Delaminomycin A

In order to develop a new class of low molecular weight immunomodulators for the treatment of incurable diseases involving cancer, hematologic diseases and inflammation, we have sought cytokine inducers and inhibitors of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix among the low molecular compounds produced by microorganisms. Cytogenin, cytoblastin (a monokine inducer), conagenin (a lymphokine inducer) and delaminomycins and IC-101 (inhibitors of cell adhesion to extracellular matrices) have been recently found in our institute. In this report, we describe the principles of screening and structures, and discuss their biological activities.

The biosynthesis of delaminomycin A, produced by Streptomyces albulus MJ202-72F3, was investigated by feeding 13C-labeled compounds followed by 13C NMR analyses. The results indicate that delaminomycin A is derived from six acetate units, five propionate units and one glycine unit.

Alchivemycin A, a novel polycyclic polyketide, was isolated from the culture extract of a plant-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp. The structure and relative configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography, and the absolute configuration was determined by a (1)H NMR anisotropy method using MPA ester derivatization. The new compound contains an unprecedented heterocyclic ring system, 2H-tetrahydro-4,6-dioxo-1,2-oxazine. Alchivemycin A showed potent antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus and inhibitory effects on tumor cell invasion.