NEW SECONDARY METABOLITES IN THE AMPHINOMID FIREWORM HERMODICE CARUNCULATA

Eight betaine-derived novel compounds were found in extracts of the Mediterranean stinging fireworm Hermodice carunculata. The identification of their structures relies on 1D and 2D NMR and HPLC-ESI/HRMS spectra (Fig. 1). Two types of terminal amine portions and a series of different alkyl chains were identified. Their matching provides the structures of uncharacterized secondary metabolites, named “carunculines”, and their related isomers. These molecules differ from already known trimethylammonium inflammatory compounds (i.e. “complanines”) isolated from another amphinomid species, for the structures of the terminal ammonium groups [1]. Carunculine anatomical distribution within H. carunculata was assessed by screening through HPLC-ESI/HRMS: their occurrence was revealed in all the body parts analyzed, both involved in predator-prey interactions [2], and mainly in the digestive apparatus. The results achieved reveal an array of different novel compounds from a chemically unknown species, improving knowledge on Marine Animal Products with chemical and biological potential for bioprospection. Overall, these data reinforce the necessity of studying poorly-investigated taxa to expand knowledge on animal venom biology, their mechanisms of action and exploitation as promising source of drug molecules.