Ciguatoxins, the principal causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning, are potent neurotoxic polycyclic ethers. We report herein the total synthesis of a 10-membered F-ring analogue of 51-hydroxyCTX3C, which constitutes the first example of an F-ring modified ciguatoxin that exhibits potent cytotoxicity as well as mouse acute toxicity.

The proposed structure of the maduropeptin chromophore, the biologically active component of the highly potent chromoprotein antitumor antibiotics, was stereoselectively synthesized but did not satisfy the spectra of the natural product. We demonstrated that the correct structure is diastereomeric, which possesses an antipodal sugar moiety.

Formation of an epoxide before 9-membered ring cyclization and SmI2 mediated reductive olefination in the presence of the epoxide successfully produced the epoxybicyclo[7.3.0]dodecadienediyne core of the kedarcidinchromophore.

In the Masamune–Bergman cyclization of a nine-membered non-conjugated enediyne with an internal, maduropeptin-like nucleophile, the exocyclic alkene migrated to form the nine-membered conjugated enediyne, triggered by the intramolecular addition of the amide group; final aromatized products showed up to 85% yield.

In advanced studies directed toward the total synthesis of the kedarcidin chromophore, we have successfully achieved the late-stage installation of the nine-membered diyne ring in the presence of the highly functionalised ansamacrocyclic bridge.

Ciguatoxins are the major causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning. Limited availability of ciguatoxins has hampered the development of a reliable and specific immunoassay for detecting these toxins in contaminated fish. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific against both ends of Pacific ciguatoxins CTX3C and 51-hydroxyCTX3C were prepared by immunization of mice with the protein conjugates of rationally designed synthetic haptens in place of the natural toxin. Haptenic groups that possess a surface area larger than 400 Å2 were required to produce mAbs that can bind strongly to CTX3C or 51-hydroxyCTX3C. A direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using these mAbs was established to detect CTX3C and 51-hydroxyCTX3C at the ppb level with no cross-reactivity against the other marine toxins, including brevetoxin A, brevetoxin B, okadaic acid, or maitotoxin.

Ciguatera is a global food poisoning caused by the consumption of fish that have accumulated sodium channel activator toxins, ciguatoxins. At present, most diagnosed cases of ciguatera are treated with symptomatic and supportive remedies, and no specific therapy has been devised. Here we report that ciguatoxin CTX3C can be effectively neutralized in vitro and in vivo by simultaneous use of two anti-ciguatoxin monoclonal antibodies, providing the first rational approach toward directly preventing and treating ciguatera.

In the Masamune–Bergman cyclization of a nine-membered non-conjugated enediyne with an internal, maduropeptin-like nucleophile, the exocyclic alkene migrated to form the nine-membered conjugated enediyne, triggered by the intramolecular addition of the amide group; final aromatized products showed up to 85% yield.

Ciguatoxins, the principal causative toxins of ciguatera seafood poisoning, are potent neurotoxic polycyclic ethers. We report herein the total synthesis of a 10-membered F-ring analogue of 51-hydroxyCTX3C, which constitutes the first example of an F-ring modified ciguatoxin that exhibits potent cytotoxicity as well as mouse acute toxicity.

In advanced studies directed toward the total synthesis of the kedarcidin chromophore, we have successfully achieved the late-stage installation of the nine-membered diyne ring in the presence of the highly functionalised ansamacrocyclic bridge.

Formation of an epoxide before 9-membered ring cyclization and SmI2 mediated reductive olefination in the presence of the epoxide successfully produced the epoxybicyclo[7.3.0]dodecadienediyne core of the kedarcidinchromophore.