Desformylflustrabromine

Desformylflustrabromine (also known as dFBr) is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the marine bryozoan Flustra foliacea. It is a secondary metabolite that has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the field of neuroscience and pharmacology.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Desformylflustrabromine is a brominated alkaloid. Its chemical structure consists of a pyrrole ring, a pyridine ring, and a bromine atom. The presence of the bromine atom is a characteristic feature of many marine alkaloids, which are often brominated to increase their biological activity.

Biological Activity[edit | edit source]

Desformylflustrabromine has been found to have a unique pharmacological profile. It is a partial agonist at the α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), which is the most abundant nAChR subtype in the brain. This receptor is involved in various physiological processes, including cognition, memory, and pain perception.

Desformylflustrabromine's activity at the α4β2 nAChR has led to interest in its potential therapeutic applications. It has been suggested that it could be used to develop new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and nicotine addiction.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into desformylflustrabromine is ongoing. Early studies have shown promising results, but further research is needed to fully understand its pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications.