Abstract
Various organisms exist in the oceanic environment. These marine organisms provide an abundant source of potential medicines. Many marine peptides possess anticancer properties, some of which have been evaluated for treatment of human cancer in clinical trials. Marine anticancer peptides kill cancer cells through different mechanisms, such as apoptosis, disruption of the tubulin-microtubule balance, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Traditional chemotherapeutic agents have side effects and depress immune responses. Thus, the research and development of novel anticancer peptides with low toxicity to normal human cells and mechanisms of action capable of avoiding multi-drug resistance may provide a new method for anticancer treatment. This review provides useful information on the potential of marine anticancer peptides for human therapy.
Highlights
The oceans are a diverse environment comprising about 75% of living organisms [1]
This review focuses on the function and structure of pharmacologically active marine peptides with anticancer activity
In addition to their cytotoxic effect on human cancer cell lines, some peptides have been found as templates for the development of new anticancer drugs
Summary
The oceans are a diverse environment comprising about 75% of living organisms [1]. The oceanic environment is an abundant source of nutraceuticals and potential candidates with therapeutic functions [2]. Various types of marine products, such as alkaloids, polyketides, terpenes, peptides, and carbohydrates, have the potential to prevent and cure cancer [6]. These products may be important in the development of anticancer drugs [7]. Some of these peptides have been studied as cancer treatment in human clinical trials [8,9,10]. Understanding the structure and function of pharmacologically active marine-derived anticancer peptides will enhance the development of lead drug candidates. Research on peptides derived from marine sources is underway to develop new potential cancer treatments
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