Marine Drugs

11 pages, 3336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cysteine [2,4] Disulfide Bond as a New Modifiable Site of α-Conotoxin TxIB

by Baojian Zhang, Maomao Ren, Yang Xiong, Haonan Li, Yong Wu, Ying Fu, Dongting Zhangsun, Shuai Dong and Sulan Luo

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020119 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2766

Abstract

α-Conotoxin TxIB, a selective antagonist of α6/α3β2β3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, could be a potential therapeutic agent for addiction and Parkinson’s disease. As a peptide with a complex pharmacophoric conformation, it is important and difficult to find a modifiable site which can be modified [...] Read more.

α-Conotoxin TxIB, a selective antagonist of α6/α3β2β3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, could be a potential therapeutic agent for addiction and Parkinson’s disease. As a peptide with a complex pharmacophoric conformation, it is important and difficult to find a modifiable site which can be modified effectively and efficiently without activity loss. In this study, three xylene scaffolds were individually reacted with one pair of the cysteine residues ([1,3] or [2,4]), and iodine oxidation was used to form a disulfide bond between the other pair. Overall, six analogs were synthesized with moderate isolated yields from 55% to 65%, which is four times higher than the traditional two-step oxidation with orthogonal protection on cysteines. The cysteine [2,4] modified analogs, with higher stability in human serum than native TxIB, showed obvious inhibitory effect and selectivity on α6/α3β2β3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which was 100 times more than the cysteine [1,3] modified ones. This result demonstrated that the cysteine [2,4] disulfide bond is a new modifiable site of TxIB, and further modification can be a simple and feasible strategy for the exploitation and utilization of α-Conotoxin TxIB in drug discovery. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

α-Conotoxins and α-Cobratoxin Promote, while Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Suppress the Proliferation of Glioma C6 Cells

by Tatiana I. Terpinskaya, Alexey V. Osipov, Elena V. Kryukova, Denis S. Kudryavtsev, Nina V. Kopylova, Tatsiana L. Yanchanka, Alena F. Palukoshka, Elena A. Gondarenko, Maxim N. Zhmak, Victor I. Tsetlin and Yuri N. Utkin

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020118 - 21 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 9679

Abstract

Among the brain tumors, glioma is the most common. In general, different biochemical mechanisms, involving nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the arachidonic acid cascade are involved in oncogenesis. Although the engagement of the latter in survival and proliferation of rat C6 glioma has [...] Read more.

Among the brain tumors, glioma is the most common. In general, different biochemical mechanisms, involving nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the arachidonic acid cascade are involved in oncogenesis. Although the engagement of the latter in survival and proliferation of rat C6 glioma has been shown, there are practically no data about the presence and the role of nAChRs in C6 cells. In this work we studied the effects of nAChR antagonists, marine snail α-conotoxins and snake α-cobratoxin, on the survival and proliferation of C6 glioma cells. The effects of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors either alone or together with α-conotoxins and α-cobratoxin were studied in parallel. It was found that α-conotoxins and α-cobratoxin promoted the proliferation of C6 glioma cells, while nicotine had practically no effect at concentrations below 1 µL/mL. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a nonspecific lipoxygenase inhibitor, and baicalein, a 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor, exerted antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on C6 cells. nAChR inhibitors weaken this effect after 24 h cultivation but produced no effects at longer times. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that mRNA for α4, α7, β2 and β4 subunits of nAChR were expressed in C6 glioma cells. This is the first indication for involvement of nAChRs in mechanisms of glioma cell proliferation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ion Channels as Marine Drug Targets 2021)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 3825 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PNSA, a Novel C-Terminal Inhibitor of HSP90, Reverses Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Suppresses Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro

by Aotong Zhang, Xin Qi, Fu Du, Guojian Zhang, Dehai Li and Jing Li

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020117 - 20 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3896

Abstract

Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of deaths in breast cancer, and novel and effective treatments to inhibit cancer metastasis remain urgently developed. The expression level of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in invasive breast cancer tissue is higher than in adjacent non-cancerous [...] Read more.

Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of deaths in breast cancer, and novel and effective treatments to inhibit cancer metastasis remain urgently developed. The expression level of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in invasive breast cancer tissue is higher than in adjacent non-cancerous tissue. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of penisuloxazin A (PNSA), a novel C- terminal inhibitor of HSP90, on metastasis of breast cancer cells and related mechanism in vitro. We found that PNSA obviously affected adhesion, migration, and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cells and Trastuzumab-resistant JIMT-1 cells. Furthermore, PNSA was capable of reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of MDA-MB-231 cells with change of cell morphology. PNSA increases E-cadherin expression followed by decreasing amounts of N-cadherin, vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinases9 (MMP9) and proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases2 (MMP2) and MMP9. Comparatively, the N-terminal inhibitor of HSP90 17-allyl-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) had no effect on EMT of MDA-MB-231 cells. PNSA was uncovered to reduce the stability of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) proteins and thereby inhibiting their downstream signaling transductions by inhibition of HSP90. In addition, PNSA reduced the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to promote natural killer (NK) cells to kill breast cancer cells with a dose far less than that of cytotoxicity to NK cell itself, implying the potential of PNSA to enhance immune surveillance against metastasis in vivo. All these results indicate that PNSA is a promising anti-metastasis agent worthy of being studied in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Marine Compounds and Cancer)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

39 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fish Waste: From Problem to Valuable Resource

by Daniela Coppola, Chiara Lauritano, Fortunato Palma Esposito, Gennaro Riccio, Carmen Rizzo and Donatella de Pascale

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020116 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 235 | Viewed by 26022

Abstract

Following the growth of the global population and the subsequent rapid increase in urbanization and industrialization, the fisheries and aquaculture production has seen a massive increase driven mainly by the development of fishing technologies. Accordingly, a remarkable increase in the amount of fish [...] Read more.

