Animals living in polluted environments are a potential source of anti-tumor molecule(s)

Natural compounds targeting nuclear receptors for effective cancer therapy

Human nuclear receptors (NRs) are a family of forty-eight transcription factors that modulate gene expression both spatially and temporally. Numerous biochemical, physiological, and pathological processes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, immune modulation, development, reproduction, and aging are extensively orchestrated by different NRs. The involvement of dysregulated NRs and NR-mediated signaling pathways in driving cancer cell hallmarks has been thoroughly investigated. Targeting NRs has been one of the major focuses of drug development strategies for cancer interventions. Interestingly, rapid progress in molecular biology and drug screening reveals that the naturally occurring compounds are promising modern oncology drugs which are free of potentially inevitable repercussions that are associated with synthetic compounds. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to draw our attention to the potential therapeutic effects of various classes of natural compounds that target NRs such as phytochemicals, dietary components, venom constituents, royal jelly-derived compounds, and microbial derivatives in the establishment of novel and safe medications for cancer treatment. This review also emphasizes molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that are leveraged to promote the anti-cancer effects of these natural compounds. We have also critically reviewed and assessed the advantages and limitations of current preclinical and clinical studies on this subject for cancer prophylaxis. This might subsequently pave the way for new paradigms in the discovery of drugs that target specific cancer types.

Space medicine: gut microbiome of hardy species is a potential source to counter disorders during space travel

It is proposed that gut microbiome of species like cockroaches may offer a potential source of novel mechanisms/molecules that can be translated into humans to safeguard astronauts against stressors of the space environment during deep space exploration missions.

Microbiome and One Health: Potential of Novel Metabolites from the Gut Microbiome of Unique Species for Human Health

For thousands of years, the notion that human health and performance are concomitant with the health and diversity of the microbiome has been deliberated upon [...].

Alternative telomere maintenance mechanism in Alligator sinensis provides insights into aging evolution

Lifespan is a life-history trait that undergoes natural selection. Telomeres are hallmarks of aging, and shortening rate predicts species lifespan, making telomere maintenance mechanisms throughout different lifespans a worthy topic for study. Alligators are suitable for the exploration of anti-aging molecular mechanisms, because they exhibit low or even negligible mortality in adults and no significant telomere shortening. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression is absent in the adult Alligator sinensis, as in humans. Selection analyses on telomere maintenance genes indicated that ATM, FANCE, SAMHD1, HMBOX1, NAT10, and MAP3K4 experienced positive selection on A. sinensis. Repressed pleiotropic ATM kinase in A. sinensis suggests their fitness optimum shift. In ATM downstream, Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT)-related genes were clustered in a higher expression pattern in A. sinensis, which covers 10-15% of human cancers showing no telomerase activities. In summary, we demonstrated how telomere shortening, telomerase activities, and ALT contributed to anti-aging strategies.

Novel Sources of Bioactive Molecules: Gut Microbiome of Species Routinely Exposed to Microorganisms

Simple Summary

The majority of antibiotics available in the market are produced by bacteria isolated from soil. However, the low-hanging fruit has been picked; hence, there is a need to mine bacteria from unusual sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that animals and pests, such as cockroaches, snake, crocodiles, water monitor lizards, etc., come across pathogenic bacteria regularly, yet flourish in contaminated environments. These species must have developed methods to defend themselves against pathogens. Besides the immunity they may confer, bacteria associated with animals/pests may offer a potential source of novel antibacterial agents. This paper discusses the current knowledge of bacteria isolated from land and marine animals with antibacterial properties and proposes untapped sources for the isolation of bacteria to mine potentially novel antibiotic molecules.

