Biosynthesis and enzymology of secosteroids from Pseudopterogorgia americana

9,11-Secosteroids are biologically active secondary metabolites from the marine invertebrate, Pseudopterogorgia americana. They are produced in vitro through an incubation of the steroid substrate with a cell-free extract of P. americana containing the necessary enzymes. Further optimization of this incubation was attempted through adjustment of incubation reagents and cofactors. The enzymes responsible for secosteroid production were partially purified through chromatography in an effort to isolate and purify these enzymes. Finally, experiments with radiolabeled gorgosterol led to the elucidation and isolation of a key secosteroid precursor, 9,11-dihydroxygorgosterol.