Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Australian Sponge Metabolites

Structurally remarkable natural products with potent but largely unexploited biological and ecological properties continue to be isolated from organisms found on the Great Barrier Reef. This study will exploit novel, recently validated synthetic methodology for the purposes of establishing total syntheses of two classes of marine alkaloids - the haliclonacyclamines and the arenosclerins. Comprehensive biological and ecological studies on synthetically-derived intermediates will be undertaken to develop a SAR-profile for these alkaloids. Sesquiterpenoid-type alkaloids derived from earlier synthetic work will also be evaluated. New agents for the management of marine ecosystems and the treatment of various diseases should be identified.