Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2026

A Method to Study α-Synuclein Toxicity and Aggregation Using a Humanized Yeast Model
Published on: November 25, 2022
α-Synuclein Binding Alkaloids from the Australian Bryozoan Amathia tricornis
Francesca Ferretti1, Joshua B Hayton1, George D Mellick1,2
1School of Environment and Science, Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus), Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland4222, Australia.
Abstract:
In this study, we conducted the first chemical investigation of the Australian bryozoan Amathia tricornis, leading to the isolation and characterization of 11 new metabolites, including the bromoindoles tricornamines A-E (1-5), phenethylamine amathamines E-F (6-7), and guanadino-containing phenethylamides tricornamides A-D (8-11), together with three known compounds; amathamides E-F (12-13) and lamourimidazolinium trifluoroacetate (14). We also report the binding affinity of 6, 7, 9 and 10 to the Parkinson's disease implicated protein α-synuclein. This has provided new insight into the structure-activity relationships of brominated phenethylamino metabolites towards this neurodegenerative disease-relevant target. The new natural products expand the chemical diversity reported from Amathia species and further support bryozoans as a promising source of unique compounds.
Related Concept Videos
Physical Properties of Amines
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...

