont and further suggests that these algae represent a promising sustainable resource for drug discovery.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13096
Subject Headings: Alcyonacea, Dinoflagellates, Zooxanthellales, Marine pharmacology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Origin and mechanism of terpene biosynthesis in Pseudopterogorgia spp.
Creator: Boehnlein, Jennifer M., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: The goal of this work was to investigate the biosynthetic origins of diterpene natural products (pseudopterosins, kallolides, bipinnatins, and cembrenes) from corals of the genus Pseudopterogorgia as well as the biosynthetic pathways by which they are produced. These studies have shown that the pseudopterosins from Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae are biosynthesized within the algal symbiont (or possibly a bacterium or fungus associated with the symbiont), are not inducible by manipulation of...
Show moreThe goal of this work was to investigate the biosynthetic origins of diterpene natural products (pseudopterosins, kallolides, bipinnatins, and cembrenes) from corals of the genus Pseudopterogorgia as well as the biosynthetic pathways by which they are produced. These studies have shown that the pseudopterosins from Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae are biosynthesized within the algal symbiont (or possibly a bacterium or fungus associated with the symbiont), are not inducible by manipulation of light levels, and do not change as a result of transplantation to new locations. Studies on Pseudopterogorgia bipinnata revealed that only one chemotype is capable of biosynthesizing the kallolide family of diterpenes. The biosynthetic pathway which gives rise to the kallolides has been shown to involve members of another family of diterpenes, the bipinnatins, which coexist within the coral holobiont. Two diterpene cyclase products have been discovered within P. bipinnata chemotype A, cembrene and neocembrene, and it has been shown that neocembrene gives rise to the kallolides. Finally, the enzymatic conversion of bipinnatin J to kallolide A has shown for the first time that these compounds are in fact biogenetically related.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12205
Subject Headings: Terpenes--Synthesis, Marine pharmacology, Alcyonacea, Biosynthesis, Anti-inflammatory agents
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Saponin biosynthesis in Holothuroidea (sea cucumber) and Asteroidea (starfish).
Creator: Chen, Zhengjian., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: Parkeol, Lanosta-9(11),24-dien-3beta-ol, was identified as the triterpene precursor of saponins which contain Delta9(11) unsaturation from sea cucumbers and shown not to be the precursor in starfish. Further, the site of saponin biosynthesis in sea cucumber was shown to be the cuvier gland. These results were obtained by "feeding" radiolabeled precursors to live specimens of sea cucumbers and starfish and by conducting incubation experiments with cell-free extracts.
Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15093
Subject Headings: Saponins, Sea cucumbers, Starfishes, Triterpenoid saponins
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Terpene Biosynthesis in the Octocorals Erythropodium caribaeorum and Plexaurella spp.
Creator: Frenz, Jamie L., Kerr, Russell G., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The marine environment is a prolific source of novel compounds for therapeutic use due to the complex biological and chemical diversity. Throughout the past 30-40 years, over 15,000 natural products have been discovered from the oceans, many of which display a broad range of potential clinical and commercial applications. Many marine invertebrates are sessile organisms that lack physical protection, and which chemical defense may be a possible explanation for these secondary metabolites....
