ovalicin

Ovalicin is a natural sesquiterpene compound isolated from the fungus Pseudorotium ovalis and belongs to the class of cyclitols and tertiary alcohols[7][1][4]. It acts as a potent inhibitor of methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2), an enzyme involved in protein processing that regulates cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and lipid synthesis[10]. Through MetAP2 inhibition, ovalicin exhibits antiangiogenic activity—blocking new blood vessel formation—and has demonstrated antitumor effects in preclinical models[10][7]. Additionally, it shows antimicrosporidial activity against microsporidian infections in animal studies and is being explored for its potential as an antibiotic or anti-infective agent targeting various pathogens including fungi and viruses[5][2]. Ovalicin remains experimental with no current clinical approvals.

Other names

ovalicin(3S,4R,5S)-4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-4-[(2S)-2-methyl-3-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)oxiran-2-yl]-1-oxaspiro[2.5]octan-6-one4-hydroxy-5-methoxy-4-[2-methyl–3-(3-methylbut–2-en–1–yl)oxiran–2–yl]–1–oxaspiro[2.5]octan–6-onegraphinone