Following the growth of the global population and the subsequent rapid increase in urbanization and industrialization, the fisheries and aquaculture production has seen a massive increase driven mainly by the development of fishing technologies. Accordingly, a remarkable increase in the amount of fish waste has been produced around the world; it has been estimated that about two-thirds of the total amount of fish is discarded as waste, creating huge economic and environmental concerns. For this reason, the disposal and recycling of these wastes has become a key issue to be resolved. With the growing attention of the circular economy, the exploitation of underused or discarded marine material can represent a sustainable strategy for the realization of a circular bioeconomy, with the production of materials with high added value. In this study, we underline the enormous role that fish waste can have in the socio-economic sector. This review presents the different compounds with high commercial value obtained by fish byproducts, including collagen, enzymes, and bioactive peptides, and lists their possible applications in different fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fishery Discards, Processing Waste and Marine By-Products Valorization in the Era of Zero Waste: From Discovery to Profit)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2323 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Small Peptides of Marine Origin in Cancer Therapy

by Qi-Ting Zhang, Ze-Dong Liu, Ze Wang, Tao Wang, Nan Wang, Ning Wang, Bin Zhang and Yu-Fen Zhao

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020115 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4654

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and antineoplastic drug research continues to be a major field in medicine development. The marine milieu has thousands of biological species that are a valuable source of novel functional proteins and [...] Read more.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and antineoplastic drug research continues to be a major field in medicine development. The marine milieu has thousands of biological species that are a valuable source of novel functional proteins and peptides, which have been used in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. In contrast with proteins and polypeptides, small peptides (with a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da) have overwhelming advantages, such as preferential and fast absorption, which can decrease the burden on human gastrointestinal function. Besides, these peptides are only connected by a few peptide bonds, and their small molecular weight makes it easy to modify and synthesize them. Specifically, small peptides can deliver nutrients and drugs to cells and tissues in the body. These characteristics make them stand out in relation to targeted drug therapy. Nowadays, the anticancer mechanisms of the small marine peptides are still largely not well understood; however, several marine peptides have been applied in preclinical treatment. This paper highlights the anticancer linear and cyclic small peptides in marine resources and presents a review of peptides and the derivatives and their mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactive Peptides II: Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cytoprotective Potential of Fucoxanthin in Oxidative Stress-Induced Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Senescence In Vivo and In Vitro

by Shiu-Jau Chen, Tzer-Bin Lin, Hsien-Yu Peng, Hsiang-Jui Liu, An-Sheng Lee, Cheng-Hsien Lin and Kuang-Wen Tseng

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020114 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4718

Abstract

Oxidative stress is identified as a major inducer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell dysregulation and is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The protection of RPE disorders plays an essential role in the pathological progress of retinal degeneration diseases. The pharmacological functions [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is identified as a major inducer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell dysregulation and is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The protection of RPE disorders plays an essential role in the pathological progress of retinal degeneration diseases. The pharmacological functions of fucoxanthin, a characteristic carotenoid, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may ameliorate an outstanding bioactivity against premature senescence and cellular dysfunction. This study demonstrates that fucoxanthin protects RPE cells from oxidative stress-induced premature senescence and decreased photoreceptor cell loss in a sodium iodate-induced AMD animal model. Similarly, oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, nuclear phosphorylated histone (γH2AX) deposition and premature senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining were inhibited by fucoxanthin pretreatment in a human RPE cell line, ARPE-19 cells. Results reveal that fucoxanthin treatment significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and increased the mitochondrial metabolic rate in oxidative stress-induced RPE cell damage. Moreover, atrophy of apical microvilli was inhibited in cells treated with fucoxanthin after oxidative stress. During aging, the RPE undergoes well-characterized pathological changes, including amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression and tight junction disruption, which were also reduced in fucoxanthin-treated groups by immunofluorescence. Altogether, pretreatment with fucoxanthin may protect against premature senescence and cellular dysfunction in retinal cells by oxidative stress in experimental AMD animal and human RPE cell models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactive Compounds with Potential Applications on Eye Disorders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1665 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Microalgae n-3 PUFAs Production and Use in Food and Feed Industries

by Marine Remize, Yves Brunel, Joana L. Silva, Jean-Yves Berthon and Edith Filaire

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020113 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 90 | Viewed by 9606

Abstract

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these [...] Read more.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential compounds for human health. They have been proven to act positively on a panel of diseases and have interesting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties. For these reasons, they are receiving more and more attention in recent years, especially future food or feed development. EPA and DHA come mainly from marine sources like fish or seaweed. Unfortunately, due to global warming, these compounds are becoming scarce for humans because of overfishing and stock reduction. Although increasing in recent years, aquaculture appears insufficient to meet the increasing requirements of these healthy molecules for humans. One alternative resides in the cultivation of microalgae, the initial producers of EPA and DHA. They are also rich in biochemicals with interesting properties. After defining macro and microalgae, this review synthesizes the current knowledge on n-3 PUFAs regarding health benefits and the challenges surrounding their supply within the environmental context. Microalgae n-3 PUFA production is examined and its synthesis pathways are discussed. Finally, the use of EPA and DHA in food and feed is investigated. This work aims to define better the issues surrounding n-3 PUFA production and supply and the potential of microalgae as a sustainable source of compounds to enhance the food and feed of the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Fatty Acids-2021)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Different Chitosan Species and Derivatives as Candidate Biomaterials for Oxygen-Loaded Nanodroplet Formulations to Treat Chronic Wounds

by Monica Argenziano, Bruno Bressan, Anna Luganini, Nicole Finesso, Tullio Genova, Adriano Troia, Giuliana Giribaldi, Giuliana Banche, Narcisa Mandras, Anna Maria Cuffini, Roberta Cavalli and Mauro Prato

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020112 - 15 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2831

Abstract

Persistent hypoxia is a main clinical feature of chronic wounds. Intriguingly, oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (OLNDs), filled with oxygen-solving 2H,3H-decafluoropentane and shelled with polysaccharides, have been proposed as a promising tool to counteract hypoxia by releasing a clinically relevant oxygen amount in a time-sustained manner. [...] Read more.