Show moreThe marine environment is a prolific source of novel compounds for therapeutic use due to the complex biological and chemical diversity. Throughout the past 30-40 years, over 15,000 natural products have been discovered from the oceans, many of which display a broad range of potential clinical and commercial applications. Many marine invertebrates are sessile organisms that lack physical protection, and which chemical defense may be a possible explanation for these secondary metabolites. Despite the promise marine natural products have as potent pharmaceutical agents, one of the major factors delaying clinical use is the supply issue. These bioactive compounds are often found in trace amounts in the host organism, which makes harvesting from the reefs unfeasible. A general goal in our lab was to investigate the biosynthesis of secondary metabolite terpenes to ultimately provide a production method of these potent marine derived compounds. Eleutherobin and desmethyleleutherobin are diterpenes isolated from the Caribbean soft coral Erythropodium caribaeorum. These extremely valuable anticancer agents disrupt cell division by polymerizing and stabilizing microtubules, and have demonstrated tumor tissue selectivity toward selected breast, renal, ovarian and lung cancer cell lines. Determining the first intermediate in terpene biosynthesis is the initial step in developing a biotechnological production method of these cytotoxic agents. We investigated the complex chemistry of this coral using a radioactivity-guided isolation procedure, and isolated and partially characterized a diterpene hydrocarbon from E. caribaeorum. The close association between marine invertebrates, zooxanthellae and numerous bacteria gives rise to the question of the identity of the producer of secondary metabolites in marine organisms. If the symbiont produces these therapeutic agents, cell culture methods could be employed to supply the compounds rather than obtaining them from coral reefs. Sesquiterpenes have been isolated from the gorgonian Plexaurella spp., however, no investigations concerning host/symbiont contribution of the sesquiterpenes have been reported. We investigated the biosynthetic source of terpenes in this coral, and experimental evidence indicates that bacteria are responsible for sesquiterpene production. We also examined sesquiterpene variation of Plexaurella spp. from various locations, and found sesquiterpene content to vary within and between species, identifying Plexaurella as a chemically indistinguishable genus.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000853
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Terpenes--Synthesis, Marine pharmacology, Pharmacognosy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The biosynthetic production of pseudopterosin C: An anti-inflammatory agent from a marine soft coral.
Creator: Mydlarz, Laura D., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Binninger, David
Abstract/Description: Pseudopterosin C is a novel diterpene glycoside isolated from the Caribbean gorgonian coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. Pseudopterosin C is non-steroidal and has been shown to exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The in vitro production of pseudopterosin C through biosynthetic methods has been examined. A cell-free system as well as an enzyme precipitate capable of transforming terpene precursors to the product has been developed. The parameters toward optimizing...
Show morePseudopterosin C is a novel diterpene glycoside isolated from the Caribbean gorgonian coral, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. Pseudopterosin C is non-steroidal and has been shown to exhibit promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The in vitro production of pseudopterosin C through biosynthetic methods has been examined. A cell-free system as well as an enzyme precipitate capable of transforming terpene precursors to the product has been developed. The parameters toward optimizing the enzymatic production through cofactor requirements, differing terpene precursors and sugars were investigated.
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Date Issued: 1998
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15588
Subject Headings: Anti-inflammatory agents, Alcyonacea, Synthetic drugs
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An investigation of the fatty acid synthase of Gymnodinium breve, a marine dinoflagellate.
Creator: Borrone, James William., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: Gymnodinium breve is responsible for toxic blooms causing epizootics and, in humans, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Toxicity is from a family of polyketides known as brevetoxins. Proposed biosynthetic mechanisms of brevetoxin production are analogous to fatty acid biosynthesis. As part of an investigation of brevetoxin production, the fatty acid synthase from Gymnodinium breve was characterized. Cell free extracts of G. breve incorporated [3H]-acetate and [3H]-acetyl-CoA into palmitate with...
Show moreGymnodinium breve is responsible for toxic blooms causing epizootics and, in humans, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. Toxicity is from a family of polyketides known as brevetoxins. Proposed biosynthetic mechanisms of brevetoxin production are analogous to fatty acid biosynthesis. As part of an investigation of brevetoxin production, the fatty acid synthase from Gymnodinium breve was characterized. Cell free extracts of G. breve incorporated [3H]-acetate and [3H]-acetyl-CoA into palmitate with lesser incorporation into stearate, myristate, and laurate. Fatty acid synthase activity was associated with the chloroplast, appeared to be composed of membrane-associated and soluble components, and was not completely inhibited by cerulenin. These results suggests that G. breve possesses a Type II fatty acid synthase similar in organization to those found in other photosynthetic organisms. Isolation of the enzymes, on both an enzymatic and genomic level, were hindered by low amounts G. breve cells and bacteria present within the cultures.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12711
Subject Headings: Ptychodiscus brevis, Fatty acids--Synthesis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: An efficient preparation of beta-mercaptopyruvic acid, a putative intermediate in ecteinascidin biosynthesis.
