Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs

Aaptamine Alters Vimentin Expression and Migration Capability of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the effect of Aaptamine, an alkaloid derived from marine sponges, on the vimentin expression in both mRNA and protein levels and the migration capacity of breast cancer cells.

Methods

The triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was used for in vitro experiments. Low-cytotoxicity concentrations of Aaptamine (12.5 to 50 μM) were given to MDA-MB-231 cells. The vimentin mRNA and protein expression were evaluated using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence, respectively, 72 h after Aaptamine treatment. The migration scratch assay was conducted for 48 hours.

Results

Aaptamine treatment in three different doses did not affect the expression of vimentin at the mRNA level while significantly lowering vimentin protein expression at the concentration of 12.5 µM. In addition, Aaptamine significantly inhibited breast cancer cell migration in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Aaptamine inhibits vimentin protein expression and demonstrates anti-migration activity in the sub-cytotoxic dose.

3,3'-((3-Hydroxyphenyl)azanediyl)dipropionic Acid Derivatives as a Promising Scaffold Against Drug-Resistant Pathogens and Chemotherapy-Resistant Cancer

The synthesis and antimicrobial and anticancer activity of 3,3'-((3-hydroxyphenyl)azanediyl)dipropionic acid derivatives (2-25) against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens and FaDu head and neck cancer cells were investigated. The derivatives were synthesized through various methods, including esterification, hydrazinolysis, and condensation reactions. The compounds demonstrated structure-dependent antimicrobial activity, predominantly targeting Gram-positive pathogens. Compounds containing 4-nitrophenyl, 1-naphthyl, and 5-nitro-2-thienyl groups exhibited enhanced activity against S. aureus and E. faecalis. Additionally, compounds 5, 6, and 25 showed antiproliferative activity in cisplatin-resistant FaDu cells at low micromolar concentrations. The in silico modeling revealed that compound 25 interacts with the HER-2 and c-MET proteins. These compounds also induced significant oxidative stress in FaDu cells and demonstrated low cytotoxic activity in non-cancerous HEK293 cells. These results highlight the potential of N-aryl-substituted β-amino acid derivatives as promising scaffolds for the further development of novel amino acid-based antimicrobial and anticancer agents targeting drug-resistant pathogens and cancers.

Theoretical study on the structures and pharmacokinetic evaluation of verticillane-type diterpenes from soft coral Heteroxenia ghardaqensis

The density functional theory (DFT) method ωB97XD/6-311++G(2d, p) was applied to calculate and analyze the geometric structures, spectral properties, frontier molecular orbitals, and molecular electrostatic potentials of 14 novel verticillane-type diterpenoids isolated from the soft coral Heteroxenia ghardaqensis. Additionally, reaction index analysis was conducted using conceptual density functional theory, and the drug-likeness of these compounds was evaluated using two different pharmacokinetic prediction platforms. The results showed that the hydroxyl hydrogen, secondary amine hydrogen, carbonyl oxygen, and hydroxyl oxygen in the molecules of these compounds have relatively high reactivity. Compounds 5, 8, and 9 exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity and have similar electronic delocalization distribution characteristics, showing good stability and excellent biological activity, among which compound 5 demonstrates more significant drug potential. For compounds 2, 8, and 12 with hepatoprotective activity, through the analysis of comprehensive pharmacokinetic parameters and molecular docking data, compound 12 is considered more suitable as a potential hepatoprotective drug.

Complex arabinose-containing polysaccharides from cyanobacterium Nostoc sp.: Extraction, structural characterization and antioxidant activity

Freshwater Nostoc sp. polysaccharides (NSPs) have not been extensively studied, particularly regarding their structural and biological characteristics. This study assessed the extracted NSPs through a multi-faceted characterization approach using 1H and 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, HP-SEC and HPAEC-PAD. The study presented novel insights into the extracted polysaccharide composition, extraction efficiency, and antioxidant activities. NSPs were extracted using two different ranges of heating regimes: cold (25 °C) and hot (95 °C), with hot extraction yielding up to 34.9 % of NSPs compared to 27.6 % from cold extraction. The NSPs were non-sulfated and mainly composed of four monosaccharide residues: (1 → 3)-β-d-mannopyranose-(1 → 4)-β-l-arabinopyranose-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucuronic acid-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranose. Some glucose units were 6-O-methylated, and minor sidechain glycosylation by other monosaccharides was observed. β-d-glucuronic acid was present in higher amounts. The polysaccharides from the inner fluid (IF) fraction exhibited a higher molecular weight (up to 480 kDa) compared to outer layer (OL) fractions. The total phenolic content (TPC: 0.2 ± 0.0-2.8 ± 0.0 %), total sugar (9.1 ± 0.8-67.8 ± 0.4 %), and protein (1.2 ± 0.1-25.9 ± 0.6 %) content were determined. NSPs, especially from cold extraction (1B) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, have potential applications in the skincare, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries due to their high yield, unique structural features.

Ulvan derived from Ulva lactuca suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation through miR-542-3p-mediated downregulation of SLC35F6

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy still presents significant challenges, with a critical need for novel molecular targets and effective natural compound-based therapies. Despite its known oncogenic potential in other cancers, the role of SLC35F6 in HCC has not been previously reported, leaving a gap in our understanding of its function and therapeutic relevance. Here, we demonstrate that SLC35F6 is overexpressed in HCC and is associated with poor prognosis. Ulva lactuca polysaccharide (ULP), a natural extract with known antitumor properties, exerts its effects by upregulating miR-542-3p, which in turn inhibits SLC35F6 expression and significantly increases TP53 protein levels. Furthermore, TP53 is positively regulated by miR-542-3p, and our results indicate that SLC35F6 is a target gene of miR-542-3p. Knockdown of SLC35F6 in H22 and HepG2 cells markedly reduced cell growth while elevating TP53 expression, supporting SLC35F6 as a key regulatory factor in the miR-542-3p/TP53 axis. While this study did not confirm direct mutual regulation between SLC35F6 and TP53, our findings provide evidence that targeting SLC35F6 can suppress HCC progression. Collectively, these results identify SLC35F6 as a potential therapeutic target for HCC and provide mechanistic insights into its regulation through the miR-542-3p/SLC35F6/TP53 axis.

The Cytotoxic Activity of Secondary Metabolites from Marine-Derived Penicillium spp.: A Review (2018-2024)

Marine-derived Penicillium spp., including Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium sclerotiorum, have emerged as prolific producers of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity. This review systematically categorizes 177 bioactive compounds isolated from marine Penicillium spp. between 2018 and 2024, derived from diverse marine environments such as sediments, animals, plants, and mangroves. These compounds, classified into polyketides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids, exhibit a wide range of cytotoxic activities. Their potency is categorized as potent (<1 μM or <0.5 μg/mL), notable (1-10 μM or 0.5-5 μg/mL), moderate (10-30 μM or 5-15 μg/mL), mild (30-50 μM or 15-25 μg/mL), and negligible (>50 μM or >25 μg/mL). The current review highlights the promising role of marine Penicillium spp. as a rich repository for the discovery of anticancer agents and the advancement of marine-inspired drug development.

20-Acetylsinularolide B (ASB) From Lobophytum crassum Exhibits Anticancer Activity In Vitro Through IGF1R/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, the development of novel therapeutic drugs is essential. 20-Acetylsinularolide B (ASB) is a diterpene isolated from marine soft coral Lobophytum crassum. Our previous studies demonstrated that ASB exhibits growth-inhibitory effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. This study employed network pharmacology to predict ASB's potential targets in NSCLC treatment. The predicted target was validated using the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). In vitro anticancer activity was assessed through MTT and crystal violet assays for proliferation, along with Western blotting, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and nuclear morphology evaluation. Migration and invasion were evaluated using wound healing and Transwell assays. The results showed that ASB significantly arrests the cell cycle of H1299 cells at the G2/M phase by modulating the IGF1R/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting cell mitosis. Simultaneously, ASB promoted intracellular ROS production, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultimately induced cell apoptosis. In addition, ASB significantly inhibited the colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of H1299 cells, which are closely associated with the function of the IGF1R target. These findings highlight the significant potential of ASB as a lead anticancer compound for NSCLC therapy.

Discovery of new aphidicolin diterpenoids from the deep-sea-derived fungus Botryotinia fuckeliana with cytotoxic activity against human bladder cancer cells

Aphidicolin, characterized by a highly fused 6/6/5/6 tetracyclic diterpenoid skeleton, had been explored as a potential anticancer drug in clinical trials. However, its development has been constrained by poor solubility. The discovery of new aphidicolin derivatives offers promising prospects for anticancer drug development. In the present study, 37 new aphidicolin derivatives, designated as aphidicolins B1-B37 (1-37), together with 34 known analogues (38-71), were discovered from the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the deep-sea-derived fungus Botryotinia fuckeliana. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by extensive analyses of spectroscopic data, the phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) method, modified Mosher's method, and comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Notably, aphidicolin B12 (12) features a 6/6/5/6/6 pentacyclic framework with an unprecedented γ-lactone ring E, while compound 31 contains a novel 6/6/5/6/5/5 hexacyclic system bearing an unprecedented tetrahydrofuran ring formed by an ether bridge between C-3 and C-6. All isolated aphidicolins were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against T24 human bladder cancer cells. Among them, 11 diterpenoids showed stronger inhibitory activity than aphidicolin (60), especially compound 32, which exhibited an IC50 value of 1.9 μM, significantly more potent than 60 (IC50 = 27.6 μM). The structure-bioactivity relationships were also discussed. Further mechanistic studies revealed that 32 inhibits T24 cells proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for bladder cancer treatment.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analysis and Cytotoxicity of Extracts of the Marine Dinoflagellate Amphidinium eilatiense Against Human Cancer Cell Lines

Members of the benthic marine dinoflagellate genus Amphidinium produce a variety of bioactive compounds, exhibiting potent cytotoxicity in cell assays. Crude methanolic extracts from three genetically distinct cultured strains of A. eilatiense J.J. Lee were screened for cytotoxicity against three human breast and four lung cancer cell lines to evaluate potential applications in anticancer therapy. A standard tetrazolium cell viability assay demonstrated that the methanolic crude extract (100 µg mL-1) from strain AeSQ181 reduced cell viability by 20-35% in five cancer cell lines. Further bioassay-guided fractionation of these crude extracts yielded non-polar fractions (FNP-5 and FNP-6) with particularly high cytotoxic activity against lung (H1563) and breast (MDA-MB-231) adenocarcinoma cell lines. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of cytotoxic fractions by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) revealed a much richer chemical diversity profile than previous toxigenicity studies on Amphidinium that exclusively focused on linear and cyclic polyethers and their macrolide analogs as putative cytotoxins. This untargeted metabolomic study showed substantial differences in chemical composition between the biologically active and non-active fractions. Preliminary biological and chemical characterization of these A. eilatiense fractions confirms that this species is a rich source of bioactive natural products with potential applications such as anticancer therapeutics.

Marine-Derived Alternariol Suppresses Inflammation by Regulating T Cell Activation and Migration

T cells play pivotal roles in inflammation's initiation and progression. Exploring natural compounds that regulate T cell function is crucial for preventing and treating inflammation. Herein, we report that Alternariol (AOH), a marine-derived secondary metabolite, exerts an anti-inflammatory activity by targeting T cell function. Using an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced OT-II CD4+ T cell activation model, we demonstrated that AOH potently suppresses T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion, mildly promotes T cell apoptosis, and spares antigen presentation processes. Mechanistically, AOH controlled early T cell activation by inhibiting the expression of activation markers (CD69, CD25, CD44) and transcription factors (T-bet, Eomes), leading to impaired Th1 cytokine production. In vivo experiments revealed that AOH attenuated OVA-induced lung injury in mice by reducing immune cell infiltration in pulmonary tissues and draining lymph nodes. Notably, AOH dramatically suppressed OVA-specific T cells migrating to the inflammatory lung while impairing T-cell-mediated other immune cell infiltration. Collectively, AOH exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating T cell proliferation, function, and migration, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for T-cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.

A comparative study on antioxidant properties, total phenolics, total flavonoid contents, and cytotoxic properties of marine green microalgae and diatoms

Despite having valuable and novel metabolites, the marine microalgae species are still not thoroughly investigated for their pharmaceutical and nutraceutical importance. Therefore, this study was focused on investigating the crude extracts of marine green microalgae species, Tetraselmis sp., Nannochloropsis sp., and diatoms Chaetoceros sp., and Thalassiosira sp., isolated from the Malaysian coastal region in terms of their antioxidant activity, total phenolics, total flavonoid contents and cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells, MCF-7. Among twenty-eight crude extracts, Tetraselmis ethanol and ethyl acetate extract showed the highest amount of total phenolic (19.87 mg GAE/g), and total flavonoid content (38.58 mg QE/g of extract), respectively. From the antioxidant assays, methanol and ethyl acetate extract of Tetraselmis sp. exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities, revealed through DPPH (54.41 ± 1.18 mg Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity or TEAC/g extract) and ABTS (41.57 ± 0.83 mg TEAC/g extract) radical scavenging activities, respectively than the rest. Ethyl acetate extract of Tetraselmis sp. also showed high ferric reducing power (113.46 ± 4.83 mg TEAC/g extract). On the contrary, methanol and ethyl acetate extract of Chaetoceros sp. showed the highest cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 and reduced the cell viability to 21.26 % and 21.56 %, respectively. The data suggest that marine diatom Chaetoceros sp. has a good cytotoxic effect on MCF-7, while marine green microalga Tetraselmis sp. has good radical scavenging and ferric reduction capabilities, warranting further investigation along with their metabolic profiling, cancer cell killing mechanism and extensive in vivo study.

Seaweed-derived laminarin and alginate as potential chemotherapeutical agents: An updated comprehensive review considering cancer treatment

Seaweed-derived bioactive substances such as polysaccharides have proven to be effective chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents. Laminarin and alginate antioxidant properties aid in the prevention of cancer through dynamic modulation of critical intracellular signaling pathways via apoptosis which produce low cytotoxicity and potential chemotherapeutic effects. Understanding the effects of laminarin and alginate on human cancer cells and their molecular roles in cell death pathways can help to develop a novel chemoprevention strategy. This review emphasizes the importance of apoptosis-modulating laminarin and alginate in a range of malignancies as well as their extraction, molecular structure, and weight. In addition, future nano-formulation enhancements for greater clinical efficacy are discussed. Laminarin and alginate are perfect ingredients because of their distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics and their use-based delivery systems in cancer. The effectiveness of laminarin and alginate against cancer and more preclinical and clinical trials will open up as new chemotherapeutic natural drugs which lead to established as potential cancer drugs.

Erianin inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells by suppressing mTOR activation and disrupting pyrimidine metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Erianin has potential anticancer activities, especially against lung cancer. The specific mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer effects, including the molecular targets and signaling pathways in lung cancer, remain poorly understood and necessitate further investigation.

