Chemical Diversity and Biological Activity of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Indonesian Marine Invertebrates

A comprehensive review of marine sponge metabolites, with emphasis on Neopetrosia sp

The secondary metabolites that marine sponges create are essential to the advancement of contemporary medicine and are often employed in clinical settings. Over the past five years, microbes associated with sponges have yielded the identification of 140 novel chemicals. Statistics show that most are derived from actinomycetes (bacteria) and ascomycotes (fungi). The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity of metabolites from marine sponges. Chlocarbazomycins A-D, which are a group of novel chlorinated carbazole alkaloids isolated from the sponge Neopetrosia fennelliae KUFA 0811, exhibit antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and enzyme inhibitory activities. Recently, marine sponges of the genus Neopetrosia have attracted attention due to the unique chemical composition of the compounds they produce, including alkaloids of potential importance in drug discovery. Fridamycin H and fridamycin I are two novel type II polyketides synthesized by sponge-associated bacteria exhibit antitrypanosomal activity. Fintiamin, composed of amino acids and terpenoid moieties, shows affinity for the cannabinoid receptor CB 1. It was found that out of 27 species of Neopetrosia sponges, the chemical composition of only 9 species has been studied. These species mainly produce bioactive substances such as alkaloids, quinones, sterols, and terpenoids. The presence of motuporamines is a marker of the species Neopetrosia exigua. Terpenoids are specific markers of Neopetrosia vanilla species. Although recently discovered, secondary metabolites from marine sponges have been shown to have diverse biological activities, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, and anticancer properties, providing many lead compounds for drug development. The data presented in this review on known and future natural products derived from sponges will further clarify the role and importance of microbes in marine sponges and trace the prospects of their applications, especially in medicine, cosmeceuticals, environmental protection, and manufacturing industries.

Terpenoids from Marine Sources: A Promising Avenue for New Antimicrobial Drugs

Currently, there is an urgent need for new antibacterial and antifungal agents to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. As the largest ecosystem on Earth, the marine ecosystem includes a vast array of microorganisms (primarily bacteria and fungi), plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, making it a rich source of various antimicrobial compounds. Notably, terpenoids, known for their complex structures and diverse bioactivities, are a significant and promising group of compounds in the battle against bacterial and fungal infections. In the past five years, numerous antimicrobial terpenoids have been identified from marine organisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, corals, sea cucumbers, and sponges. This review article provides a detailed overview of 141 terpenoids with antibacterial and/or antifungal properties derived from marine organisms between 2019 and 2024. Terpenoids, a diverse group of natural organic compounds derived from isoprene units, are systematically categorized based on their carbon skeleton structures. Comprehensive information is provided about their names, structures, biological sources, and the extent of their antibacterial and/or antifungal effectiveness. This review aims to facilitate the rapid identification and development of prospective antimicrobials in the pharmaceutical sector.

Characterization of antibiofilm compound from marine sponge Stylissa carteri

The fouling phenomenon grabbed global attention and caused huge economic losses specifically in marine-related industries. Sessile behavior exposed the sponge to the risk of fouling. However, their bodies remained free from foulers, which were attributed to the chemical defense system. The objectives of this study were to determine the antibiofilm activity of the marine sponge, Stylissa carteri, and to characterize the isolated compound involved. The antibiofilm activity of S. carteri methanolic crude extract (MCE) and fractions was tested against biofilm-producing bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using two different modes of crystal violet biofilm assays: preventive and detachment. Besides that, the disc-diffusion test was conducted to screen the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while a cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the HepG2 cell line. Bioassay-guided fractionation was carried out using vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and solid phase extraction using a C18 Sep-Pak Cartridge. The crystal compound was isolated and characterized through thin-layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The S. carteri MCE showed a promising result with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20.22 μg/mL in the preventive assay, while no IC50 was determined in the detachment assay since all inhibitions < 50%. The S. carteri MCE exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and displayed a non-cytotoxic effect. Fraction 4 from MCE of S. carteri (IC50 = 2.40 μg/mL) reduced the biofilm in the preventive assay at all concentrations and exhibited no antibacterial activity indicating the independence of antibiofilm from antibacterial properties. Based on the data obtained, an alkaloid named debromohymenialdisine (DBH) was identified from Fraction 4 of S. carteri MCE. In conclusion, S. carteri was able to reduce the establishment of the biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa and could serve as a prominent source of natural antifouling agents.

