Efficacy of marine biomolecules on angiogenesis by targeting hypoxia inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in zebrafish model.

Abstract

Marine resources are notablyexplored for their unique biomolecules that have been designed to be drug targets for their immense potential against various pathologies. These biomolecules are mostly secondary metabolites from different species that include sponges, tunicates, echinoderms, ascidians, algae, and marine symbionts. Among the various biological activities of the marine biomolecules, antiangiogenic property has gained much significance in alternate therapy for treatment against cancer. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are the prime signaling pathways related to angiogenesis that areexclusively designated as markers for critical selection of novel inhibitors. This is mainly due to their importanceintumor induction and regulatory control over other interlinked pathways involved in cancer. Small molecular drug screening using the zebrafish model has been an advantage in cancer research in recent times. This review addresses the importance of marine biomolecules and their antiangiogenic efficacy by targeting HIF/VEGF pathways experimented in the zebrafish model in the last decade. Thus, it would provide more clear insights into the role of biomolecules in alternative cancer therapy.