METHODS

Lung cancer cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine the effects of erianin on apoptosis and cell cycle progression. mRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis were utilized to explore erianin-induced biological changes. Potential targets were identified and validated through molecular docking and Western blot analysis. The roles of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase/aspartate transcarbamylase/dihydroorotase (CAD) in erianin-induced growth inhibition were studied using gene overexpression/knockdown techniques with uridine and aspartate supplementation confirming pyrimidine metabolism involvement. Additionally, lung cancer-bearing nude mouse models were established to evaluate the anti-lung cancer effects of erianin in vivo.

RESULTS

Erianin significantly inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells, induces apoptosis, and causes G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Integrative analysis of mRNA sequencing and metabolomics data demonstrated that erianin disrupts pyrimidine metabolism in lung cancer cells. Notably, uridine supplementation mitigated the inhibitory effects of erianin, establishing a connection between pyrimidine metabolism and anticancer activity. Network pharmacology analyses identified mTOR as a key target of erianin. Erianin inhibited mTOR phosphorylation, thereby blocking downstream effectors (S6K and CAD), which are essential regulators of pyrimidine metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Erianin is a promising therapeutic candidate for lung cancer. Erianin likely inhibits lung cancer cell growth by disrupting pyrimidine metabolism by suppressing mTOR activation.

Polyethylene Glycolylation of the Purified Basic Protein (Protamine) of Squid (Symplectoteuthis oualaniensis): Structural Changes and Evaluation of Proliferative Effects on Fibroblast

In recent years, arginine-rich basic proteins have garnered significant attention due to their essential roles in various biological processes. However, the potential of marine-derived proteins in this domain remains largely unexplored. This study presents, for the first time, the isolation and purification of a 14.3 kDa protamine (SOP) from the mature spermatogonial tissues of Symplectoteuthis oualaniensis. Additionally, we obtained an 18.5 kDa PEGylated derivative, SOP-PEG. The physicochemical properties of both SOP and SOP-PEG were comprehensively characterized using SEM, FTIR, CD, and TGA. PEGylation markedly altered the surface morphology, secondary structure, and thermal stability of SOP. In vitro studies demonstrated that PEGylation significantly enhanced the biocompatibility of SOP, leading to improved proliferation of L-929 fibroblasts. Furthermore, both SOP and its PEGylated derivative (SOP-PEG) regulated the cell cycle, activated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and modulated anti-apoptotic mechanisms, suggesting their potential to support cell survival and facilitate tissue regeneration. Notably, SOP-PEG exhibited superior bioactivity, likely attributable to its enhanced delivery efficiency conferred by PEGylation. Collectively, these findings underscore the promising applications of SOP and SOP-PEG in regenerative medicine and highlight the pivotal role of PEGylation in augmenting the bioactivity of SOP.

Biogenesis, characterization, and applications of Spirulina selenium nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, researchers are attracted to the phyco-synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for biotechnological and medical applications as they possess many advantages such as safety, nutritional value, and easy biodegradation than gold, copper, and silver nanoparticles. Spirulina platensis is the preferred microalgae for SeNPs synthesis because it contains many compounds that increase their stability making them fit for biomedical treatments.

RESULTS

The biosynthesized Spirulina platensis selenium nanoparticles (SP-SeNPs) were spherical and crystalline, with a diameter of 65 nm and a net charge of -16.7 mV. Furthermore, they were surrounded by active groups responsible for stability. The DPPH radical scavenging test assessed the antioxidant efficacy of SP-SeNPs and exposed scavenging inhibition of 79.234% at a 100 µM dosage. ABTS and H2O2 radical scavenging assay is dose-dependent recording IC50 of 50.69 and 116.18 µg/ml, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy was investigated against 13 G-negative & G-positive bacteria. The study demonstrated that SP-SeNPs had antibacterial and antibiofilm efficiencies against the tested strains with MBC of 286-333 µg/ml. The highest percentages of biofilm inhibition were recorded for Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with ratios of 78.8 and 69.9%, respectively. The prepared SP-SeNPS efficiently suppressed the tested fungi growth with MIC (350 µg/ml) and MFCs (480-950 µg/ml). Most notably, biogenic SeNPs effectively extended the clot formation period recording 170.4 S for prothrombin time (PT) and 195.6 S for the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). SP-SeNPs reduced the cell viability of breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and ovarian cancer (SKOV-3) cell lines with a percentage of 17.6009% and 14.9484% at a concentration of 100 ug/ml, respectively. Moreover, SP-SeNPs could effectively alleviate the inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages with a reduction percentage of 8.82% in Nitric oxide concentration.

CONCLUSION

The investigation findings reveal that SP-SeNPs are a hopeful antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory factor that can be applied in medical cures.

Advanced Technologies for Large Scale Supply of Marine Drugs

Marine organisms represent a source of unique chemical entities with valuable biomedical potentialities, broad diversity, and complexity. It is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of marine natural products (MNPs) for their translation into commercial drugs and other valuable products. From a structural point of view and with few exceptions, MNPs of pharmaceutical importance derive from the so-called secondary metabolism of marine organisms. When production strategies rely on marine macroorganisms, harvesting or culturing coupled with extraction procedures frequently remain the only alternative to producing these compounds on an industrial scale. Their supply can often be implemented with laboratory scale cultures for bacterial, fungal, or microalgal sources. However, a diverse approach, combining traditional methods with modern synthetic biology and biosynthesis strategies, must be considered for invertebrate MNPs, as they are usually naturally accumulated in only very small quantities. This review offers a comprehensive examination of various production strategies for MNPs, addressing the challenges related to supply, synthesis, and scalability. It also underscores recent biotechnological advancements that are likely to transform the current industrial-scale manufacturing methods for pharmaceuticals derived from marine sources.

A quinoline derivative exerts antineoplastic efficacy against solid tumour by inducing apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo

Cancer is a heterogeneous and multicomplex disease with the highest morbidity and mortality rate. The targeting of tumour progression with drugs is a very well-established treatment strategy. Despite these, due to the failure of commonly used drugs in combating cancer, new drugs need to be screened and established for better therapeutic approach. With this rationale, the current investigation was aimed to develop quinoline compound (QC) derivatives as anti-tumour molecules. In this extended study, a series of QC analogues were subjected to anti proliferative assays through cell-based screening and evaluated its mechanism of action through apoptotic and anti-angiogenic assays. The change in cell behaviour was assessed through gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Further, in vivo solid tumour model was developed and the anti-tumour potential of QC-4 was verified with gene expression studies. The results suggested that QC-4 exhibited significant cytotoxic effect, particularly against human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and murine Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells. The QC-4 induced condensation, nuclear damage and changes in membrane integrity resulted in apoptosis and neovascularisation inhibition. The modulation of apoptotic and angiogenic genes such as BAX, BAD, p53 and MMP-2 and 9 further supported the molecular cause of cytotoxicity induced by QC-4. The regression of in vivo solid tumour with extended survivability warranted the in vitro results and the gene expression patterns were additionally supportive. Overall, the QC-4 analogue exhibits the anti-neoplastic with a multi-target approach, reserving its capacity to be developed into a new class of the anticancer molecules.

