TRP channel antagonists from a novel tunicate-associated fungus

We have aimed to examine cultivable associates of ascidians as sources of bioactive natural products. A novel filamentous fungus, Eurotiomycetales strain 110162, was identified from the ascidian Diplosoma sp. collected in Papua New Guinea (10.0370785 S 145.767741 E). Strain analysis by 18S rRNA, RNA poly-merase II (RPB2) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequences indicated that strain 110162 represents a member of the Class Eurotiomycetes, and the strain may represent a novel order within this class. From this novel filamentous fungus, a series of prenylated polyketide metabolites were isolated and showed selective TRPM8 antagonist activity.