Persistent hypoxia is a main clinical feature of chronic wounds. Intriguingly, oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (OLNDs), filled with oxygen-solving 2H,3H-decafluoropentane and shelled with polysaccharides, have been proposed as a promising tool to counteract hypoxia by releasing a clinically relevant oxygen amount in a time-sustained manner. Here, four different types of chitosan (low or medium weight (LW or MW), glycol-(G-), and methylglycol-(MG-) chitosan) were compared as candidate biopolymers for shell manufacturing. The aim of the work was to design OLND formulations with optimized physico-chemical characteristics, efficacy in oxygen release, and biocompatibility. All OLND formulations displayed spherical morphology, cationic surfaces, ≤500 nm diameters (with LW chitosan-shelled OLNDs being the smallest), high stability, good oxygen encapsulation efficiency, and prolonged oxygen release kinetics. Upon cellular internalization, LW, MW, and G-chitosan-shelled nanodroplets did not significantly affect the viability, health, or metabolic activity of human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line). On the contrary, MG-chitosan-shelled nanodroplets showed very poor biocompatibility. Combining the physico-chemical and the biological results obtained, LW chitosan emerges as the best candidate biopolymer for future OLND application as a skin device to treat chronic wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Polymers in Drug Release)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Bacillus subtilis as a Host Cell to Express an Antimicrobial Peptide from the Marine Chordate Ciona intestinalis

by Bing-Chang Lee, Jui-Che Tsai, Cheng-Yung Lin, Chun-Wei Hung, Jin-Chuan Sheu and Huai-Jen Tsai

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020111 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3879

Abstract

Ciona molecule against microbes-A24 (CiMAM) isolated from the marine chordate Ciona intestinalis is an antimicrobial peptide. To generate CiMAM-expressing transgenic Bacillus subtilis, we constructed a plasmid expressing recombinant CiMAM (rCiMAM) and introduced it into B. subtilis. Transgenic strains C117 and C166 were [...] Read more.

Ciona molecule against microbes-A24 (CiMAM) isolated from the marine chordate Ciona intestinalis is an antimicrobial peptide. To generate CiMAM-expressing transgenic Bacillus subtilis, we constructed a plasmid expressing recombinant CiMAM (rCiMAM) and introduced it into B. subtilis. Transgenic strains C117 and C166 were selected since they were able to highly and stably express rCiMAM. We studied the bactericidal activity of pepsin-digested extracts from rCiMAM-expressing strains against freshwater and euryhaline pathogens that commonly occur in aquaculture ponds and found no difference from that of lactoferricin-expressing strains. The bactericidal activity of 1-μL aliquot from a total 5.5 mL extracted from 5 mL of cultured C117 (1.45 × 10⁸ CFU·mL⁻¹) and C166 (2.17 × 10⁸ CFU·mL⁻¹) against halophilic bacteria was equivalent to the efficacy of 57.06 and 32.35 ng of Tetracycline against Vibrio natriegens, 47.07 and 25.2 ng against V. parahaemolyticus, and 58.17 and 36.55 ng against V. alginolyticus, respectively, indicating higher bactericidal activity of pepsin-extracts from rCiMAM-containing strains against halophilic bacteria compared to that from lactoferricin-containing strains. Since the antibacterial activity of rCiMAM-expressing B. subtilis strains shows higher competence against halophilic pathogens compared to that against freshwater and euryhaline pathogens, these strains are promising candidates to protect marine fish and shellfish from halophilic bacterial infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals from Marine Fish and Invertebrates)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Oligosaccharides with Special Attention to Antiparasitic Potential

by Nayara Sousa da Silva, Nathália Kelly Araújo, Alessandra Daniele-Silva, Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira, Júlia Maria de Medeiros, Renata Mendonça Araújo, Leandro De Santis Ferreira, Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha, Arnóbio Antônio Silva-Junior, Marcelo Sousa Silva and Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020110 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

The global rise of infectious disease outbreaks and the progression of microbial resistance reinforce the importance of researching new biomolecules. Obtained from the hydrolysis of chitosan, chitooligosaccharides (COSs) have demonstrated several biological properties, including antimicrobial, and greater advantage over chitosan due to their [...] Read more.

The global rise of infectious disease outbreaks and the progression of microbial resistance reinforce the importance of researching new biomolecules. Obtained from the hydrolysis of chitosan, chitooligosaccharides (COSs) have demonstrated several biological properties, including antimicrobial, and greater advantage over chitosan due to their higher solubility and lower viscosity. Despite the evidence of the biotechnological potential of COSs, their effects on trypanosomatids are still scarce. The objectives of this study were the enzymatic production, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects of COSs. NMR and mass spectrometry analyses indicated the presence of a mixture with 81% deacetylated COS and acetylated hexamers. COSs demonstrated no evidence of cytotoxicity upon 2 mg/mL. In addition, COSs showed interesting activity against bacteria and yeasts and a time-dependent parasitic inhibition. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated a parasite aggregation ability of COSs. Thus, the broad biological effect of COSs makes them a promising molecule for the biomedical industry. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Guided Isolation of Antimalarial Metabolites from the Coculture of Two Red Sea Sponge-Derived Actinokineospora and Rhodococcus spp.

by Hani A. Alhadrami, Bathini Thissera, Marwa H. A. Hassan, Fathy A. Behery, Che Julius Ngwa, Hossam M. Hassan, Gabriele Pradel, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen and Mostafa E. Rateb

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020109 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4207

Abstract

Coculture is a productive technique to trigger microbes’ biosynthetic capacity by mimicking the natural habitats’ features principally by competition for food and space and interspecies cross-talks. Mixed cultivation of two Red Sea-derived actinobacteria, Actinokineospora spheciospongiae strain EG49 and Rhodococcus sp. UR59, resulted in [...] Read more.

Coculture is a productive technique to trigger microbes’ biosynthetic capacity by mimicking the natural habitats’ features principally by competition for food and space and interspecies cross-talks. Mixed cultivation of two Red Sea-derived actinobacteria, Actinokineospora spheciospongiae strain EG49 and Rhodococcus sp. UR59, resulted in the induction of several non-traced metabolites in their axenic cultures, which were detected using LC–HRMS metabolomics analysis. Antimalarial guided isolation of the cocultured fermentation led to the isolation of the angucyclines actinosporins E (1), H (2), G (3), tetragulol (5) and the anthraquinone capillasterquinone B (6), which were not reported under axenic conditions. Interestingly, actinosporins were previously induced when the axenic culture of the Actinokineospora spheciospongiae strain EG49 was treated with signalling molecule N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GluNAc); this finding confirmed the effectiveness of coculture in the discovery of microbial metabolites yet to be discovered in the axenic fermentation with the potential that could be comparable to adding chemical signalling molecules in the fermentation flask. The isolated angucycline and anthraquinone compounds exhibited in vitro antimalarial activity and good biding affinity against lysyl-tRNA synthetase (PfKRS1), highlighting their potential developability as new antimalarial structural motif. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Products from the Red Sea)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitin Degradation Machinery and Secondary Metabolite Profiles in the Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas rubra S4059

by Xiyan Wang, Thomas Isbrandt, Mikael Lenz Strube, Sara Skøtt Paulsen, Maike Wennekers Nielsen, Yannick Buijs, Erwin M. Schoof, Thomas Ostenfeld Larsen, Lone Gram and Sheng-Da Zhang

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020108 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4938

Abstract

Genome mining of pigmented Pseudoalteromonas has revealed a large potential for the production of bioactive compounds and hydrolytic enzymes. The purpose of the present study was to explore this bioactivity potential in a potent antibiotic and enzyme producer, Pseudoalteromonas rubra strain S4059. Proteomic [...] Read more.

Genome mining of pigmented Pseudoalteromonas has revealed a large potential for the production of bioactive compounds and hydrolytic enzymes. The purpose of the present study was to explore this bioactivity potential in a potent antibiotic and enzyme producer, Pseudoalteromonas rubra strain S4059. Proteomic analyses (data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD023249) indicated that a highly efficient chitin degradation machinery was present in the red-pigmented P. rubra S4059 when grown on chitin. Four GH18 chitinases and two GH20 hexosaminidases were significantly upregulated under these conditions. GH19 chitinases, which are not common in bacteria, are consistently found in pigmented Pseudoalteromonas, and in S4059, GH19 was only detected when the bacterium was grown on chitin. To explore the possible role of GH19 in pigmented Pseudoalteromonas, we developed a protocol for genetic manipulation of S4059 and deleted the GH19 chitinase, and compared phenotypes of the mutant and wild type. However, none of the chitin degrading ability, secondary metabolite profile, or biofilm-forming capacity was affected by GH19 deletion. In conclusion, we developed a genetic manipulation protocol that can be used to unravel the bioactive potential of pigmented pseudoalteromonads. An efficient chitinolytic enzyme cocktail was identified in S4059, suggesting that this strain could be a candidate with industrial potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Genomics and Metabolomics of Marine Bacteria)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biobased Solvents for Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Nannochloropsis gaditana Omega-3 Lipids

by Cristina Blanco-Llamero and F. Javier Señoráns

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020107 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3147

Abstract

To develop greener extraction alternatives for microalgae biomass, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with different biobased solvents were investigated, demonstrating that both techniques are useful alternatives for algal lipid extraction. Specifically, Nannochloropsis gaditana lipids were extracted by UAE and [...] Read more.

To develop greener extraction alternatives for microalgae biomass, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with different biobased solvents were investigated, demonstrating that both techniques are useful alternatives for algal lipid extraction. Specifically, Nannochloropsis gaditana lipids were extracted by UAE and PLE at different temperatures and extraction times with sustainable solvents like 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) and its mixtures with ethanol and other alcohols. The best oil yields for both PLE and UAE of N. gaditana were achieved with the mixture of 2-MeTHF:ethanol (1:3), reaching yields of up to 16.3%, for UAE at 50 °C and up to 46.1% for PLE at 120 °C. Lipid composition of the extracts was analyzed by HPLC-ELSD and by GC-MS to determine lipid species and fatty acid profile, respectively. Different fractionation of lipid species was achieved with PLE and solvent mixtures of different polarity. Thus, for the extraction of glycolipids, ethanolic extracts contained higher amounts of glycolipids and EPA, probably due to the higher polarity of the solvent. The optimized method was applied to microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chuii showing the potential of mixtures of biobased solvents like 2-methyl-THF and ethanol in different proportions to efficiently extract and fractionate lipids from microalgal biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Extraction Technology Aiming the Screening and Discovery of Bio-Active Marine Compounds)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subcutaneous ω-Conotoxins Alleviate Mechanical Pain in Rodent Models of Acute Peripheral Neuropathy

by Md. Mahadhi Hasan, Hana Starobova, Alexander Mueller, Irina Vetter and Richard J. Lewis

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020106 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

The peripheral effects of ω-conotoxins, selective blockers of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (Ca_V2.2), have not been characterised across different clinically relevant pain models. This study examines the effects of locally administered ω-conotoxin MVIIA, GVIA, and CVIF on mechanical and thermal paw [...] Read more.

The peripheral effects of ω-conotoxins, selective blockers of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (Ca_V2.2), have not been characterised across different clinically relevant pain models. This study examines the effects of locally administered ω-conotoxin MVIIA, GVIA, and CVIF on mechanical and thermal paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in postsurgical pain (PSP), cisplatin-induced neuropathy (CisIPN), and oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy (OIPN) rodent models. Intraplantar injection of 300, 100 and 30 nM MVIIA significantly (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.05, respectively) alleviated mechanical allodynia of mice in PSP model compared to vehicle control group. Similarly, intraplantar injection of 300, 100, and 30 nM MVIIA (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively), and 300 nM and 100 nM GVIA (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively) significantly increased mechanical thresholds of mice in OIPN model. The ED₅₀ of GVIA and MVIIA in OIPN was found to be 1.8 pmol/paw and 0.8 pmol/paw, respectively. However, none of the ω-conotoxins were effective in a mouse model of CisIPN. The intraplantar administration of 300 nM GVIA, MVIIA, and CVIF did not cause any locomotor side effects. The intraplantar administration of MVIIA can alleviate incision-induced mechanical allodynia, and GVIA and MVIIA effectively reduce OIPN associated mechanical pain, without locomotor side effects, in rodent models. In contrast, CVIF was inactive in these pain models, suggesting it is unable to block a subset of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels associated with nociceptors in the skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cone Snail Venom Peptides, from Treasure Hunt to Drug Leads)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Micromonospora Strain with Antibiotic Activity Isolated from the Microbiome of a Mid-Atlantic Deep-Sea Sponge

by Catherine R. Back, Henry L. Stennett, Sam E. Williams, Luoyi Wang, Jorge Ojeda Gomez, Omar M. Abdulle, Thomas Duffy, Christopher Neal, Judith Mantell, Mark A. Jepson, Katharine R. Hendry, David Powell, James E. M. Stach, Angela E. Essex-Lopresti, Christine L. Willis, Paul Curnow and Paul R. Race

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020105 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7077 | Correction

Abstract

To tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, it is essential to identify new bioactive compounds that are effective against resistant microbes and safe to use. Natural products and their derivatives are, and will continue to be, an important source of these molecules. [...] Read more.

