The incredible story of ophiobolin A and sphaeropsidin A: two fungal terpenes from wilt-inducing phytotoxins to promising anticancer compounds

Abstract

This review describes the chemistry, biosynthesis, and biological activity of ophiobolin A and sphaeropsidin A, two phytotoxic terpenes with potential anticancer activity, and that of their natural analogues and derivatives.

Concise Total Synthesis of (−)-Bipolarolide D

“…Most terpenes consist of polycyclic structures and are abundant in stereochemistry . Ophiobolin comprises a class of sesterterpene natural products characterized by a unique 5–8–5 ring system structure (Figure ), exhibiting a diverse array of biological activities, including antibiotic, cytotoxic, and immunosuppressant properties . These intricate molecular architectures, coupled with their significant biological potencies, have garnered considerable interest from synthetic chemists, leading to numerous synthetic endeavors .…”

“…The A ring, being fully functionalized, contributes further to the compound’s intricate structure. While this compound’s unique structural features and biological properties of the ophiobolin family suggest potential avenues for future pharmacological research, − the scarcity of the source of 1 restricts in-depth research on its biological activity. Recently, the first total syntheses of its congeners, bipolarolides A and B, have been accomplished by the Jia group .…”