Abstract

The development of novel bioactive molecules is urgently needed, especially with increasing fatalities occurring due to infections by bacteria and escalating numbers of multiple-drug-resistant bacteria. Several lines of evidence show that the gut microbiome of cockroaches, snakes, crocodiles, water monitor lizards, and other species may possess molecules that are bioactive. As these animals are routinely exposed to a variety of microorganisms in their natural environments, it is likely that they have developed methods to counter these microbes, which may be a contributing factor in their persistence on the planet for millions of years. In addition to the immune system, the gut microbiota of a host may thwart colonization of the gastro-intestine by pathogenic and/or foreign microorganisms through two mechanisms: (i) production of molecules with antibacterial potential targeting foreign microorganisms, or (ii) production of molecules that trigger host immunity targeting foreign microorganisms that penetrate the host. Herein, we discuss and deliberate on the current literature examining antibacterial activities that stem from the gut bacteria of animals such as crocodiles, cockroaches, and water monitor lizards, amongst other interesting species, which likely encounter a plethora of microorganisms in their natural environments. The overall aim is to unveil a potential library of novel bioactive molecules for the benefit of human health and for utilization against infectious diseases.

Crocodylus porosus Sera a Potential Source to Identify Novel Epigenetic Targets: In Silico Analysis

We have previously found that sera from Crocodylus porosus contain anticancer agents and the treatment of MCF7 cells with this serum resulted in the differential expression of 51 genes. The purpose of this study was to use in silico analysis to identify genes that might be epigenetically modulated in cells treated with crocodile serum and to understand the role of potential genes as novel candidates with epigenetic therapeutic potential. The findings report five proto-oncogenes (TUBA1B, SLC2A1, PGK1, CCND1, and NCAPD2) and two tumor suppressor genes (RPLP2, RPL37) as novel therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive overview of relevant studies on epigenetic regulation of these genes along with an insight into their clinical implications. Therefore, elucidating the molecules present in the serum and gut bacteria of reptiles such as crocodiles may offer insights into the role of these genes on longevity, health, disease, and life expectancy.

Gut microbiome-immune system interaction in reptiles

Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes in a world dominated by endotherms. Reptiles originated more than 300 million years ago and they often dwell in polluted environments which may expose them to pathogenic micro-organisms, radiation and/or heavy metals. Reptiles also possess greater longevity and may live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, for example, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles and tuatara are long-lived reptiles living up to 100 years or more. Many recent studies have emphasized the pivotal role of the gut microbiome on its host; thus, we postulated that reptilian gut microbiome and/or its metabolites and the interplay with their robust immune system may contribute to their longevity and overall hardiness. Herein, we discuss the composition of the reptilian gut microbiome, immune system-gut microbiome cross-talk, antimicrobial peptides, reptilian resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, ageing, as well the current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that microbial gut flora of reptiles such as crocodiles, tortoises, water monitor lizard and python exhibit remarkable anticancer and antibacterial properties, as well as comprise novel gut bacterial metabolites and antimicrobial peptides. The underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and the immune system may hold clues to developing new therapies overall for health, and possible extrapolation to exploit the ancient defence systems of reptiles for Homo sapiens benefit.

Longevity, cellular senescence and the gut microbiome: lessons to be learned from crocodiles

Crocodiles are flourishing large-bodied ectotherms in a world dominated by endotherms. They survived the Cretaceous extinction event, that eradicated the dinosaurs who are thought to be their ancestral hosts. Crocodiles reside in polluted environments; and often inhabit water which contains heavy metals; frequent exposure to radiation; feed on rotten meat and considered as one of the hardy species that has successfully survived on this planet for millions of years. Another capability that crocodiles possess is their longevity. Crocodiles live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, sometimes living up to 100 years. But how do they withstand such harsh conditions that are detrimental to Homo sapiens? Given the importance of gut microbiome on its' host physiology, we postulate that the crocodile gut microbiome and/or its' metabolites produce substances contributing to their "hardiness" and longevity. Thus, we accomplished literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar and herein, we discuss the composition of the crocodile gut microbiome, longevity and cellular senescence in crocodiles, their resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, and our current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Furthermore, preliminary studies that demonstrate the remarkable properties of crocodile gut microbial flora are discussed. Given the profound role of the gut microbiome in the health of its' host, it is likely that the crocodile gut microbiome and its' metabolites may be contributing to their extended life expectancy and elucidating the underlying mechanisms and properties of these metabolites may hold clues to developing new treatments for age-related diseases for the benefit of Homo sapiens.

Potential of crocodile blood as a medication and dietary supplement: A systemic review

Crocodile blood has long been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian countries to treat diseases such as asthma, allergies, and many others. Yet, only recently has the safety and effectiveness of using crocodile blood as a medicine been examined using modern scientific methods; with both conserved and novel active components identified from crocodile blood. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations found that crocodile blood can have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumour effects, anti-anaemia, and enhancement of wound healing. A systematic research of literature published in English-language journals up to April 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Based on the biological and chemical knowledge of crocodile immunity and crocodile blood, this article aims to: provide a critical review on the proposed properties of crocodile blood, identify the knowledge gap and offer some insights for future investigations regarding the use of crocodile blood as a medication or dietary supplement.

Anticancer Properties of Asian Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), Python (Malayopython reticulatus) and Tortoise (Cuora kamaroma amboinensis)

BACKGROUND

Cancer contributes to significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in treatment and supportive care. There is a need for the identification of effective anticancer agents. Reptiles such as tortoise, python, and water monitor lizards are exposed to heavy metals, tolerate high levels of radiation, feed on rotten/germ-infested feed, thrive in unsanitary habitat and yet have prolonged lifespans. Such species are rarely reported to develop cancer, suggesting the presence of anticancer molecules/mechanisms.

METHODS

Here, we tested effects from sera of Asian water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator), python (Malayopython reticulatus) and tortoise (Cuora kamaroma amboinensis) against cancer cells. Sera were collected and cytotoxicity assays were performed using prostate cancer cells (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7), as well as human keratinized skin cells (Hacat), by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release as an indicator for cell death. Growth inhibition assays were performed to determine the effects on cancer cell proliferation. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was performed for molecular identification.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that reptilian sera, but not bovine serum, abolished viability of Hela, PC3 and MCF7 cells. Samples were subjected to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, which detected 57 molecules from V. salvator, 81 molecules from Malayopython reticulatus and 33 molecules from C. kamaroma amboinensis and putatively identified 9 molecules from V. salvator, 20 molecules from Malayopython reticulatus and 9 molecules from C. kamaroma amboinensis when matched against METLIN database. Based on peptide amino acid composition, binary profile, dipeptide composition and pseudo-amino acid composition, 123 potential Anticancer Peptides (ACPs) were identified from 883 peptides from V. salvator, 306 potential ACPs from 1074 peptides from Malayopython reticulatus and 235 potential ACPs from 885 peptides from C. kamaroma amboinensis.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, for the first time, we reported comprehensive analyses of selected reptiles' sera using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, leading to the identification of potentially novel anticancer agents. We hope that the discovery of molecules from these animals will pave the way for the rational development of new anticancer agents.

Antibacterial activity of selected invertebrate species

The evolution of multiple-drug resistant bacteria is contributing to the global antimicrobial crisis, hence driving us to search for novel antimicrobial(s). Among animals, invertebrates represent up to 80% of all known species suggesting their wide distribution. Despite their ubiquitous and plentiful nature, they have been largely unexplored as potential source of antibacterials. In this study, we selected a broad range of invertebrates from terrestrial and marine environments and tested their lysates for antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aereus (MRSA) and neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1. Cockroaches, centipedes, tarantulas, prawns, lobster, and mud crabs showed antibacterial activity with selected lysates exhibiting more than 90% bactericidal effects. The red-headed centipede's hemolymph showed 90% and 50% bacteriostatic activity against MRSA and E. coli K1, respectively. Tarantula's body extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSA and E. coli K1. Gut extracts of tiger prawn exhibited more than 90% bacteriostatic activity against both bacteria. The selected lobster and mud crab extract exhibited up to 90% growth inhibitory activity against MRSA. Overall, these results showed that selected invertebrates are an untapped source of broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and suggest the presence of biologically active molecules.

Gut Bacteria of Columbia livia Are a Potential Source of Anti-Tumour Molecules

Objectives:

The overall aim was to determine whether gut bacteria of Columbia livia are a potential source of antitumour molecules.

Methods:

Faecal and gut microbiota of Columbia livia were isolated, identified and conditioned media were prepared containing metabolites. Growth inhibition, lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity and cell survival assays were accomplished against cervical cancer cells. Next, liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry was conducted to elucidate the molecules present.