Promises of natural products as clinical applications for cancer

Cancer represents a substantial threat to human health and mortality, necessitating the development of novel pharmacological agents with innovative mechanisms of action. Consequently, extensive research has been directed toward discovering new anticancer compounds derived from natural sources, including plants, microbes, and marine organisms. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of natural anticancer agents that are either currently undergoing clinical trials or have been integrated into clinical practice. A comprehensive understanding of the historical origins of natural anticancer agents, alongside traditional targets for tumor treatment and the distinct characteristics of cancer, can significantly facilitate researchers in the discovery and development of innovative anticancer drugs for clinical use. Furthermore, the exploration of microbial and marine sources is currently a prominent area of focus in the clinical application and advancement of new anticancer therapies. Detailed classification and elucidation of the functions and antitumor properties of these natural products are essential. It is imperative to comprehensively summarize and comprehend the natural anticancer drugs that have been and continue to be utilized in clinical settings.

Marine natural products as a source of novel anticancer drugs: an updated review (2019-2023)

Marine natural products have long been recognized as a vast and diverse source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology. This review provides an updated overview of the significant advances made in the discovery and development of marine-derived anticancer drugs between 2019 and 2023. With a focus on recent research findings, the review explores the rich biodiversity of marine organisms, including sponges, corals, algae, and microorganisms, which have yielded numerous compounds exhibiting promising anticancer properties. Emphasizing the multifaceted mechanisms of action, the review discusses the molecular targets and pathways targeted by these compounds, such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and modulation of signaling pathways. Additionally, the review highlights the innovative strategies employed in the isolation, structural elucidation, and chemical modification of marine natural products to enhance their potency, selectivity, and pharmacological properties. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the development of marine-derived anticancer drugs, including issues related to supply, sustainability, synthesis, and clinical translation. Finally, the review underscores the immense potential of marine natural products as a valuable reservoir of novel anticancer agents and advocates for continued exploration and exploitation of the marine environment to address the unmet medical needs in cancer therapy.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Derived Compounds in Hematological Malignancies

Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health and can show significant potential in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These diseases often pose a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances in treatment (e.g., the use of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, CD38 monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy). A considerable number of patients experience relapses or resistance to the applied therapies. Algal compounds, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other more advanced therapies, have exhibited antitumor and immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies that may improve disease outcomes. These include the ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor growth, and improve immune responses. However, most of these studies are conducted in vitro, often without in vivo validation or clinical trials. This paper summarizes the current evidence on the in vitro effects of algae extracts and isolated compounds on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma cell lines. In addition, we address the current advances in the application of algae-derived compounds as targeted drug carriers and their synergistic potential against hematologic malignancies.

Phlorofucofuroeckol-A: A Natural Compound with Potential to Attenuate Inflammatory Diseases Caused by Airborne Fine Dust

Background and Objectives: Persistent exposure to airborne fine dust (FD) particles contributing to air pollution has been linked to various human health issues, including respiratory inflammation, allergies, and skin diseases. We aimed to identify potential seaweed anti-inflammatory bioactive reagents and determine their effects on systemic inflammatory responses induced by FD particles. Materials and Methods: While exploring anti-inflammatory bioactive reagents, we purified compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects from the seaweed extracts of Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia stolonifera, and Codium fragile. Structural analyses of the purified compounds siphonaxanthin (Sx), fucoxanthin (Fx), dieckol (Dk), and phlorofucofuroeckol-A (PFF-A) were performed using NMR and LC-MS/MS. Results: Notably, these compounds, especially PFF-A, showed significant protective effects against FD-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Further investigation of inflammatory-associated signaling demonstrated that PFF-A inhibited IL-1β expression by modulating the NF-κB/MAPK signal pathway in FD-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, gene profiling revealed the early activation of various signature genes involved in the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines using gene profiling. Treatment with PFF-A markedly reduced the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis-related genes and even elevated the Bmp gene families. Conclusions: These results suggested that PFF-A is a potential natural therapeutic candidate for managing FD-induced inflammatory response.

Identification of novel cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors from marine natural products

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are crucial regulators of cell cycle progression and represent important therapeutic targets in breast cancer. This study employs a comprehensive computational approach to identify novel CDK4/6 inhibitors from marine natural products. We utilized structure-based virtual screening of the CMNPD database and MNP library, followed by rigorous filtering based on drug-likeness criteria, PAINS filter, ADME properties, and toxicity profiles. From an initial hit of 9,497 compounds, 2,344 passed drug-likeness and PAINS filters. Further ADME filtering yielded 50 compounds, of which 25 exhibited non-toxic profiles. These 25 candidates underwent consensus molecular docking using seven distinct algorithms: AutoDockTools 4.2, idock, LeDock, Qvina 2, Smina, AutoDock Vina 1.2.0, PLANTS, and rDock. Based on these results, six top-scoring compounds were selected for comprehensive 500 nanosecond all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate their structural stability and interactions with CDK4/6. Our analysis revealed that compounds CMNPD11585 and CMNPD2744 demonstrated superior stability in their interactions with CDK4/6, exhibiting lower RMSD and RMSF values, more favorable binding free energies, and persistent hydrogen bonding patterns. These compounds also showed lower Solvent Accessible Surface Area values, indicating better compatibility with the CDK4/6 active site. Subsequent in-vitro studies using MTT assays on MCF-7 breast cancer cells confirmed the cytotoxic effects of these compounds, with CMNPD11585 showing the highest potency, followed by CMNPD2744.

Total Synthesis of Exiguolide Stereoisomers: Impact of Stereochemical Permutation on Reactivity, Conformation, and Biological Activity

(-)-Exiguolide is a marine macrolide natural product with potent anticancer activity. In this study, the total synthesis of exiguolide stereoisomers, (9R)-exiguolide, (9R,13S)-exiguolide, and (9R,13S,19R)-exiguolide, was achieved by capitalizing on our macrocyclization/transannular pyran cyclization strategy. The impact of the stereochemical permutation on the reactivity of advanced intermediates, the conformation of the macrocyclic skeleton, and the antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells were investigated in detail. The total synthesis of (9R,13S)-exiguolide and (9R,13S,19R)-exiguolide was completed in much the same way as that of the parent natural product using stereoisomeric building blocks. Nevertheless, the reactivity of the (9R,13S)- and (9R,13S,19R)-series of intermediates in macrocyclic ring-closing metathesis and transannular pyran-forming reactions was significantly different from that of naturally configured counterparts. The conformation of exiguolide stereoisomers, deduced by means of NMR spectroscopic analysis and DFT calculations, was clearly different from that of the parent natural product. Evaluation of the antiproliferative activity of exiguolide and its stereoisomers suggested the importance of the stereochemistry of the macrocyclic skeleton.

Antimicrobial Potentials of Haliclona fibulata Derived Compounds for Combatting Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections in Zebrafish Model

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens highlights the critical need for novel antimicrobial agents. This study explores the potential of natural products by investigating n-hexane extracts from the marine sponge Haliclona fibulata (HF) for their antibacterial efficacy. The well diffusion method of HF extract showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones of 20 ± 0.66, 27 ± 0.58, and 22 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy investigations confirmed the disruptive impact of the extracts on bacterial cell morphology. Further investigations using P. aeruginosa-infected zebrafish model revealed that HF treatment improved survival rates in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly reduced in the 100 µg/mL (HF100) treatment group, alongside downregulation of inflammatory markers such as il-1β, nf-kβ, tnf-α, and inos. Histological assessments showed reduced intestinal damage and fewer circulating macrophages in HF100-treated zebrafish larvae. Identifying potent bioactive compounds within the extracts suggests that HF could be a valuable source of natural antimicrobials, warranting further exploration for developing treatments against pathogenic infections.

Marine Fungi: A Prosperous Source of Novel Bioactive Natural Products

As the number of viruses, bacteria, and tumors that are resistant to drugs continues to rise, there is a growing need for novel lead compounds to treat them. Marine fungi, due to their unique secondary metabolic pathways and vast biodiversity, have become a crucial source for lead compounds in drug development. This review utilizes bibliometric methods to analyze the research status of natural products from marine fungi in the past decade, revealing the hotspots and trends in this field from Web of Science database. Furthermore, this review summarizes the biological activities and effects on molecular mechanisms of novel natural compounds isolated from marine fungi in the past five years. These novel compounds belong to six different structural classes, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, polyketones, etc. They also exhibited highly potent biological properties, including antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, and other properties. This review demonstrates the hotspots and trends of marine fungi research in recent years, as well as the variety of chemical structure and biological activities of their natural products, and it may provide guidance for those interested in discovering new drugs from marine fungi and specific targeting mechanisms.

Identification of Novel Marine Bioactive Compound as Potential Multiple Inhibitors in Triple-negative Breast Cancer - An in silico Approach

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer lacking specific receptors, with dysregulated and overactivated Hedgehog (Hh) and mTOR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify potential inhibitors among 53 alkaloids derived from 9 marine bryozoans using in silico approaches. It sought to analyze their impact on key signaling targets and their potential for future experimental validation.

METHODS

In this research, selected targets were evaluated for protein-protein interactions, coexpression survival, and expression profiles. The protein expression was validated through the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and druggability through DGIdb. Online web servers were employed to assess drug-likeness, physiochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological characteristics of the compounds. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations were carried out for ligand-protein interactions. Common Pharmacophore features, bioavailability, bioactivity, and biological activity spectrum (BAS) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of the 13 compounds studied, 10 displayed strong binding affinity with binding energies ranging from >-6.5 to <-8 Kcal/mol across all targets. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into Amathamide E's stability and conformational changes. Pharmacophore modeling revealed common features in 14 compounds potentially responsible for their biological activity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate the potential of marine-derived compounds as TNBC inhibitors. Further in vitro and in vivo validation is necessary to establish their effectiveness and explore their role as novel anti-TNBC agents.

Converging frontiers in cancer treatment: the role of nanomaterials, mesenchymal stem cells, and microbial agents-challenges and limitations

Globally, people widely recognize cancer as one of the most lethal diseases due to its high mortality rates and lack of effective treatment options. Ongoing research into cancer therapies remains a critical area of inquiry, holding significant social relevance. Currently used treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, often suffers from other problems like damaging side effects, inaccuracy, and the lack of ability to clear tumors. Conventional cancer therapies are usually imprecise and ineffective and usually develop resistance to treatments and cancer recurs. Cancer patients need fresh and innovative treatment that can reduce side effects while maximizing effectiveness. In recent decades several breakthroughs in these, and other areas of medical research, have paved the way for new avenues of fighting cancer including more focused and more effective alternatives. This study reviews exciting possibilities for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), nanomaterials, and microbial agents in the modern realm of cancer treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated surprisingly high potential. They improve drug delivery systems (DDS) significantly, enhance imaging techniques remarkably, and target cancer cells selectively while protecting healthy tissues. MSCs play a double role in tissue repair and are a vehicle for novel cancer treatments such as gene treatments or NPs loaded with therapeutic agents. Additionally, therapies utilizing microbial agents, particularly those involving bacteria, offer an inventive approach to cancer treatment. This review investigates the potential of nanomaterials, MSCs, and microbial agents in addressing the shortcomings of conventional cancer therapies. We will also discuss the challenges and limitations of using these therapeutic approaches.

In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents

A novel library of naphthoquinone derivatives (3-5 aa) was synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer properties. Specifically, compounds 5 i, 5 l, 5 o, 5 q, 5 r, 5 s, 5 t, and 5 v demonstrated superior cytotoxic activity against the cancer cell lines that were studied. All the studied compounds exhibited a higher selectivity index (SI) and a favourable safety profile than the standard drug doxorubicin. Notably, compound 5 v displayed a greater cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells (IC50=1.2 μM, and 0.9 μM at 24 h and 48 h, respectively) compared to the standard drug doxorubicin (IC50=2.4 μM, and 2.1 μM at 24 h and 48 h, respectively). To further investigate the mechanism of cytotoxic effect, additional anticancer studies were conducted with 5 v in MCF-7 cells. The studies are including morphological changes, AO/EB (acridine orange/ethidium bromide) double staining, apoptosis analysis, cell colony assay, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, cell cycle analysis, and detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. The findings showed that 5 v triggered cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 cells through the initiation of cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase and necrosis. In vivo ecotoxicity studies indicated that 5 v had lower toxicity towards zebrafish larvae (LC50=50.15 μM) and had an insignificant impact on cardiac functions. In vivo xenotransplantation of MCF-7 cells in zebrafish larvae demonstrated a significant reduction in tumour volume in the xenograft. Approximately 95 % of the zebrafish larvae with 5 v xenografts survived after 10 days of the treatment. Finally, a computational modelling study was conducted on four protein receptors, namely ER, EFGR, BRCA1, and VEFGR2. The findings highlight the importance of the aminonaphthoquinone moiety, amide linkage, and propyl thio moiety in enhancing the anticancer properties. 5 v exhibited superior drug-likeness features and docking scores (-9.1, -7.1, -8.9, and -10.9 kcal/mol) compared to doxorubicin (-7.2, -6.1, -6.9, and -7.3 kcal/mol) against ER, EFGR, BRCA1, and VEGFR2 receptors, respectively. Therefore, the notable antitumor effects of naphthoquinone derivatives (3-5 aa) suggest that these molecular frameworks may play a role in the development of promising anticancer agents for cancer treatment.

Unravelling the role of natural and synthetic products as DNA topoisomerase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Topoisomerase is a ubiquitous enzyme in the control of DNA chain topology. There have been extensive research on topoisomerase inhibitors derived from natural sources, which act as partial inducers of tumor cell apoptosis. However, their specific efficacy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma is relatively unexplored. Hence, this comprehensive review focuses on the structural characteristics and anti-cancer properties of topoisomerase inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, this review is also elucidating the mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships, therapeutic limitations, stage of clinical trials of described classes of natural bioactive compounds as well as their potential application in cancer chemotherapies. This broad understanding of topoisomerase medical biology will provide indispensable framework for enhancing the efficiency of rational anti-hepatocellular carcinoma drug discovery.

Production of marine-derived bioactive peptide molecules for industrial applications: A reverse engineering approach

This review examines a wide range of marine microbial-derived bioactive peptide molecules, emphasizing the significance of reverse engineering in their production. The discussion encompasses the advancements in Marine Natural Products (MNPs) bio-manufacturing through the integration of omics-driven microbial engineering and bioinformatics. The distinctive features of non-ribosomally synthesised peptides (NRPs), and ribosomally synthesised precursor peptides (RiPP) biosynthesis is elucidated and presented. Additionally, the article delves into the origins of common peptide modifications. It highlights various genome mining approaches for the targeted identification of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs) and novel RiPP and NRPs-derived peptides. The review aims to demonstrate the advancements, prospects, and obstacles in engineering both RiPP and NRP biosynthetic pathways.

