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Biosynthesis of saponin defensive compounds in sea cucumbers. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:774-781. [PMID: 35761075 PMCID: PMC9236903 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Soft-bodied slow-moving sea creatures such as sea stars and sea cucumbers lack an adaptive immune system and have instead evolved the ability to make specialized protective chemicals (glycosylated steroids and triterpenes) as part of their innate immune system. This raises the intriguing question of how these biosynthetic pathways have evolved. Sea star saponins are steroidal, while those of the sea cucumber are triterpenoid. Sterol biosynthesis in animals involves cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to lanosterol by the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) enzyme lanosterol synthase (LSS). Here we show that sea cucumbers lack LSS and instead have two divergent OSCs that produce triterpene saponins and that are likely to have evolved from an ancestral LSS by gene duplication and neofunctionalization. We further show that sea cucumbers make alternate sterols that confer protection against self-poisoning by their own saponins. Collectively, these events have enabled sea cucumbers to evolve the ability to produce saponins and saponin-resistant sterols concomitantly. ![]()
Sea stars and sea cucumbers biosynthesize protective glycosylated steroids and triterpenes via divergent oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) that produce these distinct saponins in different species as well as in different tissues of a single species.
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Zhang XM, Li XB, Zhang SS, He QX, Hou HR, Dang L, Guo JL, Chen YF, Yu T, Peng DJ, Han LW, Liu KC. LC-MS/MS Identification of Novel Saponins from the Viscera of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Chem Nat Compd 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10600-018-2454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Mondol MAM, Shin HJ, Rahman MA, Islam MT. Sea Cucumber Glycosides: Chemical Structures, Producing Species and Important Biological Properties. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15100317. [PMID: 29039760 PMCID: PMC5666425 DOI: 10.3390/md15100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea cucumbers belonging to echinoderm are traditionally used as tonic food in China and other Asian countries. They produce abundant biologically active triterpene glycosides. More than 300 triterpene glycosides have been isolated and characterized from various species of sea cucumbers, which are classified as holostane and nonholostane depending on the presence or absence of a specific structural unit γ(18,20)-lactone in the aglycone. Triterpene glycosides contain a carbohydrate chain up to six monosaccharide units mainly consisting of d-xylose, 3-O-methy-d-xylose, d-glucose, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose, and d-quinovose. Cytotoxicity is the common biological property of triterpene glycosides isolated from sea cucumbers. Besides cytotoxicity, triterpene glycosides also exhibit antifungal, antiviral and hemolytic activities. This review updates and summarizes our understanding on diverse chemical structures of triterpene glycosides from various species of sea cucumbers and their important biological activities. Mechanisms of action and structural-activity relationships (SARs) of sea cucumber glycosides are also discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hee Jae Shin
- Marine Natural Products Laboratory, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 787 Haeanro, Ansan 427-744, Korea.
| | - M Aminur Rahman
- World Fisheries University Pilot Programme, Pukyong National University (PKNU), 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Korea.
| | - Mohamad Tofazzal Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh.
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Park JI, Bae HR, Kim CG, Stonik VA, Kwak JY. Relationships between chemical structures and functions of triterpene glycosides isolated from sea cucumbers. Front Chem 2014; 2:77. [PMID: 25250309 PMCID: PMC4159031 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many marine triterpene glycosides have in vitro and in vivo activities with very low toxicity, suggesting that they are suitable agents for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, particularly cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of natural marine compounds in cancer, immune, and other various cells are not fully known. This review focuses on the structural characteristics of marine triterpene glycosides and how these affect their biological activities and molecular mechanisms. In particular, the membranotropic and membranolytic activities of frondoside A and cucumariosides from sea cucumbers and their ability to induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis have been discussed, with a focus on structure-activity relationships. In addition, the structural characteristics and antitumor effects of stichoposide C and stichoposide D have been reviewed along with underlying their molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-In Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
| | - Hae-Rahn Bae
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
| | - Chang Gun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
- Immune-Network Pioneer Research Center, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
| | - Valentin A. Stonik
- The Laboratory of Chemistry of Marine Natural Products, G. B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of ScienceVladivostok, Russia
| | - Jong-Young Kwak
- Department of Biochemistry, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
- Immune-Network Pioneer Research Center, Dong-A UniversityBusan, South Korea
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Bahrami Y, Zhang W, Chataway T, Franco C. Structure elucidation of five novel isomeric saponins from the viscera of the sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:4439-73. [PMID: 25110919 PMCID: PMC4145325 DOI: 10.3390/md12084439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea cucumbers are prolific producers of a wide range of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to purify and characterize one class of compound, the saponins, from the viscera of the Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni. The saponins were obtained by ethanolic extraction of the viscera and enriched by a liquid-liquid partition process and adsorption column chromatography. A high performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) was applied to the saponin-enriched mixture to obtain saponins with high purity. The resultant purified saponins were profiled using MALDI-MS/MS and ESI-MS/MS which revealed the structure of isomeric saponins to contain multiple aglycones and/or sugar residues. We have elucidated the structure of five novel saponins, Holothurins D/E and Holothurinosides X/Y/Z, along with seven reported triterpene glycosides, including sulfated and non-sulfated saponins containing a range of aglycones and sugar moieties, from the viscera of H. lessoni. The abundance of novel compounds from this species holds promise for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadollah Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Tim Chataway
- Flinders Proteomics Facility, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Chris Franco
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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Bahrami Y, Zhang W, Franco C. Discovery of novel saponins from the viscera of the sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:2633-67. [PMID: 24821624 PMCID: PMC4052309 DOI: 10.3390/md12052633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea cucumbers, sometimes referred to as marine ginseng, produce numerous compounds with diverse functions and are potential sources of active ingredients for agricultural, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products. We examined the viscera of an Australian sea cucumber Holothuria lessoni Massin et al. 2009, for novel bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on the triterpene glycosides, saponins. The viscera were extracted with 70% ethanol, and this extract was purified by a liquid-liquid partition process and column chromatography, followed by isobutanol extraction. The isobutanol saponin-enriched mixture was further purified by high performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) with high purity and recovery. The resultant purified polar samples were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)/MS and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)/MS to identify saponins and characterize their molecular structures. As a result, at least 39 new saponins were identified in the viscera of H. lessoni with a high structural diversity, and another 36 reported triterpene glycosides, containing different aglycones and sugar moieties. Viscera samples have provided a higher diversity and yield of compounds than observed from the body wall. The high structural diversity and novelty of saponins from H. lessoni with potential functional activities presents a great opportunity to exploit their applications for industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadollah Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Chris Franco
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, SA 5042, Australia.
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Kim SK, Himaya SWA. Triterpene glycosides from sea cucumbers and their biological activities. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2012; 65:297-319. [PMID: 22361196 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416003-3.00020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Triterpenoid glycosides are abundantly present in sea cucumbers, which are responsible for the toxicity of these echinoderms. More than 100 triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated in the past 20 years and those are grouped into four main structural categories considering their aglycone structure: 3β-hydroxyholost-9(ll)-ene aglycone skeleton, 3β-hydroxyholost-7-ene skeleton, other holostane type aglycones and nonholostane aglycone. Most of the triterpenoid glycosides are found to be possessing potential biological activities. Among the biological activities, anticancer activity and antiviral activity are the most widely studied areas. In this communication, we have presented a general view of the structural characteristics of triterpenoid glycosides and their major biological activities. The structural significance and the application limitations of triterpene glycosides are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Kwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Himaya SWA, Ryu B, Qian ZJ, Kim SK. Sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus ethyl acetate fraction modulates the lipopolysaccharide induced iNOS and COX-2 via MAPK signaling pathway in murine macrophages. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2010; 30:68-75. [PMID: 21787631 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2010.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus is an important food and traditional medicine in Asian countries. However, ethyl acetate solvent fraction of S. japonicus (SCEA-F) is largely unknown for its anti-inflammatory activity and related molecular mechanisms. In this study, effect of SCEA-F on inflammation was investigated in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 cells. SCEA-F significantly inhibited the productions of NO and PGE(2) by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 at their protein and gene levels. The production and the gene transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines are also inhibited. The responsible molecular signaling for these inhibitory actions was found to be through suppression of the phosphorylation of MAPK molecules; ERK and p38 MAPK. These results indicate that SCEA-F inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response via blocking of MAPK signaling pathway in murine macrophages, thus demonstrated its in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Therefore it could be suggested that SCEA-F could be effectively used in functional food preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W A Himaya
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
This review covers the isolation and structure determination of triterpenoids including squalene derivatives, protostanes, lanostanes, holostanes, cycloartanes, dammaranes, euphanes, tirucallanes, tetranortriterpenoids, quassinoids, lupanes, oleananes, friedelanes, ursanes, hopanes, isomalabaricanes and saponins. The literature from January 2005 to December 2006 is reviewed and 478 references are cited.
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Biological Activities of Sulfated Glycosides from Echinoderms. BIOACTIVE NATURAL PRODUCTS (PART O) 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1572-5995(08)80008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Dang NH, Van Thanh N, Van Kiem P, Huong LM, Van Minh C, Kim YH. Two New Triterpene Glycosides from the Vietnamese Sea CucumberHolothuria scabra. Arch Pharm Res 2007; 30:1387-91. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02977361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Abstract
This review covers the literature published in 2005 for marine natural products, with 704 citations (493 for the period January to December 2005) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green algae, brown algae, red algae, sponges, coelenterates, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates and echinoderms. The emphasis is on new compounds (812 for 2005), together with their relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Blunt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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