Results:

A plethora of bacteria from faecal matter and gastrointestinal tract were isolated. Selected conditioned media exhibited potent anticancer effects and displayed cytotoxicity to cervical cancer cells at IC₅₀ concentration of 10.65 and 15.19 µg/ml. Moreover, cells treated with conditioned media exhibited morphological changes, including cell shrinking and rounding; indicative of apoptosis, when compared to untreated cells. A total of 111 and 71 molecules were revealed from these gut and faecal metabolites. The identity of 60 molecules were revealed including, dihydroxymelphalan. Nonetheless, 122 molecules remain unidentified and are the subject of future studies.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that gut bacteria of Columbia livia possess molecules, which may have anticancer activities. Further in silico testing and/or high throughput screening will determine potential anticancer properties of these molecules.

Gut microbiota of animals living in polluted environments are a potential resource of anticancer molecules

Cancer is a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, in spite of advances in therapeutic interventions and supportive care. In 2018 alone, there were 18·1 million new cancer cases and 9·6 million deaths indicating the need for novel anticancer agents. Plant-based products have often been linked with protective effects against communicable and non-communicable diseases. Recently, we have shown that animals such as crocodiles thrive in polluted environments and are often exposed to carcinogenic agents, but still benefit from prolonged lifespan. The protective mechanisms shielding them from cancer could be attributed to the immune system, and/or it is possible that their gut microbiota produce anticancer molecules. In support, several lines of evidence suggest that gut microbiota plays a critical role in the physiology of its host. Here, we reviewed the available literature to assess whether the gut microbiota of animals thriving in polluted environment possess anticancer molecules.

Surviving under pollution stress: Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the Oyster species (Magallana bilineata and Magallana cuttackensis)

Antibiotic effectively controls the bacterial and fungal infections. Pathogens developing multi-drug resistance are a global health concern, which necessitate developing new molecules to overcome the resistance dilemma. This study explores the intrinsic ability of marine oysters synthesizing bioactive compounds. The tissue extracts prepared in n-hexane from two oysters, Magallana bilineata and Magallana cuttackensis compared for broad spectral antimicrobial activates against the fungal, Gram positive and negative pathogens. Regardless, both the species tolerated the same pollution indices; the M. bilineata exhibits stronger antimicrobial activities as compared to M. cuttackensis. M. bilineata potentially inhibited the bacterial growth with minimal inhibitory concentration (0.75-20 μg/ml) and fungal pathogens (0.75-5 μg/ml) as compared to ciprofloxacin and miconazole. Inhibitory potential complimented with reduce bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations required to observed susceptible zone of inhibition (ZOI). The inhibition augmented with increased antimicrobial index (AMI) and total activity index (TAI) against the human pathogen than those of M. cuttackensis. It is widely acknowledged that there is a need to develop novel antimicrobial agents to minimize the threat of emerging multiple antimicrobial resistant pathogens. Therefore, the oysters surviving in the pollution stress modulate the physiological and immune response may exploit to develop potential antibiotics.

Scorpion and Frog Organ Lysates are Potential Source of Antitumour Activity

OBJECTIVES

It is noteworthy that several animal species are known to withstand high levels of radiation, and are exposed to heavy metals but rarely been reported to develop cancer. For example, the scorpion has been used as folk medicine in ancient civilizations of Iran and China, while amphibian skin is known to possess medicinal properties. Here, we elucidated the anti-tumour activity of the scorpion (Uropygi) and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were procured and their organ lysates and sera were prepared and tested against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer (MCF-7), prostate cancer (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer (HeLa), and normal human keratinocyte cells. Exoskeleton, appendages and hepatopancreas were dissected from the scorpion, whereas liver, lungs, heart, oviduct, gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, kidneys, eggs and sera were collected from frog and organ lysates/sera were prepared. Growth inhibition assays and cytotoxicity assays were performed.

RESULTS

Appendages, exoskeleton lysates, and hepatopancreas from scorpion exhibited potent growth inhibition, and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, heart, oviduct, kidneys, eggs, and sera from frog displayed growth inhibition and cytotoxic effects.

