Chemists synthesize unique anticancer molecules using novel approach

The chemical structures of these molecules, which consist of a dense, highly complex knot of oxidized rings and nitrogen atoms, has attracted the interest of organic chemists worldwide, who aimed to recreate these structures from scratch in the laboratory. However, despite considerable effort, it has remained an elusive task. Until now, that is.

In nature, the molecules are found in some species of bryozoa -- small, aquatic animals that feed by filtering prey from the water via tiny tentacles. Researchers worldwide consider bryozoans to be a potentially valuable source of new medications, and many molecules isolated from bryozoans have been studied as novel anticancer agents. However, the complexity of the molecules often limits their further development.

Lastly, Herzon and his team employed microcrystal electron diffraction analysis to help visualize the structure of the molecules. Herzon said conventional methods for structure determination were inadequate in this context. Co-first authors of the new study are Yale chemistry graduate students Brandon Alexander and Noah Bartfield. Co-authors are Vaani Gupta, a Yale chemistry graduate student; Brandon Mercado, a Yale X-ray crystallographer and lecturer in the Department of Chemistry; and Mark Del Campo of Rigaku Americas Corporation.

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