Dipeniroqueforins A-B and Peniroqueforin D: Eremophilane-Type Sesquiterpenoid Derivatives with Cytotoxic Activity from Penicillium roqueforti

J Org Chem. 2024 Jan 19;89(2):1209-1219. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02360. Epub 2024 Jan 8.

Abstract

Guided by the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking strategy, five undescribed eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid derivatives (1-5) were isolated and identified from fungus Penicillium roqueforti, which was separated from the root soil of plant Hypericum beanii collected in Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province. Dipeniroqueforins A-B (1-2), representing a lactam-type sesquiterpenoid skeleton with a highly symmetrical and homodimeric 5/6/6-6/6/5 hexacyclic system, are reported within the eremophilane-type family for the first time. Peniroqueforin D (5) represents the first example of a 1,2-seco eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid derivative featuring an undescribed 7/6-fused ring system. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various spectroscopic analyses, DP4+ probability analyses, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Furthermore, these isolates were evaluated for cytotoxicity, and the result uncovered that compound 1 displayed broad-spectrum activity. Further mechanistic study revealed that compound 1 could significantly upregulate the mRNA expression of genes related to the oxidative induction, leading to the abnormal ROS levels in tumor cells and ultimately causing tumor cell apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Penicillium* / chemistry
  • Polycyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes* / chemistry

Substances

  • Polycyclic Sesquiterpenes
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Antineoplastic Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Penicillium roqueforti