A Marine-Derived Small Molecule Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth by Promoting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy

MHO7 (6-epi-ophiobolin G), a novel component extracted from a mangrove fungus, exhibits significant anticancer effects against breast cancer. However, the precise mechanism underlying the anticancer effects of MHO7 in prostate cancer (PCa) is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the effect of MHO7 on PCa cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism. A series of in vitro experiments were conducted, including Cell Counting Kit-8, and plate clone formation assays, flow cytometry analysis, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and molecular dynamics simulation. Additionally, in vivo tumor xenograft models were employed. Our findings revealed that MHO7 could induce cellular autophagy at low concentration (2 μM) and apoptosis at relatively high concentration (4 and 8 μM), leading to significant PCa cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, MHO7 triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which subsequently stimulated autophagy and apoptosis via IRE1α/XBP-1s signaling pathway activation. Notably, IRE1α knockdown markedly reduced MHO7-induced autophagy and apoptosis. Moreover, MHO7 targeted the IRE1α protein, thereby enhancing its stability. MHO7 also exhibited substantial anticancer activity in tumor xenograft models. Our study revealed that MHO7 holds considerable potential as an anticancer agent against PCa, attributable to its activation of ER stress-induced autophagy and apoptosis at different concentrations, facilitated by the upregulation of IRE1α expression.

A Lucknolide Derivative Induces Mitochondrial ROS-Mediated G2/M Arrest and Apoptotic Cell Death in B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a high risk of cancer-related deaths, and inducing apoptosis in melanoma cells is a promising therapeutic strategy. This study investigates the anti-tumor potential of a novel lucknolide derivative LA-UC as a therapeutic candidate for melanoma. Lucknolide A (LA), a tricyclic ketal-lactone metabolite isolated from marine-derived Streptomyces sp., was chemically modified by introducing a 10-undecenoyl group to synthesize LA-UC. LA-UC preferentially inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells, including B16F10, while exerting minimal effects on normal melanocytes or other tumor cell types, indicating the selective action of LA-UC against melanoma cells. LA-UC decreased G2/M checkpoint proteins, including cyclin B1 and Cdc2, while activating caspase-3 and caspase-9, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptotic cell death in B16F10 cells. The addition of a pan-caspase inhibitor confirmed the caspase-dependent mechanism of LA-UC-induced cell death. Additionally, LA-UC elevated mitochondrial ROS levels, leading to mitochondrial membrane disruption, upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, and DNA damage in melanoma cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine reduced LA-UC-induced mitochondrial ROS accumulation, mitochondrial membrane disruption, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that LA-UC induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis in B16F10 cells through excessive mitochondrial ROS generation, membrane impairment, and DNA damage, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for melanoma treatment.

Screening, optimization, and ADMET evaluation of HCJ007 for pancreatic cancer treatment through active learning and dynamics simulation

In this study, we leveraged a sophisticated active learning model to enhance virtual screening for SQLE inhibitors. The model's improved predictive accuracy identified compounds with significant advantages in binding affinity and thermodynamic stability. Detailed analyses, including molecular dynamics simulations and ADMET profiling, were conducted, particularly focusing on compounds CMNPD11566 and its derivative HCJ007. CMNPD11566 showed stable interactions with SQLE, while HCJ007 exhibited improved binding stability and more frequent interactions with key residues, indicating enhanced dynamic adaptability and overall binding effectiveness. ADMET data comparison highlighted HCJ007s superior profile in terms of lower toxicity and better drug-likeness. Our findings suggest HCJ007 as a promising candidate for SQLE inhibition, with significant improvements over CMNPD11566 in various pharmacokinetic and safety parameters. The study underscores the efficacy of computational models in drug discovery and the importance of comprehensive preclinical evaluations.

Hyrtios sp.-associated Cladosporium sp. UR3 as a potential source of antiproliferative metabolites

BACKGROUND

Sponge-associated microorganisms are promising resources for the production of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic potential. The main goal of our study is to isolate the fungal endophytes from the Red Sea sponge Hyrtios sp. followed by investigating their cytotoxicity against number of cell lines.

RESULTS

The fungal strain UR3 was isolated from the Red Sea sponge using Sabouraud dextrose agar media. It was identified based on partial 18 S rRNA gene and ITS sequence analyses as Cladosporium sp. UR3. The in vitro cytotoxic potential of the ethyl acetate extract of the fungal isolate was evaluated using MTT assay against three cancer cell lines: CACO2, MCF7, and HEPG2. Metabolomics profiling of the obtained ethyl acetate extract using LC-HR-ESI-MS, along with molecular docking and pharmacological network studies for the dereplicated compounds were performed to explore its chemical profile and the possible cytotoxic mechanism of the sponge-associated fungi.

CONCLUSION

These results highlighted the role of sponge-associated fungi as a fruitful resource for the discovery of cytotoxic metabolites.

Two peptides LLRLTDL and GYALPCDCL inhibit foam cell formation through activating PPAR-γ/LXR-α signaling pathway in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages

Foam cell formation plays a pivotal role in atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular diseases. Bioactive peptides generated from marine sources have been found to provide multifunctional health advantages. In the present study, we investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of LLRLTDL (Bu1) and GYALPCDCL (Bu2) peptides, isolated from ark shell protein hydrolysates by assessing their inhibitory effect on oxidized LDL (oxLDL)-induced foam cell formation. The two peptides showed a promising anti-atherosclerotic effect by inhibiting foam cell formation, which was evidenced by inhibiting lipid accumulation in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages and oxLDL-treated primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Two peptides effectively reduced total cholesterol, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and triglyceride levels by upregulating cholesterol efflux and downregulating cholesterol influx. Expression of cholesterol influx-related proteins such as SR-A1 and CD36 were reduced, whereas cholesterol efflux-related proteins such as ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA-1 and ABCG-1 were highly expressed. In addition, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides increased PPAR-γ and LXR-α expression. However, PPAR-γ siRNA transfection reversed the foam cell formation inhibitory activity of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides on foam cell formation inhibition was observed with PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinediones, indicating that PPAR-γ signaling pathway plays a key role in foam cell formation of macrophages. Beyond their impact on foam cell formation, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and NF-κB nuclear activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Bu1 and Bu2 peptides may be useful for atherosclerosis and associated anti-inflammatory therapies.

Discovery of Jaspamycin from marine-derived natural product based on MTA3 to inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression

Studies have underscored the pivotal role of metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) as a cancer regulator, yet its potential as a drug target across cancers necessitates comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we analyzed MTA3 expression profiles to ascertain its diagnostic and prognostic value in pan-cancers, probing associations with genetic variations and immunological characteristics. Notably, liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) exhibited the most significant correlation with MTA3. By transfection of siRNA, interference of MTA3 affected HepG2 and Hepa1-6 cell viability and migration. Through drug screening and drug-likeness evaluation among marine-derived natural products, Jaspamycin was identified as a potential hepatocellular carcinoma treatment by targeting MTA3. By applying in vitro and in vivo experiment, the inhibitory effects of Jaspamycin on hepatocellular carcinoma viability, migration, and tumor progression were observed. To assess the potential of MTA3 as an anticancer drug target, MTA3 overexpression plasmid was transfected together with Jaspamycin treatment, and observed that MTA3 upregulation counteracted the inhibitory effects of Jaspamycin on hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration, underscoring the efficacy of MTA3 as a drug target in hepatocellular carcinoma drug screening. This study highlights the clinical significance of MTA3 in pan-cancer, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, it identifies Jaspamycin, a marine-derived compound with promising pharmacological properties, as an effective inhibitor of MTA3 activity, suggesting its potential for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

Anti-cancer properties of Sansalvamide A, its derivatives, and analogs: an updated review

As peptide-based therapies gain recognition for their potential anti-cancer activity, cyclic peptides like Sansalvamide A, a marine-derived cyclic depsipeptide, have emerged as a potential anti-cancer agent due to their potent activity against various cancer types in preclinical studies. This review offers a comprehensive overview of Sansalvamide A, including its sources, structure-activity relationship, and semi-synthetic derivatives. The review also aims to outline the mechanisms through which Sansalvamide A and its analogs exert their anti-proliferative effects and to discuss the need for enhancements in pharmacokinetic profiles for better clinical utility. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on studies that detailed the anti-cancer activity of Sansalvamide A, its pharmacokinetics, and mechanistic pathways. Data from both in vitro and in vivo studies were collated and analyzed. Sansalvamide A and its analogs demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity across various cancer models, mediated through Hsp 90 inhibition, Topoisomerase inhibition, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. However, their pharmacokinetic properties were identified as a significant limitation, requiring improvement for effective clinical translation. Despite its notable anti-cancer effects, the utility of Sansalvamide A is currently limited by its pharmacokinetic characteristics. Therefore, while Sansalvamide A exhibits promise as an anti-cancer agent, there is a compelling need for further clinical and toxicological studies and optimization of its pharmacokinetic profile to fully exploit its therapeutic potential alongside modern cancer therapies.

Seagrass Meadows: Prospective Candidates for Bioactive Molecules

Seagrass meadows consist of angiosperms that thrive fully submerged in marine environments and form distinct ecosystems. They provide essential support for many organisms, acting as nursery grounds for species of economic importance. Beyond their ecological roles, seagrasses and their associated microbiomes are rich sources of bioactive compounds with the potential to address numerous human healthcare challenges. Seagrasses produce bioactive molecules responding to physical, chemical, and biological environmental changes. These activities can treat microbe-borne diseases, skin diseases, diabetes, muscle pain, helminthic diseases, and wounds. Seagrasses also offer potential secondary metabolites that can be used for societal benefits. Despite numerous results on their presence and bioactive derivatives, only a few studies have explored the functional and therapeutic properties of secondary metabolites from seagrass. With the increasing spread of epidemics and pandemics worldwide, the demand for alternative drug sources and drug discovery has become an indispensable area of research. Seagrasses present a reliable natural source, making this an opportune moment for further exploration of their pharmacological activities with minimal side effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemical, phytochemical, and biomedical applications of seagrasses globally over the last two decades, highlighting the prospective areas of future research for identifying biomedical applications.

Isolation, Characterization, Moisturization and Anti-HepG2 Cell Activities of a Novel Polysaccharide from Cyanobacterium aponinum

Polysaccharides from cyanobacteria are extensively reported for their complex structures, good biocompatibility, and diverse bioactivities, but only a few cyanobacterial species have been exploited for the biotechnological production of polysaccharides. According to our previous study, the newly isolated marine cyanobacterium Cyanobacterium aponinum SCSIO-45682 was a good candidate for polysaccharide production. This work provided a systematic study of the extraction optimization, isolation, structural characterization, and bioactivity evaluation of polysaccharides from C. aponinum SCSIO-45682. Results showed that the crude polysaccharide yield of C. aponinum reached 17.02% by hot water extraction. The crude polysaccharides showed a porous and fibrous structure, as well as good moisture absorption and retention capacities comparable to that of sodium alginate. A homogeneous polysaccharide (Cyanobacterium aponinum polysaccharide, CAP) was obtained after cellulose DEAE-52 column and Sephadex G-100 column purification. CAP possessed a high molecular weight of 4596.64 kDa. It was mainly composed of fucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, with a molar ratio of 15.27:11.39:8.64. The uronic acid content and sulfate content of CAP was 12.96% and 18.06%, respectively. Furthermore, CAP showed an in vitro growth inhibition effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The above results indicated the potential of polysaccharides from the marine cyanobacterium C. aponinum SCSIO-45682 as a moisturizer and anticancer addictive applied in cosmetical and pharmaceutical industries.

Marine natural compounds as potential CBP bromodomain inhibitors for treating cancer: an in-silico approach using molecular docking, ADMET, molecular dynamics simulations and MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations

The cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CBP), a bromodomain-containing protein, engages with multiple transcription factors and enhances the activation of many genes. CBP bromodomain acts as an epigenetic reader and plays an important role in the CBP-chromatin interaction which makes it an important drug target for treating many diseases. Though inhibiting CBP bromodomain was reported to have great potential in cancer therapeutics, approved CBP bromodomain inhibitor is yet to come. We utilized various in silico approaches like molecular docking, ADMET, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM-PBSA calculations, and in silico PASS predictions to identify potential CBP bromodomain inhibitors from marine natural compounds as they have been identified as having distinctive chemical structures and greater anticancer activities. To develop a marine natural compound library for this investigation, Lipinski's rule of five was used. Sequential investigations utilizing molecular docking, ADMET studies, 100 ns MD simulations, and MM-PBSA calculations revealed that three marine compounds-ascididemin, neoamphimedine, and stelletin A-demonstrated superior binding affinity compared to the standard inhibitor, 69 A. These compounds also exhibited suitable drug-like properties, a favorable safety profile, and formed stable protein-ligand complexes. The in-silico PASS tool predicted that these compounds have significant potential for anticancer activity. Among them, ascididemin demonstrated the highest binding affinity in both molecular docking and MM-PBSA calculations, as well as a better stability profile in MD simulations. Hence, ascididemin can be a potential inhibitor of CBP bromodomain. However, in vitro and in vivo validation is required for further confirmation of these findings.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00258-5.

Recent advancement of novel marine fungi derived secondary metabolite fibrinolytic compound FGFC in biomedical applications: a review

For several decades, products derived from marine natural sources (PMN) have been widely identified for several therapeutic applications due to their rich sources of bioactive sub-stances, unique chemical diversity, biocompatibility and excellent biological activity. For the past 15 years, our research team explored several PMNs, especially fungi fibrinolytic compounds (FGFCs). FGFC is an isoindolone alkaloid derived from marine fungi, also known as staplabin analogs or Stachybotrys microspora triprenyl phenol (SMTP). For instance, our previous studies explored different types of FGFCs such as FGFC 1, 2, 3 and 4 from the marine fungi Stachybotrys longispora FG216 derived metabolites. The derivatives of FGFC are potentially employed in several disease treatments, mainly for stroke, cancer, ischemia, acute kidney injury, inflammation, cerebral infarction, thrombolysis and hemorrhagic activities, etc. Due to the increasing use of FGFCs in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, it is important to understand the fundamental signaling concept of FGFCs. Hence, for the first time, this review collectively summarizes the background, types, mode of action and biological applications of FGFCs and their current endeavors for future therapies.

Natural Compounds and Cancer: Current Evidences

Natural compounds are constantly gaining ground in the treatment of various chronic diseases and in cancer research. Recent efforts have been focusing on them due to their special features consisting of low toxicity and high bioavailability. These compounds have already demonstrated important antitumor activity against several cancers in vitro through several mechanisms, including cell viability reduction, suppression of cell proliferation, cell death induction and cell cycle arrest. Herewith, we reviewed natural compounds that can be potentially used for head and neck cancer, glioblastoma and gastrointestinal cancers.