Creator: Fawehinmi, Hafusat Abosede, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: The ecteinascidins are a family of marine derived alkaloids with potent antitumor activity. Ecteinascidins 743 and 729 are the prime targets due to their superior antitumor activity. beta-Mercaptopyruvic acid is a proposed intermediate in the biosynthesis of ecteinascidins 743/729. A novel synthesis of beta-mercaptopyruvic acid using an enzymatic system was achieved. This was accomplished by trapping the equilibrium between beta-mercaptopyruvic acid and 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dithiane-2,5...
Show moreThe ecteinascidins are a family of marine derived alkaloids with potent antitumor activity. Ecteinascidins 743 and 729 are the prime targets due to their superior antitumor activity. beta-Mercaptopyruvic acid is a proposed intermediate in the biosynthesis of ecteinascidins 743/729. A novel synthesis of beta-mercaptopyruvic acid using an enzymatic system was achieved. This was accomplished by trapping the equilibrium between beta-mercaptopyruvic acid and 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dithiane-2,5-dicarboxylate using oxidative deamination of cysteine by amino acid oxidase.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15725
Subject Headings: Tunicata, Pyruvic acid--Synthesis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: In vitro biosynthetic studies of stevensine, a natural product from the sponge Teichaxinella morchella.
Creator: Andrade, Paul., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: Stevensine is a biologically active secondary metabolite produced by several marine sponges, including Teichaxinella morchella. Two in vitro methods were used to investigate the biosynthetic origin of stevensine in the sponge T. morchella. A cell-free enzyme extract was developed to test for the incorporation of the potential radiolabeled metabolic precursors histidine, arginine, ornithine, and proline. Secondly, cell cultures of T. morchella were used to determine the biosynthetic origin of...
Show moreStevensine is a biologically active secondary metabolite produced by several marine sponges, including Teichaxinella morchella. Two in vitro methods were used to investigate the biosynthetic origin of stevensine in the sponge T. morchella. A cell-free enzyme extract was developed to test for the incorporation of the potential radiolabeled metabolic precursors histidine, arginine, ornithine, and proline. Secondly, cell cultures of T. morchella were used to determine the biosynthetic origin of stevensine from the radiolabeled amino acids histidine, arginine, ornithine, and proline. Histidine and ornithine/proline were converted to stevensine in the cell culture system. This represents the first study involving the use of cell cultures of a marine invertebrate to investigate the biosynthesis of a biologically active natural product. An understanding of the biosynthetic process leading to the production of this compound in the source organism could lead to the development of more efficient and environmentally safer production methods.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15620
Subject Headings: Sponges, Marine biotechnology, Marine pharmacology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Microbial community analysis of the octocoral Eunice a fusca; combined use of cultivation-dependent and independent techniques.
Creator: Duque-Alarcon, Angela Patricia, Kerr, Russell G., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The octocoral Eunicea fusca is the source of important anti-inflammatory compounds such as the diterpenes fuscol and the fuscosides. Evidence suggests that these compounds are being produce by bacterial sources that live in symbiosis with the coral. As part of an investigation to better understand the role of bacteria associated with E. fusca , the characterization of the bacterial community using two different techniques (culture dependent technique and culture independent technique) and sea...
