The molecule is a polycyclic ether that is produced by several species of dinoflagellates, and is known to accumulate in both marine sponges and shellfish. A polyketide, polyether derivative of a C38 fatty acid, it is one of the primary causes of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). It is a potent inhibitor of specific protein phosphatases and is known to have a variety of negative effects on cells. It has a role as a marine metabolite, an EC 3.1.3.16 (phosphoprotein phosphatase) inhibitor and a calcium ionophore.
(2R)-3-[(2S,6R,8S,11R)-2-[(E,2R)-4-[(2S,2'R,4R,4aS,6R,8aR)-4-hydroxy-2-[(1S,3S)-1-hydroxy-3-[(2S,3R,6S)-3-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecan-2-yl]butyl]-3-methylidenespiro[4a,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-4H-pyrano[3,2-b]pyran-6,5'-oxolane]-2'-yl]but-3-en-2-yl]-11-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undec-4-en-8-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid