Abstract
Despite the increasing availability of new classes of cancer treatment, such as immune- and targeted therapies, there remains a need for the development of new antiproliferative/cytotoxic drugs with improved pharmacological profiles that can also overcome drug resistant forms of cancer. In this study, we have identified, and characterised, a novel marine polysaccharide with the potential to be developed as an anticancer agent. Sulphated polysaccharides isolated from the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) were shown to have antiproliferative activity on chronic myelogenous leukaemia and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell lines. Disaccharide and monosaccharide analysis of these marine polysaccharides confirmed the presence of glycosaminoglycan-like structures that were enriched in ion-exchange purified fractions containing antiproliferative activity. The antiproliferative activity of these glycosaminoglycan-like marine polysaccharides was shown to be susceptible to heparinase but not chondrotinase ABC digestion. This pattern of enzymatic and antiproliferative activity has not previously been seen, with either marine or mammalian glycosaminoglycans. As such, our findings suggest we have identified a new type of marine derived heparan sulphate/heparin-like polysaccharide with potent anticancer properties.
Highlights
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a complex family of polysaccharides found in both vertebrates and invertebrates
We show for the first time that marine polysaccharides isolated from molluscs, with structural similarities to mammalian GAGs, have in vitro antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines
We have shown for the first time that marine derived polysaccharides, with proven anticancer activity, are susceptible to the effects of heparinase digestion
Summary
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a complex family of polysaccharides found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. They bind to many proteins and mediate a diverse range of biological functions, including both cellular and physiological events [1]. These molecules are widely exploited as therapeutics, for example, hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) are used to treat osteoarthritis, and heparin has been used as an anticoagulant and antithrombotic drug for more than 70 years [2]. There are five families of mammalian GAGs, each based on their repeating disaccharide units These are heparan sulphate (HS) including the related molecule heparin, CS, dermatan sulphate (DS), keratan sulphate and the unsulphated HA
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
