Meleagrin from marine fungus Emericella dentata Nq45: crystal structure and diverse biological activity studies

The crystal structure and unambiguous absolute configuration of meleagrin (1) isolated from fungus Emericella dentata Nq45 is reported herein to first time on the bases of single crystal X-ray diffraction. Together with 1, haenamindole (2), isorugulosuvine (3), secalonic acid D (4), ergosterol (5) and cerebroside A (6) were obtained and their structures were determined by ESI MS and NMR data analysis. Diverse biological activity of meleagrin (1) was investigated. Compound 1 pronounced potent cytotoxicity against the human cervix carcinoma cell line KB-3-1 and its multidrug resistant sub-clone KB-V1 of IC50 3.07 and 6.07 µM, respectively, in comparison with the reference (+) – griseofulvin (IC50 19, 19.5 µM). Based on the antibiofilm activity, compound 1 displayed as well potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC of 0.25 mg/mL. Isolation of the producing fungus and taxonomical characterization is stated as well.