Sesterterpenoid Chemistry and Biological Applications
Summary
Sesterterpenoids are a distinct class of 25-carbon isoprenoid natural products characterised by complex polycyclic frameworks and a rich array of functional groups. Their structural diversity arises from tailored enzymatic cyclisations of geranylfarnesyl diphosphate precursors, often involving carbocationic intermediates that undergo sequential rearrangements and hydride or methyl shifts. Synthetic chemists have developed biomimetic strategies to construct these scaffolds, while advances in biotechnology have enabled engineered microbial pathways for sustainable production. Biologically, sesterterpenoids exhibit a spectrum of activities, notably anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, with some demonstrating potent inhibition of tumour cell proliferation by modulating signalling kinases or inducing apoptosis. Owing to their stereochemical complexity and pronounced bioactivity, sesterterpenoids serve both as lead compounds for drug discovery and as probes to elucidate enzyme mechanisms. Recent years have seen efforts to optimise pharmacokinetic properties through semi-synthetic modifications, and to explore marine and fungal sources for new analogues, underscoring the global significance of this compound class in natural-product chemistry and therapeutic innovation.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Sesterterpenoid Chemistry and Biological Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sesterterpenoid chemistry and biological applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sesterterpenoid: A terpenoid composed of five isoprene units (25 carbon atoms) that often features polycyclic structures formed by enzyme-catalysed cyclisations.
Geranylfarnesyl diphosphate: The 25-carbon biosynthetic precursor of sesterterpenoids, subject to cyclisation by terpene synthases.
Carbocationic intermediate: A positively charged carbon species formed transiently during enzyme-catalysed cyclisation, which directs subsequent bond rearrangements.
Structure–activity relationship: Analysis of how chemical modifications to a molecule’s structure impact its biological activity, guiding optimisation of potency and selectivity.
Biosynthetic pathway: The sequence of enzymatic reactions that convert simple metabolic precursors into complex natural products such as sesterterpenoids.
References
- Targeting cancer with sesterterpenoids: the new potential antitumor drugs. Journal of Natural Medicines (2015).
- Biosynthetic insights provided by unusual sesterterpenes from the medicinal herb Aletris farinosa. Chemical Science (2015).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.