Chemistry of Two Distinct Aeolid Spurilla Species: Ecological Implications

Chem Biodivers. 2017 Sep;14(9). doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201700125. Epub 2017 Aug 12.

Abstract

The lipophilic extracts of two marine aeolid nudibranch molluscs of the genus Spurilla collected in distinct geographical areas have been chemically analyzed. The Et2 O extracts of the nudibranchs were dominated by the presence of usual fatty acids and sterols and contained terpenoid compounds 1 - 3 as minor metabolites. Spurillin A (1) and spurillin B (3) were new molecules whereas cis-γ-monocyclofarnesol (2) was already reported in the literature as a synthesis product. Interestingly, bursatellin (4), previously isolated from anaspidean molluscs of the genus Bursatella, was found in the butanol extract of both Spurilla species. Compounds 1 - 4 were not detected in the extracts of the sea-anemone preys collected together with the molluscs.

Keywords: Spurilla; Bursatellin; Diterpenes; Marine natural products; Nudibranchs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fatty Acids / analysis
  • Gastropoda / chemistry*
  • Sea Anemones / chemistry
  • Sterols / analysis
  • Terpenes / analysis

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Sterols
  • Terpenes