CONCLUSION

Organ lysates, sera of scorpion, and amphibians possess anti-tumour activities. This is a worthy area of research as the molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mechanism of action will lead to the rational development of novel anticancer agent(s).

Gut bacteria of Varanus salvator possess potential antitumour molecules

Pollution, unhygienic conditions and organic waste are detrimental to human health. On the contrary, animals living in polluted environments, feeding on organic waste and exposed to noxious agents such as heavy metals must possess remarkable properties against contracting diseases. Species such as cockroaches and water monitor lizards thrive in unhygienic conditions and feed on decaying matter. Here, we investigated the antitumour properties of metabolites produced by gut bacteria isolated from Varanus salvator (Asian water monitor lizard). An adult water monitor lizard and a juvenile water monitor lizard were acquired, and dissected. Their aerobic gut bacteria were isolated and identificated through 16S rDNA sequencing. Next, bacterial conditioned media (CM) were prepared and utilised for subsequent assays. Growth inhibition, MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell viability assay, cytotoxicity and cell survival assays were accomplished against a panel of cancer cells as well as a normal cell line. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to identify potential antitumour molecules. A plethora of bacteria were isolated from the gut of juvenile and adult V. salvator respectively. Moreover, CM prepared from selected bacteria exhibited antitumour activity. Of note, LC-MS results indicated the presence of several molecules with reported antitumour activity, namely, 3-butylidene-7-hydroxyphthalide, C75, enigmol, estrone 16-oxime, proglumide and S-allyl-L-cysteine. Furthermore, 356 potentially novel molecules from juvenile V. salvator and 184 from adult V. salvator were depicted. Thus, the gut microbiota of V. salvator might be considered as a great niche of antitumour molecules; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the antitumour properties of these molecules.

Heterometrus Spinifer: An Untapped Source of Anti-Tumor Molecules

Despite intensive research, cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise. Consequently, the necessity to develop effective anti-cancer therapy is apparent. We have recently shown that the gut bacteria of animals living in polluted environments, such as crocodiles, are a potential source of novel anti-tumor molecules. To extend this work to other resilient species, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of gut bacteria of Heterometrus spinifer (a scorpion). Bacteria from the feces and gut were isolated, identified and evaluated for their anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media was prepared in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 media, and cytotoxicity and growth inhibitory properties were examined against cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was conducted to establish the identity of the molecules. Eighteen bacteria species from the gut (HSG01-18) and ten bacteria species from feces (HSF01-10) were tested for anti-tumor effects. Bacterial-conditioned media from scorpion gut and feces exhibited significant growth inhibitory effects against HeLa cells of 66.9% and 83.8%, respectively. Microscopic analysis of cancer cells treated with conditioned media HSG12 and HSG16 revealed apoptosis-like effects. HSG12 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and HSG16 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Both conditioned media exhibited 100% growth inhibitory effects versus a selection of cancer cells, comprising cervical, breast and prostate cancer cells. LC–MS indicated the presence of 72 and 38 compounds, detected from HSG12 and HSG16, respectively. Out of these compounds, 47 were successfully identified while the remainder were unidentified and are possibly novel. This study suggests that the fecal and gut microbiota of scorpions might possess molecules with anti-cancer properties, however, further intensive research is needed to assess these expectations.

Zoopharmacology: A Way to Discover New Cancer Treatments

Zoopharmacognosy is the multidisciplinary approach of the self-medication behavior of many kinds of animals. Recent studies showed the presence of antitumoral secondary metabolites in some of the plants employed by animals and their use for the same therapeutic purposes in humans. Other related and sometimes confused term is Zootherapy, which consists on the employment of animal parts and/or their by-products such as toxins, venoms, etc., to treat different human ailments. Therefore, the aim of this work is to provide a brief insight for the use of Zoopharmacology (comprising Zoopharmacognosy and Zootherapy) as new paths to discover drugs studying animal behavior and/or using compounds derived from animals. This work is focused on the approaches related to cancer, in order to propose a new promising line of research to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR). This novel subject will encourage the use of new alternative prospective ways to find new medicines.

