Niphates digitalis explained

Niphates digitalis, commonly known as the pink vase sponge, is a species of sea sponge belonging to the family Niphatidae. It is native to the Florida Keys, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean including the Netherlands Antilles.[1] The species was first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1814.[2]

Characteristics

The pink vase sponge is a demosponge that can grow up to 50 cm in height and width, but is more commonly smaller. It is normally vase-, tube-, or cup-shaped with a narrow base and broader top, and somewhat flattened when viewed in cross section. Rarely, it can grow as a fan shape.[3] Despite its name, the colour has been observed as blue, gray, and lavender, as well as "purplish to pink".[1] The surface is coarse and porous with 6-mm-long conules or spines.[3]

Chemistry

Compounds extracted from the pink vase sponge have been investigated for their possible use in the treatment of castration recurrent prostate cancer.[4] A common reagent used in organic chemistry 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene can be isolated from this sponge.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Niphates digitalis . Encyclopedia of Life . 13 April 2016.
  2. Web site: Niphates digitalis (Lamarck, 1814) . World Porifera Database . 13 April 2016.
  3. Web site: Niphates digitalis (Lamarck, 1814) Haplosclerida, Niphatidae . Portol.org . 13 April 2016.
  4. Niphatenones, glycerol ethers from the sponge Niphates digitalis block androgen receptor transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells: structure elucidation, synthesis, and biological activity. . Meimetis LG, Williams DE, Mawji NR, Banuelos CA, Lal AA, Park JJ, Tien AH, Fernandez JG, de Voogd NJ, Sadar MD, Andersen RJ . J Med Chem . 2012 . 55 . 1 . 503–14 . 10.1021/jm2014056 . 22148427.
  5. 4778835 . Crystal structures of three anhydrous salts of the Lewis base 1,8-di-aza-bicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) with the ring-substituted benzoic acid analogues 4-amino-benzoic acid, 3,5-di-nitro-benzoic acid and 3,5-di-nitro-salicylic acid . Smitha, Graham . Lynchb, Daneil E. . amp . Acta Crystallogr E . 2016 . 72 . 3 . 382–386 . 10.1107/S205698901600267X . 27006813.

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