Bioactive alkaloids from the venom of Dendrobatoidea Cope, 1865: a scoping review

Bioactive compounds derived from secondary metabolism in animals have refined selectivity and potency for certain biological targets. The superfamily Dendrobatoidea is adapted to the dietary sequestration and secretion of toxic alkaloids, which play a role in several biological activities, and thus serve as a potential source for pharmacological and biotechnological applications. This article constitutes a scoping review to understand the trends in experimental research involving bioactive alkaloids derived from Dendrobatoidea based upon scientometric approaches. Forty-eight (48) publications were found in 30 journals in the period of 60 years, between 1962 and 2022. More than 23 structural classes of alkaloids were cited, with 27.63% for batrachotoxins, 13.64% for pyridinics, with an emphasis on epibatidine, 16.36% for pumiliotoxins, and 11.82% for histrionicotoxins. These tests included in vivo (54.9%), in vitro (39.4%), and in silico simulations (5.6%). Most compounds (54.8%) were isolated from skin extracts, whereas the remainder were obtained through molecular synthesis. Thirteen main biological activities were identified, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (27.59%), sodium channel inhibitors (12.07%), cardiac (12.07%), analgesic (8.62%), and neuromuscular effects (8.62%). The substances were cited as being of natural origin in the "Dendrobatidae" family, genus "Phyllobates," "Dendrobates," and seven species: Epipedobates tricolor, Phyllobates aurotaenia, Oophaga histrionica, Oophaga pumilio, Phyllobates terribilis, Epipedobates anthonyi, and Ameerega flavopicta. To date, only a few biological activities have been experimentally tested; hence, further studies on the bioprospecting of animal compounds and ecological approaches are needed.

Recent Updates on the Antimicrobial Compounds from Marine-Derived Penicillium fungi

In this review, 72 compounds isolated from marine-derived Penicillium fungi and their antimicrobial activities are reviewed from 2020 to 2023. According to their structures, these compounds can be divided into terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids and other structural compounds, among which terpenoids and polyketides are relatively large in number. Some compounds have powerful inhibitory effects against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This review aims to provide more useful information and enlightenment for further efficient utilization of Penicillium spp. and their secondary metabolites.

Indonesian marine and its medicinal contribution

The archipelagic country of Indonesia is populated by the densest marine biodiversity in the world which has created strong global interest and is valued by both Indigenous and European settlements for different purposes. Nearly 1000 chemicals have been extracted and identified. In this review, a systematic data curation was employed to collate bioprospecting related manuscripts providing a comprehensive directory based on publications from 1988 to 2022. Findings with significant pharmacological activities are further discussed through a scoping data collection. This review discusses macroorganisms (Sponges, Ascidian, Gorgonians, Algae, Mangrove) and microorganism (Bacteria and Fungi) and highlights significant discoveries, including a potent microtubule stabilizer laulimalide from Hyattella sp., a prospective doxorubicin complement papuamine alkaloid from Neopetrosia cf exigua, potent antiplasmodial manzamine A from Acanthostrongylophora ingens, the highly potent anti trypanosomal manadoperoxide B from Plakortis cfr. Simplex, mRNA translation disrupter hippuristanol from Briareum sp, and the anti-HIV-1 (+)-8-hydroxymanzamine A isolated from Acanthostrongylophora sp. Further, some potent antibacterial extracts were also found from a limited biomass of bacteria cultures. Although there are currently no examples of commercial drugs from the Indonesian marine environment, this review shows the molecular diversity present and with the known understudied biodiversity, reveals great promise for future studies and outcomes.

Identification of potential Indonesian marine invertebrate bioactive compounds as TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein inhibitors through computational screening

The coronavirus pandemic led to the announcement of a worldwide health emergency. The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which swiftly spread worldwide, has fueled existing challenges. Appropriate medication is necessary to avoid severe SARS-CoV-2 disease. The human TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein, which are required for viral entry into the host phase, were identified as the target proteins through computational screening. Structure-based virtual screening; molecular docking; absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis; and molecular dynamics simulation were the methods applied for TMPRSS2 and spike protein inhibitors. Bioactive marine invertebrates from Indonesia were employed as test ligands. Camostat and nafamostat (co-crystal) were utilized as reference ligands against TMPRSS2, whereas mefloquine was used as a reference ligand against spike protein. Following a molecular docking and dynamics simulation, we found that acanthomanzamine C has remarkable effectiveness against TMPRSS2 and spike protein. Compared to camostat (-8.25 kcal/mol), nafamostat (-6.52 kcal/mol), and mefloquine (-6.34 kcal/mol), acanthomanzamine C binds to TMPRSS2 and spike protein with binding energies of -9.75 kcal/mol and -9.19 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, slight variances in the MD simulation demonstrated consistent binding to TMPRSS2 and spike protein after the initial 50 ns. These results are highly valuable in the search for a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The seahorse (Hippocampus comes L.) extract ameliorates sperm qualities, testosterone level, and serum biochemistry in rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate

Objective

The percentage of infertility cases in this world is about 50%. Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are widely used in traditional medicine. Several studies suggest that seahorses have ethnopharmacological characteristics, such as fertility, antioxidants, and antifatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seahorse extract (SE) (Hippocampus comes L.) has an effect on fertility and serum biochemistry in rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Materials and Methods

All animals were induced with 1.25 mg/kg BW of DMPA. Animals were grouped into five groups: namely aquadest, 1% CMC, and SE doses of 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg BW. The rats were gavage every morning from week 7 until 18. At the end of our study, semen from the vas deferens and blood from the heart were analyzed. We analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc tests (α 95%).

