Synthesis and Complete Structure Determination of a Sperm-Activating and -Attracting Factor Isolated from the Ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis

J Nat Prod. 2018 Apr 27;81(4):985-997. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.7b01052. Epub 2018 Mar 28.

Abstract

For the complete structure elucidation of an endogenous sperm-activating and -attracting factor isolated from eggs of the ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis ( Assydn-SAAF), its two possible diastereomers with respect to C-25 were synthesized. Starting from ergosterol, the characteristic steroid backbone was constructed by using an intramolecular pinacol coupling reaction and stereoselective reduction of a hydroxy ketone as key steps, and the side chain was introduced by Julia-Kocienski olefination. Comparison of the NMR data of the two diastereomers with those of the natural product led to the elucidation of the absolute configuration as 25 S; thus the complete structure was determined and the first synthesis of Assydn-SAAF was achieved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Products / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods
  • Male
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Steroids / chemistry
  • Steroids / pharmacology
  • Urochordata / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Steroids