Representative LC/UV chromatogram under typical analytical conditions (C18 column; mobile phase: 5–100% ACN / H2O (0.05% H3PO4), linear gradient 20 min; flow rate: 0.2 mL/min; detection: 210 nm).
NMR Spectral Data
Representative 1H NMR (500 MHz) spectrum confirming the structure of Ascofuranone. Representative 13C NMR (125 MHz) spectrum supporting structural assignment of Ascofuranone.
Source Organism
Cosmospora sp.
Summary
Ascofuranone is a fungal isoprenoid metabolite that inhibits trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO) in antiparasitic research.
Details
Ascofuranone is a secondary metabolite originally isolated from fungal cultures and characterized as an isoprenoid antibiotic. It strongly inhibits trypanosome alternative oxidase (TAO), a mitochondrial enzyme essential for the respiratory metabolism of Trypanosoma species. By blocking TAO, ascofuranone disrupts parasite energy production and demonstrates significant trypanocidal activity in animal models. In addition to its antiparasitic activity, ascofuranone has been reported to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration in cancer models via modulation of ERK, AKT/mTOR, and c-Myc signaling pathways. These properties position ascofuranone as a promising lead compound for antiparasitic and anticancer drug development.