To tackle the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, it is essential to identify new bioactive compounds that are effective against resistant microbes and safe to use. Natural products and their derivatives are, and will continue to be, an important source of these molecules. Sea sponges harbour a diverse microbiome that co-exists with the sponge, and these bacterial communities produce a rich array of bioactive metabolites for protection and resource competition. For these reasons, the sponge microbiota constitutes a potential source of clinically relevant natural products. To date, efforts in bioprospecting for these compounds have focused predominantly on sponge specimens isolated from shallow water, with much still to be learned about samples from the deep sea. Here we report the isolation of a new Micromonospora strain, designated 28ISP2-46^T, recovered from the microbiome of a mid-Atlantic deep-sea sponge. Whole-genome sequencing reveals the capacity of this bacterium to produce a diverse array of natural products, including kosinostatin and isoquinocycline B, which exhibit both antibiotic and antitumour properties. Both compounds were isolated from 28ISP2-46^T fermentation broths and were found to be effective against a plethora of multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. This study suggests that the marine production of isoquinocyclines may be more widespread than previously supposed and demonstrates the value of targeting the deep-sea sponge microbiome as a source of novel microbial life with exploitable biosynthetic potential. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

New Hopes for Drugs against COVID-19 Come from the Sea

by Orazio Taglialatela-Scafati

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020104 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4579

Abstract

The latest chapter of the historic battle of humans against pathogenic microbes is the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19, a respiratory disease declared a global pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Natural Products against Coronaviruses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Metabologenomics Analysis of Polar Actinomycetes

by Sylvia Soldatou, Grímur Hjörleifsson Eldjárn, Andrew Ramsay, Justin J. J. van der Hooft, Alison H. Hughes, Simon Rogers and Katherine R. Duncan

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020103 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8146

Abstract

Biosynthetic and chemical datasets are the two major pillars for microbial drug discovery in the omics era. Despite the advancement of analysis tools and platforms for multi-strain metabolomics and genomics, linking these information sources remains a considerable bottleneck in strain prioritisation and natural [...] Read more.

Biosynthetic and chemical datasets are the two major pillars for microbial drug discovery in the omics era. Despite the advancement of analysis tools and platforms for multi-strain metabolomics and genomics, linking these information sources remains a considerable bottleneck in strain prioritisation and natural product discovery. In this study, molecular networking of the 100 metabolite extracts derived from applying the OSMAC approach to 25 Polar bacterial strains, showed growth media specificity and potential chemical novelty was suggested. Moreover, the metabolite extracts were screened for antibacterial activity and promising selective bioactivity against drug-persistent pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii was observed. Genome sequencing data were combined with metabolomics experiments in the recently developed computational approach, NPLinker, which was used to link BGC and molecular features to prioritise strains for further investigation based on biosynthetic and chemical information. Herein, we putatively identified the known metabolites ectoine and chrloramphenicol which, through NPLinker, were linked to their associated BGCs. The metabologenomics approach followed in this study can potentially be applied to any large microbial datasets for accelerating the discovery of new (bioactive) specialised metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Genomics and Metabolomics of Marine Bacteria)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 23169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study on the Flocculation of Silica and China Clay with Chitosan and Synthetic Polyelectrolytes

by Konstantin B. L. Borchert, Christine Steinbach, Simona Schwarz and Dana Schwarz

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020102 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

Flocculation is still one of the most important and efficient processes for water treatment. However, most industrial processes, such as in water treatment plants, still use huge amounts of synthetic polyelectrolytes for the flocculation process. Here we compare the flocculation of two different [...] Read more.

Flocculation is still one of the most important and efficient processes for water treatment. However, most industrial processes, such as in water treatment plants, still use huge amounts of synthetic polyelectrolytes for the flocculation process. Here we compare the flocculation of two different suspended particles, i.e., silica particles and china clay, with the biopolymer chitosan and two common strong synthetic polyelectrolytes. As a flocculant, chitosan featured a minimum uptake rate of 0.05 mg/g for silica and 1.8 mg/g for china clay. Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) for comparison possessed a minimum uptake rate of 0.05 mg/g for silica and 2.2 mg/g for china clay. Chitosan as an environmentally friendly biopolymer competes with the synthetic polyelectrolytes and thus represents a beneficial economic alternative to synthetic flocculants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Marine Chitin and Chitosan)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New, Quick, and Simple Protocol to Evaluate Microalgae Polysaccharide Composition

by Antoine Decamp, Orane Michelo, Christelle Rabbat, Céline Laroche, Dominique Grizeau, Jérémy Pruvost and Olivier Gonçalves

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020101 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4443

Abstract

In this work, a new methodological approach, relying on the high specificity of enzymes in a complex mixture, was developed to estimate the composition of bioactive polysaccharides produced by microalgae, directly in algal cultures. The objective was to set up a protocol to [...] Read more.

In this work, a new methodological approach, relying on the high specificity of enzymes in a complex mixture, was developed to estimate the composition of bioactive polysaccharides produced by microalgae, directly in algal cultures. The objective was to set up a protocol to target oligomers commonly known to be associated with exopolysaccharides’ (EPS) nutraceutical and pharmaceutical activities (i.e., rhamnose, fucose, acidic sugars, etc.) without the constraints classically associated with chromatographic methods, while maintaining a resolution sufficiently high to enable their monitoring in the culture system. Determination of the monosaccharide content required the application of acid hydrolysis (2 M trifluoroacetic acid) followed by NaOH (2 M) neutralization. Quantification was then carried out directly on the fresh hydrolysate using enzyme kits corresponding to the main monosaccharides in a pre-determined composition of the polysaccharides under analysis. Initial results showed that the enzymes were not sensitive to the presence of TFA and NaOH, so the methodology could be carried out on fresh hydrolysate. The limits of quantification of the method were estimated as being in the order of the log of nanograms of monosaccharides per well, thus positioning it among the chromatographic methods in terms of analytical performance. A comparative analysis of the results obtained by the enzymatic method with a reference method (high-performance anion-exchange chromatography) confirmed good recovery rates, thus validating the closeness of the protocol. Finally, analyses of raw culture media were carried out and compared to the results obtained in miliQ water; no differences were observed. The new approach is a quick, functional analysis method allowing routine monitoring of the quality of bioactive polysaccharides in algal cultures grown in photobioreactors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds Derived from Marine Microalgae 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Haloferax mediterranei Cells as C50 Carotenoid Factories

by Micaela Giani, Zaida Montero-Lobato, Inés Garbayo, Carlos Vílchez, José M. Vega and Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020100 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3109

Abstract

Haloarchaea produce C50 carotenoids such as bacterioruberin, which are of biotechnological in-terest. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different environmental and nutritional conditions on the cellular growth and dynamics of carotenoids accumulation in Haloferax mediterranei. The maximum production of carotenoids [...] Read more.

