Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Naturally Occurring Nor-Steroids and Their Design and Pharmaceutical Application

Version 1 : Received: 16 April 2024 / Approved: 16 April 2024 / Online: 16 April 2024 (14:22:18 CEST)

How to cite: Dembitsky, V.M. Naturally Occurring Nor-Steroids and Their Design and Pharmaceutical Application. Preprints 2024, 2024041079. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1079.v1 Dembitsky, V.M. Naturally Occurring Nor-Steroids and Their Design and Pharmaceutical Application. Preprints 2024, 2024041079. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202404.1079.v1

Abstract

The main focus of this review is to introduce readers to the fascinating class of lipid molecules known as norsteroids, exploring their distribution across various biotopes and their biological activities. The review provides an in-depth analysis of various modified steroids, including A, B, C, and D-norsteroids, each characterized by distinct structural alterations. These modifications, which range from the removal of specific methyl groups to changes in the steroid core, result in unique molecular architectures that significantly impact their biological activity and therapeutic potential. The discussion on A, B, C, and D-norsteroids sheds light on their unique configurations and how these structural modifications influence their pharmacological properties. The review also presents examples from natural sources that produce a diverse array of steroids with distinct structures, including the aforementioned A, B, C, and D-nor variants. These compounds, sourced from marine organisms like sponges, soft corals and starfish, as well as terrestrial entities such as plants, fungi, and bacteria. The exploration of these steroids encompasses their biosynthesis, ecological significance, and potential medical applications, highlighting a crucial area of interest in pharmacology and natural product chemistry. The review emphasizes the importance of researching these steroids for drug development, particularly in addressing diseases where conventional medications are inadequate or for conditions lacking sufficient therapeutic options. Examples of norsteroid synthesis are provided to illustrate the practical applications of this research.

Keywords

Norsteroids; meroterpenoids; invertebrates; seaweeds; fungal endophytes; fungi; plant; activity

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 22 April 2024
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: The present manuscript is a nice review article describing the distribution of A, B, C, and D-norsteroids across various biotopes and their biological activities. Steroids are perhaps the most privileged structures in the history of drug development. Hundreds of therapeutics for a wide range of diseases have been developed by modifying steroids from natural sources. Natural steroids are still considered a valuable source of drug leads. A prominent place among them is occupied by compounds with an unusual steroid skeleton. The analysis of the structures presented in the review is of interest primarily to biochemical specialists, allowing a better understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids in living organisms. Many compounds have shown some biological activity with potential pharmacological utility. Given their low abundance in natural sources, further in-depth study of such compounds requires extensive participation of synthetic chemists, who should also be interested in this comprehensive review.
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