Terpenoids in Marine Heterobranch Molluscs

Area of Science:

• Marine Natural Products Chemistry
• Marine Pharmacology
• Marine Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Heterobranch molluscs are largely unexplored marine gastropods.
• These molluscs are known to produce a wide array of natural products.
• Terpenoids represent a particularly abundant and diverse class of compounds found in these organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the different types of terpenoids found in heterobranch molluscs.
• To report on the bioactivity of these terpenoids.
• To correlate the chemical diversity of terpenoids with the biodiversity of heterobranchs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of terpenoids isolated from heterobranch molluscs.
• Analysis of structural diversity including linear, monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, and tetracyclic compounds.
• Compilation of data on over 330 metabolites from approximately 70 species.

Main Results:

• Terpenoids in heterobranchs encompass monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, triterpenoids, tetraterpenoids, and steroids.
• Nudibranchs, anaspideans, and sacoglossans are the most prolific sources of these compounds.
• Terpenoids are acquired through diet, biotransformation, or *de novo* biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Heterobranch molluscs exhibit remarkable chemodiversity in their terpenoid profiles.
• The structural variety of terpenoids reflects the significant biodiversity within this group of marine gastropods.
• Further exploration of heterobranchs promises the discovery of novel terpenoids with potential bioactivities.