Haloarchaea produce C50 carotenoids such as bacterioruberin, which are of biotechnological in-terest. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different environmental and nutritional conditions on the cellular growth and dynamics of carotenoids accumulation in Haloferax mediterranei. The maximum production of carotenoids (40 µg·mL⁻¹) was obtained during the stationary phase of growth, probably due to nutrient-limiting conditions (one-step culture). By seven days of culture, 1 mL culture produced 22.4 mg of dry weight biomass containing 0.18 % (w/w) of carotenoids. On the other hand, carbon-deficient cultures (low C/N ratio) were observed to be optimum for C50 bacterioruberin production by Hfx. mediterranei, but negatively affected the growth of cells. Thus, a two-steps process was evaluated for optimum carotenoids yield. In the first step, a nutri-ent-repleted culture medium enabled the haloarchaea to produce biomass, while in the second step, the biomass was incubated under osmotic stress and in a carbon-deficient medium. Under the conditions used, the obtained biomass contained 0.27% (w/w) of carotenoids after seven days, which accounts for 58.49 µg·mL⁻¹ of carotenoids for a culture with turbidity 14.0. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 2703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lipophilic Toxins in Wild Bivalves from the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico

by Ignacio Leyva-Valencia, Jesús Ernestina Hernández-Castro, Christine J. Band-Schmidt, Andrew D. Turner, Alison O’Neill, Erick J. Núñez-Vázquez, David J. López-Cortés, José J. Bustillos-Guzmán and Francisco E. Hernández-Sandoval

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020099 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

Most of the shellfish fisheries of Mexico occur in the Gulf of California. In this region, known for its high primary productivity, blooms of diatoms and dinoflagellates are common, occurring mainly during upwelling events. Dinoflagellates that produce lipophilic toxins are present, where some [...] Read more.

Most of the shellfish fisheries of Mexico occur in the Gulf of California. In this region, known for its high primary productivity, blooms of diatoms and dinoflagellates are common, occurring mainly during upwelling events. Dinoflagellates that produce lipophilic toxins are present, where some outbreaks related to okadaic acid and dinophisystoxins have been recorded. From January 2015 to November 2017 samples of three species of wild bivalve mollusks were collected monthly in five sites in the southern region of Bahía de La Paz. Pooled tissue extracts were analyzed using LC-MS/MS to detect lipophilic toxins. Eighteen analogs of seven toxin groups, including cyclic imines were identified, fortunately individual toxins did not exceed regulatory levels and also the total toxin concentration for each bivalve species was lower than the maximum permitted level for human consumption. Interspecific differences in toxin number and concentration were observed in three species of bivalves even when the samples were collected at the same site. Okadaic acid was detected in low concentrations, while yessotoxins and gymnodimines had the highest concentrations in bivalve tissues. Although in low quantities, the presence of cyclic imines and other lipophilic toxins in bivalves from the southern Gulf of California was constant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Biotoxins)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Prenylated Indole Homodimeric and Pteridine Alkaloids from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus austroafricanus Y32-2

by Peihai Li, Mengqi Zhang, Haonan Li, Rongchun Wang, Hairong Hou, Xiaobin Li, Kechun Liu and Hao Chen

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020098 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3248

Abstract

Chemical investigation of secondary metabolites from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus austroafricanus Y32-2 resulted in the isolation of two new prenylated indole alkaloid homodimers, di-6-hydroxydeoxybrevianamide E (1) and dinotoamide J (2), one new pteridine alkaloid asperpteridinate A (3), [...] Read more.

Chemical investigation of secondary metabolites from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus austroafricanus Y32-2 resulted in the isolation of two new prenylated indole alkaloid homodimers, di-6-hydroxydeoxybrevianamide E (1) and dinotoamide J (2), one new pteridine alkaloid asperpteridinate A (3), with eleven known compounds (4–14). Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including HRESIMS and NMR, while their absolute configurations were determined by ECD calculations. Each compound was evaluated for pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish models and cytotoxicity for HepG2 human liver carcinoma cells. As a result, compounds 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 exhibited pro-angiogenic activity in a PTK787-induced vascular injury zebrafish model in a dose-dependent manner, compounds 7, 8, 10, 11 displayed anti-inflammatory activity in a CuSO₄-induced zebrafish inflammation model, and compound 6 showed significant cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 30 µg/mL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterocyclic Compounds from Marine Organisms)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New from Old: Thorectandrin Alkaloids in a Southern Australian Marine Sponge, Thorectandra choanoides (CMB-01889)

by Shamsunnahar Khushi, Angela A. Salim, Ahmed H. Elbanna, Laizuman Nahar and Robert J. Capon

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020097 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Thorectandra choanoides (CMB-01889) was prioritized as a source of promising new chemistry from a library of 960 southern Australian marine sponge extracts, using a global natural products social (GNPS) molecular networking approach. The sponge was collected at a depth of 45 m. Chemical [...] Read more.