Results

The concentration of spermatozoa had a significant difference in dose of 150 mg/kg BW compared to other groups (p = 0.04). In contrast, the motility (p = 0.012) and viability of spermatozoa (p = 0.007) were highly significant differences (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) at 300 mg/kg BW. Testosterone levels were not significantly (p = 0.162; p > 0.05), but tended to increase at 300 mg/kg BW (11.01%). Nevertheless, serum biochemistry was insignificant (p > 0.05) in all groups.

Conclusion

SE (Hippocampus comes L.) ameliorates fertility and serum biochemistry in rats induced by DMPA.

Synthetic biology in Indonesia: Potential and projection in a country with mega biodiversity

Synthetic biology has gained many interest around the globe in the last two decades, not only due to its rapid development but also the potential to provide addressable solutions using standardized design of biological systems. Considering its huge population, biodiversity, and natural resources, Indonesia could play an important role in shaping the future of synthetic biology towards a sustainable bio-circular economy. Here, we provide an overview of synthetic biology development in Indonesia, especially on exploring the potential of our biodiversity. We also discuss some potentials of synthetic biology in solving national issues. Furthermore, we also provide the projection and future landscape of synthetic biology development in Indonesia. In addition, we briefly explain the potential challenges that may arise during the development.

Marine natural products

Covering: January to December 2021This review covers the literature published in 2021 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 736 citations (724 for the period January to December 2021) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1425 in 416 papers for 2021), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Pertinent reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. An analysis of the number of authors, their affiliations, domestic and international collection locations, focus of MNP studies, citation metrics and journal choices is discussed.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Cytotoxic Natural Products from Indonesian Marine Sponges

Indonesian marine natural products have been one of the most promising sources in the race to obtain potential drugs for cancer treatment. One of the primary producers of cytotoxic compounds is sponges. However, there are still limited sources of comprehensive reviews related to the relationship between the structure of isolated compounds and their cytotoxic activity. This review remarks the attempt to provide a preliminary guidance from the perspective of structure-activity relationship and its participation on marine natural products research. This guidance is segregated by the compound's classes and their cytotoxic targets to obtain and organized a reliable summary of inter-study of the isolated compounds and their cytotoxicity. Structure-activity relationship is well-known for its ability to tune the bioactivity of a specific compound, especially on synthetic organic chemistry and in silico study but rarely used on natural product chemistry. The present review is intended to narrow down the endless possibilities of cytotoxicity by giving a predictable structure-activity relationship for active compounds. In addition, bioactive framework leads were selected by uncovering a noticeable structure-activity relationship with the intervention of cytotoxic agents from natural sources, especially Indonesian marine sponge.

Graphical abstract

Cancer Therapy Challenge: It Is Time to Look in the "St. Patrick's Well" of the Nature

Cancer still remains a leading cause of death despite improvements in diagnosis, drug discovery and therapy approach. Therefore, there is a strong need to improve methodologies as well as to increase the number of approaches available. Natural compounds of different origins (i.e., from fungi, plants, microbes, etc.) represent an interesting approach for fighting cancer. In particular, synergistic strategies may represent an intriguing approach, combining natural compounds with classic chemotherapeutic drugs to increase therapeutic efficacy and lower the required drug concentrations. In this review, we focus primarily on those natural compounds utilized in synergistic approached to treating cancer, with particular attention to those compounds that have gained the most research interest.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Potential of Two Steroids from the Indonesian Soft Coral Sinularia polydactila

Background: Soft corals of the genus Sinularia are well recognized as a rich source of steroidal compounds. These constituents have been reported as possessing antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. Objectives: This study was designed to isolate and elucidate antibacterial and cytotoxic compounds from the soft coral Sinularia polydactila. Methods: Structure elucidation of steroids was determined based on spectroscopic data through 1D and 2D NMR analyses and mass spectrometry, with the results compared to data in the literature. Antibacterial activity was determined using four human bacterial pathogens, namely B. subtilis (ATCC 6633), P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), S. aureus (ATCC 25923), and E. coli (ATCC 25922). Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using the human colon cancer cell HCT 116 and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). Results: Two steroids (Compounds 1 - 2) were isolated from the Indonesian soft coral Sinularia polydactila. (22R,23R,24R)-22,23-methylene-24-methylcholest-6-en-5α,8α-epidioxy-3β-ol (1) and 5α,8α-Epidioxy-24(R)-methylcholesta-6,22-dien-3α-ol (2) showed moderate activity against colon carcinoma cancer HCT 116 at the concentrations of 24.8 and 27.3 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxic activity using the brine shrimp lethality assay with the concentrations of 57.1 and 121.3 3 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 2 showed moderate activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis at the 250 μg/mL concentration. Conclusions: Two steroids isolated from soft coral Sinularia polydactila were found to possess moderate cytotoxic and antibacterial activities.