Zyzzya Discorhabdins

Zyzzya genus [58]. The structure of prianosin A (= discorhabdin A) (52), including its absolute configuration, was unequivocally defined by X-ray analysis [54], while those of discorhabdins B (54) and D (57) were based on spectral data. The previous structures proposed for prianosins C and D [55] were revised to 2-hydroxydiscorhabdin D (56) and discorhabdin D (57), respectively [59]. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for these compounds suggests the involvement of a-amino acids tyrosine (C-l-N-9) and tryptophan (C-10-C-21) [55]. 

Discorhabdin and related pigments have been isolated from temperate and tropical sponges of the genera Latrunculia, Prianos, Zyzzya, and Batzella 94 discorhabdin C (Structure 7.11)95 and G (Structure 7.12)38 were recently found in Latrunculia apicalis collected from McMurdo Sound.96 Discorhabdins often bear significant cytotoxicity. Discorhabdin C is perhaps the strongest sea star deterrent studied to date and displays broad spectrum antibiotic activity toward sympatric bacteria.38 96... 

---