BIOLOGICALLY-ACTIVE OXYLIPINS FROM SEAWEEDS

Our previous research has shown that many red algae metabolize polyuns aturated fatty acids to oxidized products resembling the eicosanoid ho rmones from mammals. We have extended these studies to members of the Phaeophyceae and Chlorophyta and find they also possess similar biosyn thetic pathways. From several we have identified novel prostaglandin-l ike substances. Studies of the molecular mechanisms by which some of t hese marine oxylipins are formed have revealed that novel oxidative re actions are utilized. Understanding of these biosynthetic pathways in detail has allowed their utilization to produce research biochemicals of high value, such as 12S-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12S-HPETE ). Because of their biological properties, seaweed-derived oxylipins h ave potential utility as pharmaceuticals and research biochemicals.