Tenacibactins K–M, cytotoxic siderophores from a coral-associated gliding bacterium of the genus Tenacibaculum

HPLC/DAD-based chemical investigation of a coral-associated gliding bacterium of the genus Tenacibaculum yielded three desferrioxamine-class siderophores, designated tenacibactins K (1), L (2), and M (3). Their chemical structures, comprising repeated cadaverine–succinic acid motifs terminated by a hydroxamic acid functionality, were elucidated by NMR and negative MS/MS experiments. Compounds 1–3 were inactive against bacteria and a yeast but displayed cytotoxicity against 3Y1 rat embryonic fibroblasts and P388 murine leukemia cells at GI(50) in submicromolar to micromolar ranges. Their iron-chelating activity was comparable to deferoxamine mesylate.