Show moreThe octocoral Eunicea fusca is the source of important anti-inflammatory compounds such as the diterpenes fuscol and the fuscosides. Evidence suggests that these compounds are being produce by bacterial sources that live in symbiosis with the coral. As part of an investigation to better understand the role of bacteria associated with E. fusca , the characterization of the bacterial community using two different techniques (culture dependent technique and culture independent technique) and sea water samples was done. Sea water samples were used as a control to determine how closely associated bacteria are to this octocoral. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal bacterial primers FC27 and RC 1492 specific to prokaryotic 16S rDNA gene sequences was used to characterize the total bacterial population when using both the culturable and the non-culturable approaches. The results indicate a diverse group of bacteria associated to E. fusca composed of 10 different groups. The pro teo bacteria group was the most predominant group when both techniques were used. The a-proteobacteria represented the highest percentage of bacteria associated to E. fusca.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000748
Subject Headings: Diterpenes--Synthesis, Anti-inflammatory agents, Marine pharmacology, Biodiversity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Elucidation of pseudopterosin biosynthesis: Oxidations of erogorgiaene and the intermediacy of seco-pseudopterosins.
Creator: Ferns, Tyrone A., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: The pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins are diterpene glycosides isolated from the marine octocoral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae . These compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties superior to the industrial standard indomethacin. The overall goal of this work was to complete biosynthetic studies for the development of a biotechnological production method of the pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins. The aim of this project was to identify all intermediates...
Show moreThe pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins are diterpene glycosides isolated from the marine octocoral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae . These compounds exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties superior to the industrial standard indomethacin. The overall goal of this work was to complete biosynthetic studies for the development of a biotechnological production method of the pseudopterosins and seco-pseudopterosins. The aim of this project was to identify all intermediates involved in pseudopterosin biosynthesis. Previously, the Kerr lab has shown that elisabetatriene and erogorgiaene are the first two committed steps in pseudopterosin biosynthesis. In a continuation of those metabolic studies, the isolation and utilization of 7-hydroxyerogorgiaene, 7,8-dihydroxyerogorgiaene, seco-pseudopterosin J, amphilectosins A and B in pseudopterosin biosynthesis is reported. The utilization of these compounds in pseudopterosin biosynthesis was assessed by incubating these compounds in radiolabeled form with viable cell-free extracts of P. elisabethae and monitoring for the incorporation of a radiolabel in the pseudopterosins. We also report the isolation of the pseudopterosin aglycone from extracts of P. elisabethae and identified the aglycone as the end product of this metabolic pathway.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12164
Subject Headings: Marine pharmacology, Aquaculture, Biological products, Natural products, Pharmacognosy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Isolation and biosynthesis of terpenes in Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae and Leptogorgia minimata.
Creator: von Saalfeld, Silke., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: The marine environment has proven to be an extremely rich source of novel natural products with activities in a variety of biological assays. The field of marine natural products chemistry has enjoyed an explosion of growth over the past 40 years and currently there are marine-derived metabolites in clinical trials for cancer, analgesia, allergy and cognitive diseases. Even with this tremendous development, it is clear that chemists and pharmacologists are only beginning to scratch the...
Show moreThe marine environment has proven to be an extremely rich source of novel natural products with activities in a variety of biological assays. The field of marine natural products chemistry has enjoyed an explosion of growth over the past 40 years and currently there are marine-derived metabolites in clinical trials for cancer, analgesia, allergy and cognitive diseases. Even with this tremendous development, it is clear that chemists and pharmacologists are only beginning to scratch the surface of the biomedical potential of marine organisms. One problem with this source of new pharmaceuticals is that the supply of such compounds can be problematic. The thesis describes projects directed at fundamental biosynthetic questions regarding terpenes from marine corals. In a general sense, these projects are directed as addressing the supply issue identified above. One project examined the origin of terpene building blocks in the coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. A second project focused on the characterization of terpenes from Leptogorgia minimata. Here, a new cembranoid diterpene was isolated. Experiments were also conducted to identify a microbial source of terpene biosynthesis in this system. Data strongly supported a bacterial origin of these compounds.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13325
Subject Headings: Natural products--Synthesis, Marine pharmacology, Aquaculture, Terpenes, Marine chemical ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Studies towards the synthesis of Cephalostatin 1.
Creator: Wu, Mao, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G.
Abstract/Description: Cephalostatin 1 has been isolated from the colonial marine worm Cephalodiscus gilchristi (Phylum Hemichordata) in the Indian Ocean. It has shown biomedical potential in preclinical trials as a cell growth inhibitor, active against U. S. murine P388 lymphocyte leukemia ED5010^-7-10^-9 μ/ml and a potent growth inhibitor against solid tumor types. Our research is focusing on developing methodology to produce disteroidal pyrazine and the introduction of delta 14, 15 unsaturation and C-16 hydroxyl...
Show moreCephalostatin 1 has been isolated from the colonial marine worm Cephalodiscus gilchristi (Phylum Hemichordata) in the Indian Ocean. It has shown biomedical potential in preclinical trials as a cell growth inhibitor, active against U. S. murine P388 lymphocyte leukemia ED5010^-7-10^-9 μ/ml and a potent growth inhibitor against solid tumor types. Our research is focusing on developing methodology to produce disteroidal pyrazine and the introduction of delta 14, 15 unsaturation and C-16 hydroxyl groups in Cephalostatin 1A. The synthetic intermediates may be useful for biosynthetic studies and also analogues can be used to study structure-activity relationships.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15169
Subject Headings: Bioactive compounds, Pharmaceutical chemistry, Cancer--Research, Pyridazines
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparison of bacterial diversity within the coral reef sponge, Axinella corrugata, the encrusting coral Erythropodium caribaeorum.
Creator: Lopez, Jose V., Ranzer, L. K., Ledger, Angela, Schoch, B., Duckworth, Alan R., McCarthy, Peter J., Kerr, Russell G.
Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007036
Subject Headings: Sponges, Corals, Heterotrophic bacteria, Symbiosis, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Diversity of the Bacterial Communities Associated with the Azooxanthellate Deep Water Octocorals Leptogorgia minimata, Iciligorgia schrammi, and Swiftia exertia, Marine Biotechnology.
Creator: Brück, Thomas B., Brück, Wolfram M., Santiago-Vázquez, Lory Z., McCarthy, Peter J., Kerr, Russell G.
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2796098
Subject Headings: Octocorallia, Microbial ecology, Microorganisms --United States --Identification, Marine microbiology, Pompano Beach (Fla.)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The diversity of the bacterial communities associated with the azooxanthellate hexacoral Cirrhipathes lutkeni.
Creator: Santiago-Vázquez, L. Z., Brück, T. B., Bruck, W. M., Duque-Alarcón, A. P., McCarthy, Peter J., Kerr, Russell G.
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3183801
Subject Headings: Symbiosis, Hexacorals, Bacterial diversity, Marine bacteria
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: 9,11-secogorgosterol biosynthesis in gorgonians.
Creator: Kellman, Jaelle, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: 9,11-secogorgosterol is a secondary metabolite from the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia americana which acts as a chemical defense. The soft coral lives in a symbiotic association with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae. A biosynthetic investigation, using in vivo and in vitro methods, has resulted in the identification of the metabolic precursor of 9,11-secogorgosterol as gorgosterol. This finding is significant as it indicates that the conversion of gorgosterol to 9,11-secogorgosterol is...
Show more9,11-secogorgosterol is a secondary metabolite from the gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia americana which acts as a chemical defense. The soft coral lives in a symbiotic association with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae. A biosynthetic investigation, using in vivo and in vitro methods, has resulted in the identification of the metabolic precursor of 9,11-secogorgosterol as gorgosterol. This finding is significant as it indicates that the conversion of gorgosterol to 9,11-secogorgosterol is due to gorgonian metabolism. Since gorgosterol is known to be a product of zooxanthellae metabolism, this would be the first example of a defensive secondary metabolite being produced by two organisms living in symbiosis. A viable acetone powder has been generated from the crude cell-free extract and has demonstrated the efficient transformation of gorgosterol to 9, 11-secogorgosterol. This indicates possible future value as a synthetic tool for secosterol production.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15180
Subject Headings: Sterols--Synthesis, Alcyonacea
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of Methods for Separation and Characterization of Proteins from Gorgonian Sources.