An update for various applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for detection and identification of marine environmental pollutions: A bibliometric analysis and systematic review

Marine environmental pollution is one of the growing concerns of humans all over the world. Therefore, managing these marine pollutants has been a crucial matter for scientists in recent decades. Thus, researchers have tried to implement artificial intelligence (AI) to handle marine environmental pollutants. Therefore, in this manuscript, we performed a bibliometric analysis to understand the main applications of AI for managing marine environments. Therefore, we examined both PubMed online database and Google Scholar to find any research articles that discuss the applications of AI in managing marine environmental pollution. Ultimately, we found that AI can detect, locate, and even predict aquatic contaminants like oil fingerprinting, oil spills, oil spill damage, oil slicks, forecasting marine water quality, water quality development, harmful algal blooms, benthic sediment toxicity, as well as detection of marine debris with high accuracy.

In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Echinulin Derivatives from Endolichenic Fungus Aspergillus sp. against Colorectal Cancer

The endolichenic fungus Aspergillus sp. was isolated from the lichen Xanthoparmelia conspersa harvested in France. Aspergillus sp. was grown on a solid culture medium to ensure the large-scale production of the fungus with a sufficient mass of secondary metabolites. The molecular network analysis of extracts and subfractions enabled the annotation of 22 molecules, guiding the purification process. The EtOAc extract displayed an antiproliferative activity of 3.2 ± 0.4 µg/mL at 48 h against human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29) and no toxicity at 30 µg/mL against human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells (MDA-MB-231) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) non-cancerous cells. Among the five prenylated compounds isolated, of which four are echinulin derivatives, compounds 1 and 2 showed the most important activity, with IC50 values of 1.73 µM and 8.8 µM, respectively, against HT-29 cells.

Marine anticancer drugs in modulating miRNAs and antioxidant signaling

Several marine drugs exert anticancer effects by inducing oxidative stress, which becomes overloaded and kills cancer cells when redox homeostasis is imbalanced. The downregulation of antioxidant signaling induces oxidative stress, while its upregulation attenuates oxidative stress. Marine drugs have miRNA-modulating effects against cancer cells. However, the potential antioxidant targets of such drugs have been rarely explored. This review aims to categorize the marine-drug-modulated miRNAs that downregulate their antioxidant targets, causing oxidative stress in anticancer treatments. We also categorize the downregulation of oxidative-stress-inducing miRNAs in antioxidant protection among non-cancer cells. We summarize the putative antioxidant targets of miRNA-modulating marine drugs by introducing a bioinformatics tool (miRDB). Finally, the marine drugs affecting antioxidant targets are surveyed. In this way, the connections between marine drugs and their modulating miRNA and antioxidant targets are innovatively categorized to provide a precise network for exploring their potential anticancer functions and protective effects on non-cancer cells.

New Cytotoxic γ-Lactam Alkaloids from the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Talaromyces hainanensis sp. nov. Guided by Molecular Networking Strategy

The fungus Talaromyces hainanensis, isolated from the mangrove soil, was characterized as a novel species by morphology observation and phylogenetic analyses. Four new γ-lactam alkaloids talaroilactams A-D (1-4) and two reported compounds harzianic acid (5) and isoharzianic acid (6) were identified from the fungus T. hainanensis WHUF0341, assisted by OSMAC along with molecular networking approaches. Their structures were determined through ECD calculations and spectroscopic analyses. Moreover, the biosynthetic route of 1-4 was also proposed. Compound 1 displayed potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines, with an IC50 value of 10.75 ± 1.11 μM. In addition, network pharmacology was employed to dissect the probable mechanisms contributing to the antihepatocellular carcinoma effects of compound 1, revealing that cytotoxicity was mainly associated with proteolysis, negative regulation of autophagy, inflammatory response, and the renin-angiotensin system. These results not only expanded the chemical space of natural products from the mangrove associated fungi but also afforded promising lead compounds for developing the antihepatocellular carcinoma agents.

Exploring the secrets of marine microorganisms: Unveiling secondary metabolites through metagenomics

Marine microorganisms are increasingly recognized as primary producers of marine secondary metabolites, drawing growing research interest. Many of these organisms are unculturable, posing challenges for study. Metagenomic techniques enable research on these unculturable microorganisms, identifying various biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) related to marine microbial secondary metabolites, thereby unveiling their secrets. This review comprehensively analyses metagenomic methods used in discovering marine microbial secondary metabolites, highlighting tools commonly employed in BGC identification, and discussing the potential and challenges in this field. It emphasizes the key role of metagenomics in unveiling secondary metabolites, particularly in marine sponges and tunicates. The review also explores current limitations in studying these metabolites through metagenomics, noting how long-read sequencing technologies and the evolution of computational biology tools offer more possibilities for BGC discovery. Furthermore, the development of synthetic biology allows experimental validation of computationally identified BGCs, showcasing the vast potential of metagenomics in mining marine microbial secondary metabolites.

Modulation of Apoptotic, Cell Cycle, DNA Repair, and Senescence Pathways by Marine Algae Peptides in Cancer Therapy

Marine algae, encompassing both macroalgae and microalgae, have emerged as a promising and prolific source of bioactive compounds with potent anticancer properties. Despite their significant therapeutic potential, the clinical application of these peptides is hindered by challenges such as poor bioavailability and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. To overcome these limitations, innovative delivery systems, particularly nanocarriers, have been explored. Nanocarriers, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and micelles, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of marine algal peptides, ensuring controlled release and prolonged therapeutic effects. Marine algal peptides encapsulated in nanocarriers significantly enhance bioavailability, ensuring more efficient absorption and utilization in the body. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, indicating that nanocarrier-based delivery systems can significantly improve the pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic outcomes of marine algal peptides. This review delves into the diverse anticancer mechanisms of marine algal peptides, which include inducing apoptosis, disrupting cell cycle progression, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Further research focused on optimizing nanocarrier formulations, conducting comprehensive clinical trials, and continued exploration of marine algal peptides holds great promise for developing innovative, effective, and sustainable cancer therapies.

Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Solvent and Enzyme-Assisted Extracts of Fucus vesiculosus and Porphyra dioica

Extraction strategies impact the efficiency and nature of extracted compounds. This work assessed the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic, hydroethanolic, and aqueous versus enzyme-assisted extracts (isolated or with the sequential use of alcalase®, cellulase®, and viscozyme®) of the macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus (brown, Phaeophyceae) and Porphyra dioica (red, Rhodophyta. For both macroalgae, enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) was the most efficient process compared to solvent-assisted extraction (SAE), independent of solvent. Fucus vesiculosus extraction yields were higher for EAE than for SAE (27.4% to 32.2% and 8.2% to 30.0%, respectively). Total phenolics content (TPC) was at least 10-fold higher in EAE extracts (229.2 to 311.3 GAE/gextract) than in SAE (4.34 to 19.6 GAE/gextract) counterparts and correlated well with antioxidant capacity (ABTS and ORAC methods), with EAE achieving values up to 8- and 2.6-fold higher than those achieved by SAE, respectively. Porphyra dioica followed F. vesiculosus's trend for extraction yields (37.5% to 51.6% for EAE and 5.7% to 35.1% for SAE), TPC, although of a lower magnitude, (0.77 to 8.95 GAE/gextract for SE and 9.37 to 14.73 GAE/gextract for EAE), and antioxidant capacity. Aqueous extracts registered the highest DPPH values for both macroalgae, with 2.3 µmol TE/gextract and 13.3 µmol TE/gextract for F. vesiculosus and P. dioica, respectively. EAE was a more efficient process in the extraction of soluble protein and reducing sugars in comparison to SAE. Furthermore, an improved effect of enzyme-assisted combinations was observed for almost all analyzed parameters. This study shows the promising application of enzyme-assisted extraction for the extraction of valuable compounds from F. vesiculosus and P.dioica, making them excellent functional ingredients for a wide range of health and food industrial applications.