BATHYMODIOLAMIDES C, D, AND E, NECROSIS INDUCERS FROM A DEEP-SEA HYDROTHERMAL VENT INVERTEBRATE MUSSEL, BATHYMODIOLUS AZORICUS

Three ceramides with intriguing structural features, bathymodiolamides C (1), D (2), and E (3), were isolated from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent invertebrate mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus that inhabits vent environments along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The molecular structures of these compounds were elucidated using a combination of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chemical degradation. Biological activities were assessed by Lactate Dehydrogenase assay for necrosis induction and the patented ApopScreen cell-based screen for apoptosis-induction and potential anticancer activity. This represents a second report of ceramide natural products from B. azoricus.