Chemical biology studies on norrisolide

The cellular activity of norrisolide (7), a novel Golgi-vesiculating agent, was dissected as function of its chemical structure. This natural product induces irreversible vesiculation of the Golgi membranes and blocks protein transport at the level of the Golgi. The Golgi localization and fragmentation effects of 7 depend on the presence of the perhydroindane core, while the irreversibility of fragmentation depends on the acetyl group of 7. We show that fluorescent derivatives of norrisolide are able to localize to the Golgi apparatus and represent important tools for the study of the Golgi structure and function.

Our studies on the chemical biology of norrisolide are presented. This natural product was found to induce irreversible vesiculation of Golgi membranes and specifically block protein transport at the level of the Golgi apparatus. Through the use of fluorescent derivatives of norrisolide, we demonstrated that this compound binds directly to Golgi membranes, and that its perhydroindane core is necessary and sufficient for this binding.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide