Coral Lipids

Abstract

Reef-building corals, recognized as cornerstone species in marine ecosystems, captivate with their unique duality as both symbiotic partners and autotrophic entities. Beyond their ecological prominence, these corals produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, many of which are poised to revolutionize the domains of pharmacology and medicine. This exhaustive review delves deeply into the multifaceted world of coral-derived lipids, highlighting both ubiquitous and rare forms. Within this spectrum, we navigate through a myriad of fatty acids and their acyl derivatives, encompassing waxes, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, mono-akyl-diacylglycerols, and an array of polar lipids such as betaine lipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, phospholipids, and phosphonolipids. We offer a comprehensive exploration of the intricate biochemical variety of these lipids, related fatty acids, prostaglandins, and both cyclic and acyclic oxilipins. Additionally, the review provides insights into the chemotaxonomy of these compounds, illuminating the fatty acid synthesis routes inherent in corals. Of particular interest is the symbiotic bond many coral species nurture with dinoflagellates from the Symbiodinium group; their lipid and fatty acid profiles are also detailed in this discourse. This exploration accentuates the vast potential and intricacy of coral lipids and underscores their profound relevance in scientific endeavors.

Bioactive Diepoxy Metabolites and Highly Oxygenated Triterpenoids from Marine and Plant-Derived Bacteria and Fungi

“…Soft corals and marine sponges are notable for hosting a diverse array of fungal endophytes, known for producing biologically active metabolites [18,[67][68][69][70][71]. For instance, a cytotoxic diepoxy sesquiterpene (28) was isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the soft coral Sinularia sp.…”

“…Vitamin D undergoes hydroxylation in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and a subsequent hydroxylation in the kidney produces the active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Secosteroid imbalances, particularly in vitamin D, are linked to various health conditions, including bone disorders like rickets and osteomalacia, and potentially a broader spectrum of diseases such as certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D analogs, due to their critical roles in bone health and immune function, are employed in treating conditions like psoriasis, renal osteodystrophy, and secondary hyperparathyroidism [67,69,95,97,100,101].…”