Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy
Published on: August 14, 2012
Theonella: A Treasure Trove of Structurally Unique and Biologically Active Sterols
Carmen Festa1, Simona De Marino1, Angela Zampella1
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, Via Domenico Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
The marine environment is considered a vast source in the discovery of structurally unique bioactive secondary metabolites. Among marine invertebrates, the sponge Theonella spp. represents an arsenal of novel compounds ranging from peptides, alkaloids, terpenes, macrolides, and sterols. In this review, we summarize the recent reports on sterols isolated from this amazing sponge, describing their structural features and peculiar biological activities. We also discuss the total syntheses of solomonsterols A and B and the medicinal chemistry modifications on theonellasterol and conicasterol, focusing on the effect of chemical transformations on the biological activity of this class of metabolites. The promising compounds identified from Theonella spp. possess pronounced biological activity on nuclear receptors or cytotoxicity and result in promising candidates for extended preclinical evaluations. The identification of naturally occurring and semisynthetic marine bioactive sterols reaffirms the utility of examining natural product libraries for the discovery of new therapeutical approach to human diseases.
More Related Videos
11:44Metabolic Labeling and Membrane Fractionation for Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana Suspension Cell Cultures
Published on: September 28, 2013
09:49Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Biosynthesis of Lipids
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Other Unique Bacteria
Lipids as Anchors
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements