Recent Advancement in Anticancer Compounds from Marine Organisms: Approval, Use and Bioinformatic Approaches to Predict New Targets

Abstract

In recent years, the study of anticancer bioactive compounds from marine sources has received wide interest. Contextually, world regulatory authorities have approved several marine molecules, and new synthetic derivatives have also been synthesized and structurally improved for the treatment of numerous forms of cancer. However, the administration of drugs in cancer patients requires careful evaluation since their interaction with individual biological macromolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, determines variable downstream effects. This is reflected in a constant search for personalized therapies that lay the foundations of modern medicine. The new knowledge acquired on cancer mechanisms has certainly allowed advancements in tumor prevention, but unfortunately, due to the huge complexity and heterogeneity of cancer, we are still looking for a definitive therapy and clinical approaches. In this review, we discuss the significance of recently approved molecules originating from the marine environment, starting from their organism of origin to their structure and mechanism of action. Subsequently, these bio-compounds are used as models to illustrate possible bioinformatics approaches for the search of new targets that are useful for improving the knowledge on anticancer therapies.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols and Other Micronutrients of Marine Origin

“…Despite the therapeutic potential of marine polyphenols in cancer, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and to develop new anticancer therapies based on these compounds. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these compounds in human clinical trials [ 259 ].…”

Screening for antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of Sri Lankan marine sponges through microfractionation: Isolation of bromopyrrole alkaloids from Stylissa massa

“…Bioprospecting studies indicate that marine sponges are one of the most prolific marine sources of anticancer compounds [ 9 ]. For example, some marine sponge metabolites and/or their synthetic derivatives, including eribulin mesylate [ 10 ], panobinostat [ 10 ], cytarabine [ 10 ] and gemcitabine [ 11 ] have progressed from the laboratory to market as FDA approved anti-cancer drugs. Similarly, marine sponges are well-known as producers of antibacterial specialized metabolites (examples: dibromoageliferin, ageliferin A and B) with some exhibiting potent activity against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains [ 12 ].…”

Distribution and Level of Bioactive Monoacylglycerols in 12 Marine Microalgal Species

“…The marine environment provides a remarkable reservoir of biological diversity, and organisms from distant phyla are the source of a variety of compounds that can be used and exploited for human needs [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Microalgae are one of the most diverse groups of photosynthetic microorganisms present in a wide range of habitats from marine to fresh waters.…”