The phomactins: A novel group of terpenoid platelet activating factor antagonists related biogenetically to the taxanes

A description of the structurally unusual “phomactin” family of platelet activating factor antagonists recently found in the marine fungus Phoma sp. is presented. The phomactins show an interesting structural and biosynthetic relationship with the more familiar taxane group of antitumor compounds isolated from yew trees. The Account highlights and discusses this unique relationship and also presents a cogent picture of plausible biogenetic interrelationships within the family of phomactins. Complementary synthetic endeavors with the phomactins are interwoven in the discussions, alongside contemporaneous biosynthetic studies with both the phomactins and the taxanes.