Biopolymers from marine invertebrates. XIV. Antifungal property of Dolabellanin A, a putative self-defense molecule of the sea hare, Dolabella auricularia.

Dolabellanin A (DAA), the antineoplastic and antibacterial glycoprotein purified from the albumen gland of Dolabella auricularia, showed an antifungal activity. DAA suppressed fungal growth completely at a concentration of over 2 micrograms/ml, and the colony forming ability of the fungus was significantly decreased after contact with DAA. These results indicate that DAA is an antifungal protein and its mode of antifungal activity is fungicidal.