Structural features of dinoflagellate toxins underlying biological activity as viewed by NMR

Marine dinoflagellates are a rich source of structurally and biologically intriguing secondary metabolites. Among those, maitotoxin may be one of the best known examples, which is the largest natural product known to date and possesses the most potent toxicity known amongst non-proteinaceous compounds. Structural studies of maitotoxin are reviewed with a particular focus on the configuration and mode of action of this unique toxin. In addition, there are many marine natural products which bind to biomembranes to exert their biological activities. To gain a better understanding of their mode of action, conformation, and bimoleeular interaction occurring in biomembranes are particularly important. Recent results from NMR studies of membrane systems in the authors' group are reviewed briefly.