Creator: Jett, Steven W., Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Research into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including...
Show moreResearch into the chemical constituents of marine organisms is a relatively new and growing field, given that much of the marine environment has only in the last half century become accessible. Despite the strides that have been made in ocean exploration, the marine biome has still been only barely explored. Much of the impetus for the isolation and identification of chemical entities from marine organisms has been related to their potential as medicines. For a number of reasons, including synthetic efficiency, this has meant that many marine compounds isolated and studied have been small molecules. In recent years, large strides have been made in techniques for the isolation and identification of biological macromolecules, especially proteins. The understanding of these molecules, and their relationship to the biochemical processes of the marine organisms from which they have been isolated, is important not only because of the potential for this information to help in the synthesis of medicines, but because it may help in the recognition of processes that affect the very viability of marine organisms increasingly exposed to anthropogenic threats to their environment. This work consists of four related studies involving the development of methods for the separation and identification of proteins from a number or gorgon ian species. Chromatographic and gel based methods were used to isolate an elisabethatriene synthase (ELS) which shows promise as a biotechnological tool for the production or pseudopterosins. A number of gorgonians were screened for the presence of proteins that might have antimicrobial properties, and several organisms were identified that might be of interest in this context. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis methods were then developed to allow the construction of gel maps for the azooxanthellate gorgonian Leptogorgia minimata and the xoozanthellae gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia e/isahethae, the separated proteins were digested and analyzed by LC/MSMS. and the information generated was used to examine the proteome of the organism for functional and phylogenetic relationships. Finally, the gorgonian EuniceafiShow less
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000862
Subject Headings: Marine biology, Pharmaceutical biotechnology, Proteins--Analysis, Gene expression--Research--Methodology, Biomolecules--Analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Biosynthetic Studies of the Bryostatins, Anticancer Agents from the Marine Bryozoan Bugu/a neritina.
Creator: Lawry, Joseph, Kerr, Russell G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: The bryostatins are a family of macrolide lactones isolated from the marine bryozoan Bugu/a neritina. Since its detection in 1968, bryostatin 1 has demonstrated remarkable anticancer, immunopotentiating, biomodulatory and radioprotective effects which result mainly from its ability to activate protein kinase C, a family of isozymes involved in cellular signal transduction. It is currently being tested in several phase I and phase II clinical trials as a potential anticancer drug for leukemia,...
Show moreThe bryostatins are a family of macrolide lactones isolated from the marine bryozoan Bugu/a neritina. Since its detection in 1968, bryostatin 1 has demonstrated remarkable anticancer, immunopotentiating, biomodulatory and radioprotective effects which result mainly from its ability to activate protein kinase C, a family of isozymes involved in cellular signal transduction. It is currently being tested in several phase I and phase II clinical trials as a potential anticancer drug for leukemia, melanoma and nephrotoma. A series of experiments was undertaken to elucidate the biosynthetic origins of bryostatin, using a fortified crude cell-free enzyme preparation and radiolabelled precursors. A regional characterization of Bugula neritina from Sicily, Italy and Daytona Beach, Florida is also described.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000787
Subject Headings: Macrolide antibiotics, Bryozoa, Marine pharmacology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Synthesis and testing the intermediacy of diketopiperazines in the biosynthesis of ecteinascidins.
Creator: Jeedigunta, Shanti, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Ecteinascidin 743 is a trace secondary metabolite isolated from the marine tunicate, Ecteinascidia turbinata. Ecteinacidin 743 a most potent antitumor agent, is currently in Phase II clinical trials in Europe and in the USA. A cell-free extract of Ecteinascidia turbinata was used to investigate the biogenetic origin of the ecteinascidins. Incubation experiments with radiolabeled diketopiperazines indicated that the diketopiperazine of tyrosine is the first committed intermediate in the...
