First ionophoric polyether identified in marine organisms; isolated from marine black sponges, Halichondria (okadai or melanodocia). Tumor promoting cytotoxin associated with diarrhetic seafood poisoning. Isoln: K. Tachibana et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 103, 2469 (1981). Total synthesis: M. Isobe et al., Tetrahedron 43, 4767 (1987). Contractile effects: S. Shibata et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 223, 135 (1982). Inhibition of protein phosphatases: A. Takai et al., FEBS Lett. 217, 81 (1987); C. Bialojan, A. Takai, Biochem. J. 256, 283 (1988). Tumor promoting activity: M. Suganuma et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 1768 (1988). Review of mechanism of action and use as a probe for cellular regulation: P. Cohen et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 15, 98-102 (1990); A. Sch"onthal, New Biol. 4, 16-21 (1992). Review of tumor promoting activity: H. Fujiki, M. Suganuma, J. Biochem. 115, 1-5 (1994).