Dolastatin compounds, isolated from the sea hare (sea slug) Dolabella
auricularia, have been shown to have remarkable anticancer properties. In
particular, dolaststin 16 has been shown to be an extraordinarily potent cancer
cell growth inhibitor. Its 3-dimensional structure, however, has heretofore
remained unknown.
Researchers at Arizona State University have determined the 3-dimensional
X-ray crystal structure of dolaststin 16, thus paving the way for further
development. Additionally, they have determined a way to stereoselectively
synthesize two unique amino acid units of dolaststin 16, dolamethylleuine (DmJ)
and dolaphenvaline (Dpv).
This work allows for the more facile synthesis of dolaststin 16 and should
facilitate its progression into pre-clinical development.
Potential Applications
- Inhibiting cancer cell growth
- Treating many types of cancer
- Antifungal treatments
Benefits and Advantages
- Potentially more potent against cancer than dolastatins 10 and 15, which
themselves are in clinical trials
- Probable efficacy against fungal infections
Download
original PDF
For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr.
Pettit's departmental webpage