Gut bacteria of animals living in polluted environments exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activities

Infectious diseases, in particular bacterial infections, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality posing a global threat to human health. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has exacerbated the problem further. Hence, there is a need to search for novel sources of antibacterials. Herein, we explored gut bacteria of a variety of animals living in polluted environments for their antibacterial properties against multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria. A variety of species were procured including invertebrate species, Blaptica dubia (cockroach), Gromphadorhina portentosa (cockroach), Scylla serrata (crab), Grammostola rosea (tarantula), Scolopendra subspinipes (centipede) and vertebrate species including Varanus salvator (water monitor lizard), Malayopython reticulatus (python), Cuora amboinensis (tortoise), Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia fish), Rattus rattus (rat), Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken) and Lithobates catesbeianus (frog). Gut bacteria of these animals were isolated and identified using microbiological, biochemical, analytical profiling index (API) and through molecluar identification using 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacterial conditioned media (CM) were prepared and tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria as well as human cells (HaCaT). The results revealed that CM exhibited significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activities. Upon heat inactivation, CM retained their antibacterial properties suggesting that this effect may be due to secondary metabolites or small peptides. CM showed minimal cytotoxicity against human cells. These findings suggest that gut bacteria of animals living in polluted environments produce broad-spectrum antibacterial molecule(s). The molecular identity of the active molecule(s) together with their mode of action is the subject of future studies which could lead to the rational development of novel antibacterial(s).

Sera/Organ Lysates of Selected Animals Living in Polluted Environments Exhibit Cytotoxicity against Cancer Cell Lines

Background:

Species of crocodiles and cockroaches can withstand high radiation, reside in unsanitary conditions, thrive on germ-infested feed, and are exposed to heavy metals, yet they are not reported to develop cancer. It has been postulated that such species have mechanisms to defend themselves against developing cancer. Here, selected species have been tested for potential cytotoxicity against selected cancer cell lines.

Methods:

In this study, various species of vertebrates and invertebrates were procured including Columba livia, Gallus gallus domesticus, Varanus salvator, Cuora kamamora amboinensis, Reticulatus malayanus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Rattus rattus, American bullfrog, Donax sp., Polymesoda coaxans, Tenebrio molitor, Lumbricus terrestris, Blatta lateralis, Grammostola rosea, and Penaeus monodon. Species were dissected and their organ lysates/sera/haemolymph were prepared. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using Prostate Cancer cells (PC3), Henrietta Lacks cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) as well as human keratinized skin cells (Hacat), by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release as an indicator for cell death. Growth inhibition assays were performed to determine the effects on cancer cell proliferation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed for molecular identification.

Results:

The results revealed that body lysates of Polymesoda coaxans demonstrated more than 99% growth inhibition of all cancer cell lines tested but not on normal Hacat cells. More importantly, the serum of M. reticulatus abolished growth and produced cytotoxicity. Hence these samples were subjected to Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which detected 81 small molecules and putatively identified 20 molecules when matched against the METLIN database. Out of 1094 peptides, 21 peptides were identified, while 1074 peptides were categorized as novel peptides. Based on properties such as peptide amino acid composition, binary profile, dipeptide composition and pseudo-amino acid composition, 306 potential peptides were identified.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, here for the first time, we report a comprehensive analysis of sera exhibiting cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines tested and identified several molecules using LC-MS/MS.

Gut bacteria of animals/pests living in polluted environments are a potential source of antibacterials

The morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infections have remained significant despite chemotherapeutic advances. With the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, the situation has become a serious threat to the public health. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel antibacterials. The majority of antibiotics available in the market are produced by bacteria isolated from soil. However, the low-hanging fruit has been picked; hence, there is a need to mine bacteria from unusual sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that animals and pests such as cockroaches, snake, crocodiles, and water monitor lizard come across pathogenic bacteria regularly, yet flourish in contaminated environments. These species must have developed methods to defend themselves to counter pathogens. Although the immune system is known to possess antiinfective properties, gut bacteria of animals/pests may also offer a potential source of novel antibacterial agents, and it is the subject of this study. This paper discusses our current knowledge of bacteria isolated from land and marine animals with antibacterial properties and to propose untapped sources for the isolation of bacteria to mine potentially novel antibiotic molecules.