Show moreEcteinascidin 743 is a trace secondary metabolite isolated from the marine tunicate, Ecteinascidia turbinata. Ecteinacidin 743 a most potent antitumor agent, is currently in Phase II clinical trials in Europe and in the USA. A cell-free extract of Ecteinascidia turbinata was used to investigate the biogenetic origin of the ecteinascidins. Incubation experiments with radiolabeled diketopiperazines indicated that the diketopiperazine of tyrosine is the first committed intermediate in the biosynthesis of ecteinascidins. Phenylalanine diketopiperazine was not transformed into the ecteinascidins indicating that this cyclic dipeptide is not an intermediate in the biosynthesis of ecteinascidins. The diketopiperazine of DOPA was used as a cold carrier demonstrating that the diketopiperazine of tyrosine is oxidized to DOPA diketopiperazine and then further transformed to the ecteinascidins.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15754
Subject Headings: Sea squirts, Dopa, Tunicata
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The biosynthetic production of marine-derived anti-tumor ecteinascidins and the aquaculture of the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata.
Creator: Krenisky, Joann Mary, Florida Atlantic University, Kerr, Russell G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: A family of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, the ecteinascidins, are a group of biologically active secondary metabolites produced by the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata. Ecteinascidins have shown in vivo anti-tumor activity against P388 lymphoma, B16 melanoma, M5076 ovarian sarcoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and LX-1 human lung and MX-1 human mammary carcinoma xenografts in laboratory mice. Because ecteinascidins are produced in low yields, 1x10^-4%, supply for clinical development is a...
Show moreA family of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, the ecteinascidins, are a group of biologically active secondary metabolites produced by the marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata. Ecteinascidins have shown in vivo anti-tumor activity against P388 lymphoma, B16 melanoma, M5076 ovarian sarcoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and LX-1 human lung and MX-1 human mammary carcinoma xenografts in laboratory mice. Because ecteinascidins are produced in low yields, 1x10^-4%, supply for clinical development is a significant problem. The ultimate goal of this study is to develop an enzyme-based synthesis of the ecteinascidins. In this regard, the biosynthesis of these alkaloids has been investigated. Optimal conditions for in vitro ecteinascidin biosynthesis were found. The origin of the C22-C1 two-carbon unit was identified as pyruvate and the tyrosine and DOPA diketopiperazines were identified as key intermediates. Methods were developed for an in-the-sea aquaculture of the colonal marine ascidian Ecteinascidia turbinata.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15454
Subject Headings: Sea squirts, Tetrahydroisoquinolines, Alkaloids--Synthesis
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (29)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University Patents (9)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (6)	+ -

Marine pharmacology (12)	+ -
Alcyonacea (7)	+ -
Sponges (5)	+ -
Anti-inflammatory agents (4)	+ -
Sterols (4)	+ -

Aquaculture (3)	+ -
Biosynthesis (3)	+ -
Bryozoa (3)	+ -
Enzymes--Synthesis (3)	+ -
Terpenes--Synthesis (3)	+ -
Tunicata (3)	+ -
Coral reef ecology (2)	+ -
Corals (2)	+ -
Diterpenes--Synthesis (2)	+ -
Fatty acids--Synthesis (2)	+ -
Marine invertebrates (2)	+ -
Natural products--Synthesis (2)	+ -
Octocorallia (2)	+ -
Pharmacognosy (2)	+ -
Sea squirts (2)	+ -
Steroids (2)	+ -
Symbiosis (2)	+ -
Alkaloids (1)	+ -
Alkaloids--Synthesis (1)	+ -
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Aquaculture--Research (1)	+ -
Bacterial diversity (1)	+ -
Bioactive compounds (1)	+ -
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Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (29)	+ -
patent (9)	+ -
article (6)	+ -

Kerr, Russell G. (44)	+ -
Florida Atlantic University (38)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (9)	+ -
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (9)	+ -
McCarthy, Peter J. (4)	+ -

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