Thorectandra choanoides (CMB-01889) was prioritized as a source of promising new chemistry from a library of 960 southern Australian marine sponge extracts, using a global natural products social (GNPS) molecular networking approach. The sponge was collected at a depth of 45 m. Chemical fractionation followed by detailed spectroscopic analysis led to the discovery of a new tryptophan-derived alkaloid, thorectandrin A (1), with the GNPS cluster revealing a halo of related alkaloids 1a–1n. In considering biosynthetic origins, we propose that Thorectandrachoanoides (CMB-01889) produces four well-known alkaloids, 6-bromo-1′,8-dihydroaplysinopsin (2), 6-bromoaplysinopsin (3), aplysinopsin (4), and 1′,8-dihydroaplysinopsin (10), all of which are susceptible to processing by a putative indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-like (IDO) enzyme to 1a–1n. Where the 1′,8-dihydroalkaloids 2 and 10 are fully transformed to stable ring-opened thorectandrins 1 and 1a–1b, and 1h–1j, respectively, the conjugated precursors 3 and 4 are transformed to highly reactive Michael acceptors that during extraction and handling undergo complete transformation to artifacts 1c–1g, and 1k–1n, respectively. Knowledge of the susceptibility of aplysinopsins as substrates for IDOs, and the relative reactivity of Michael acceptor transformation products, informs our understanding of the pharmaceutical potential of this vintage marine pharmacophore. For example, the cancer tissue specificity of IDOs could be exploited for an immunotherapeutic response, with aplysinopsins transforming in situ to Michael acceptor thorectandrins, which covalently bind and inhibit the enzyme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product from the Deep Sea)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 1363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid Inhibitory Effect of (−)-loliolide Isolated from Sargassum horneri in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Inhibitory Mechanism of Adipose-Specific Proteins

by Hyo-Geun Lee, Hyun-Soo Kim, Jun-Geon Je, Jin Hwang, K. K. Asanka Sanjeewa, Dae-Sung Lee, Kyung-Mo Song, Yun-Sang Choi, Min-Cheol Kang and You-Jin Jeon

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020096 - 8 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3640

Abstract

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) is a well-known brown seaweed widely distributed worldwide. Several biological activities of S. horneri have been reported. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory [...] Read more.

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) is a well-known brown seaweed widely distributed worldwide. Several biological activities of S. horneri have been reported. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effect of the active compound “(−)-loliolide ((6S,7aR)-6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-1-benzofuran-2(4H)-one (HTT))” from S. horneri extract on lipid accumulation in differentiated adipocytes. MTT assays demonstrated that (−)-loliolide is not toxic to 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a range of concentrations. (−)-loliolide significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in the differentiated phase of 3T3-L1 adipocytes as shown by Oil Red O staining. Western blot analysis revealed that (−)-loliolide increased the expression of lipolytic protein phospho-hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL) and thermogenic protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1). Additionally, (−)-loliolide decreased expression of adipogenic and lipogenic proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results indicate that (−)-loliolide from S. horneri could suppress lipid accumulation via regulation of antiadipogenic and prolipolytic mechanisms in 3T3-L1 cells. Considering the multifunctional effect of (−)-loliolide, it can be useful as a lipid-lowering agent in the management of patients who suffer from obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Natural Products That Target Metabolic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tedaniophorbasins A and B—Novel Fluorescent Pteridine Alkaloids Incorporating a Thiomorpholine from the Sponge Tedaniophorbas ceratosis

by Asadhawut Hiranrat, Darren C. Holland, Wilawan Mahabusarakam, John N. A. Hooper, Vicky M. Avery and Anthony R. Carroll

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020095 - 7 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2900

Abstract

Two new fluorescent pteridine alkaloids, tedaniophorbasins A (1) and B (2), together with the known alkaloid N-methyltryptamine, were isolated, through application of mass directed purification, from the sponge Tedaniophorbas ceratosis collected from northern New South Wales, Australia. The [...] Read more.

Two new fluorescent pteridine alkaloids, tedaniophorbasins A (1) and B (2), together with the known alkaloid N-methyltryptamine, were isolated, through application of mass directed purification, from the sponge Tedaniophorbas ceratosis collected from northern New South Wales, Australia. The structures of tedaniophorbasins A and B were deduced from the analysis of 1D/2D NMR and MS data and through application of ¹³C NMR DFT calculations. Tedaniophorbasin A possesses a novel 2-imino-1,3-dimethyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]thiazino[3,2-g]pteridin-4(6H)-one skeleton, while tedaniophorbasin B is its 2-oxo derivative. The compounds show significant Stokes shifts (~14,000 cm⁻¹) between excitation and emission wavelengths in their fluorescence spectra. The new compounds were tested for bioactivity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines, and the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei but were inactive against all targets at 40 µM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Natural Product of the South Pacific Area)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antiviral Potential of Algal Metabolites—A Comprehensive Review

by António Pagarete, Ana Sofia Ramos, Pål Puntervoll, Michael J. Allen and Vítor Verdelho

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020094 - 6 Feb 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6464

Abstract

Historically, algae have stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizers, feeds, foods and pharmaceutical precursors. However, there is increasing interest in exploiting algal diversity for their antiviral potential. Here, we present an overview of 50-years of scientific and technological developments [...] Read more.

Historically, algae have stimulated significant economic interest particularly as a source of fertilizers, feeds, foods and pharmaceutical precursors. However, there is increasing interest in exploiting algal diversity for their antiviral potential. Here, we present an overview of 50-years of scientific and technological developments in the field of algae antivirals. After bibliometric analysis of 999 scientific references, a survey of 16 clinical trials and analysis of 84 patents, it was possible to identify the dominant algae, molecules and viruses that have been shaping and driving this promising field of research. A description of the most promising discoveries is presented according to molecule class. We observed a diverse range of algae and respective molecules displaying significant antiviral effects against an equally diverse range of viruses. Some natural algae molecules, like carrageenan, cyanovirin or griffithsin, are now considered prime reference molecules for their outstanding antiviral capacity. Crucially, while many algae antiviral applications have already reached successful commercialization, the large spectrum of algae antiviral capacities already identified suggests a strong potential for future expansion of this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Antiviral Agents)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Antimicrobial Peptide TP4 Exerts Anticancer Effects on Human Synovial Sarcoma Cells via Calcium Overload, Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Mitochondrial Hyperpolarization

by Bor-Chyuan Su, Giun-Yi Hung, Yun-Chieh Tu, Wei-Chen Yeh, Meng-Chieh Lin and Jyh-Yih Chen

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020093 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2879

Abstract

Synovial sarcoma is a rare but aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma associated with translocation t(X;18). Metastasis occurs in approximately 50% of all patients, and curative outcomes are difficult to achieve in this group. Since the efficacies of current therapeutic approaches for metastatic synovial sarcoma remain [...] Read more.

