Epigenetic modulators from "The Big Blue": a treasure to fight against cancer

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Pharmacology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Cancer is a significant public health issue requiring novel, tumor-selective drugs.
• Epigenetic deregulation (DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs) is a key feature of cancer, presenting therapeutic targets.
• Natural products are a vital source of anti-cancer agents, but marine sources remain largely untapped for epigenetic drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review marine natural compounds and their synthetic derivatives with demonstrated epigenetic activities and anti-cancer properties.
• To explore the potential of marine-derived epigenetics modifiers as a new class of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of marine natural products with epigenetic activities.
• Focus on compounds like largazole, psammaplins, trichostatins, and azumamides.
• Analysis of their anti-cancer properties and synthetic derivatives.

Main Results:

• Identified several marine natural compounds with significant epigenetic activities.
• Highlighted specific examples like largazole, psammaplins, trichostatins, and azumamides.
• Discussed their potential as selective anti-cancer agents.

Conclusions:

• The ocean is a rich, underexplored source for discovering novel, epigenetically active anti-cancer compounds.
• Marine-derived epigenetics modifiers, including largazole and psammaplins, show promise for future cancer therapy.
• Further research into these compounds could lead to the development of potent and selective anti-cancer drugs.