Synovial sarcoma is a rare but aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma associated with translocation t(X;18). Metastasis occurs in approximately 50% of all patients, and curative outcomes are difficult to achieve in this group. Since the efficacies of current therapeutic approaches for metastatic synovial sarcoma remain limited, new therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Tilapia piscidin 4 (TP4), a marine antimicrobial peptide, is known to exhibit multiple biological functions, including anti-bacterial, wound-healing, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. In the present study, we assessed the anticancer activity of TP4 in human synovial sarcoma cells and determined the underlying mechanisms. We first demonstrated that TP4 can induce necrotic cell death in human synovial sarcoma AsKa-SS and SW982 cells lines. In addition, we saw that TP4 initiates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and downregulates antioxidant proteins, such as uncoupling protein-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, and SOD-2. Moreover, TP4-induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization is followed by elevation of mitochondrial ROS. Calcium overload is also triggered by TP4, and cell death can be attenuated by a necrosis inhibitor, ROS scavenger or calcium chelator. In our experiments, TP4 displayed strong anticancer activity in human synovial sarcoma cells by disrupting oxidative status, promoting mitochondrial hyperpolarization and causing calcium overload. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Marine Antimicrobial Peptides)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoxanthin@Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles Promoted Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death in Caco-2 Human Colon Cancer Cells

by Yue Sui, Yue Gu, Yujing Lu, Chenxu Yu, Jie Zheng and Hang Qi

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020092 - 5 Feb 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2946

Abstract

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid found in seaweed with multiple functional activities, is unstable with a poor water solubility that limits its utilization. This study aimed to improve FX’s stability and bioavailability via the nano-encapsulation of FX in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated FX@PVP nanoparticles (NPs). [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid found in seaweed with multiple functional activities, is unstable with a poor water solubility that limits its utilization. This study aimed to improve FX’s stability and bioavailability via the nano-encapsulation of FX in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated FX@PVP nanoparticles (NPs). The FX@PVP NPs were evaluated in terms of their morphology, stability, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), and in vitro release to optimize the encapsulation parameters, and a 1:8 FX:PVP ratio was found to perform the best with the highest EE (85.50 ± 0.19%) and LC (10.68 ± 0.15%) and improved FX stability. In addition, the FX@PVP NPs were shown to effectively deliver FX into Caco-2 cancer cells, and the accumulation of FX in these cancer cells showed pro-oxidative activities to ameliorate H₂O₂-induced damage and cell death. The FX@PVP NPs could potentially become a new therapeutical approach for targeted cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles from Marine Organisms and Their Biological Activity)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ethanol Extracts from Grateloupia elliptica, a Red Seaweed, and Its Chlorophyll Derivative on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Suppression of Lipid Accumulation through Downregulation of Adipogenic Protein Expression

by Hyo-Geun Lee, Yu-An Lu, Jun-Geon Je, Thilina U. Jayawardena, Min-Cheol Kang, Seung-Hong Lee, Tae-Hee Kim, Dae-Sung Lee, Jeong-Min Lee, Mi-Jin Yim, Hyun-Soo Kim and You-Jin Jeon

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020091 - 4 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4888

Abstract

Grateloupia elliptica (G. elliptica) is a red seaweed with antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities. However, the anti-obesity activity of G. elliptica has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the effect of G. elliptica ethanol extract on the suppression of intracellular [...] Read more.

Grateloupia elliptica (G. elliptica) is a red seaweed with antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities. However, the anti-obesity activity of G. elliptica has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the effect of G. elliptica ethanol extract on the suppression of intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by Oil Red O staining (ORO) was evaluated. Among the eight red seaweeds tested, G. elliptica 60% ethanol extract (GEE) exhibited the highest inhibition of lipid accumulation. GEE was the only extract to successfully suppress lipid accumulation among ethanol extracts from eight red seaweeds. In this study, we successfully isolated chlorophyll derivative (CD) from the ethyl acetate fraction (EA) of GEE by high-performance liquid chromatography and evaluated their inhibitory effect on intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. CD significantly suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation. In addition, CD suppressed adipogenic protein expression such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). Taken together, our results indicate that CD from GEE inhibits lipid accumulation by suppressing adipogenesis via the downregulation of adipogenic protein expressions in the differentiated adipocytes. Therefore, chlorophyll from G. elliptica has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism and it could be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Marine Drugs in the Management of Metabolic Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isoquinolinequinone Derivatives from a Marine Sponge (Haliclona sp.) Regulate Inflammation in In Vitro System of Intestine

by Yun Na Kim, Yeong Kwang Ji, Na-Hyun Kim, Nguyen Van Tu, Jung-Rae Rho and Eun Ju Jeong

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020090 - 4 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Using bio-guided fractionation and based on the inhibitory activities of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), eight isoquinolinequinone derivatives (1–8) were isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona sp. Among these, methyl O-demethylrenierate (1) is a [...] Read more.

Using bio-guided fractionation and based on the inhibitory activities of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), eight isoquinolinequinone derivatives (1–8) were isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona sp. Among these, methyl O-demethylrenierate (1) is a noble ester, whereas compounds 2 and 3 are new O-demethyl derivatives of known isoquinolinequinones. Compound 8 was assigned as a new 21-dehydroxyrenieramycin F. Anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were tested in a co-culture system of human epithelial Caco-2 and THP-1 macrophages. The isolated derivatives showed variable activities. O-demethyl renierone (5) showed the highest activity, while 3 and 7 showed moderate activities. These bioactive isoquinolinequinones inhibited lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma-induced production of NO and PGE2. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and the phosphorylation of MAPKs were down-regulated in response to the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation. In addition, nuclear translocation was markedly promoted with a subsequent increase in the expression of HO-1. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that the hydroxyl group in 3 and 5, and the N-formyl group in 7 may be key functional groups responsible for their anti-inflammatory activities. These findings suggest the potential use of Haliclona sp. and its metabolites as pharmaceuticals treating inflammation-related diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reef Cnidaria and Porifera as Sources of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites—Honoring the 70th Birthday of Professor Yang-Chang Wu)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Mar. Drugs, Volume 19, Issue 2 (February 2021) – 75 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI