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Fucoidan Structure and Activity in Relation to Anti-Cancer Mechanisms
Geert van Weelden1,2, Marcin Bobiński3, Karolina Okła4
1Faculty of Science, (Medical) Biology, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands. geertvweelden@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Fucoidan is a natural derived compound found in different species of brown algae and in some animals, that has gained attention for its anticancer properties. However, the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown. Therefore, this review will address fucoidans structure, the bioavailability, and all known different pathways affected by fucoidan, in order to formulate fucoidans structure and activity in relation to its anti-cancer mechanisms. The general bioactivity of fucoidan is difficult to establish due to factors like species-related structural diversity, growth conditions, and the extraction method. The main pathways influenced by fucoidan are the PI3K/AKT, the MAPK pathway, and the caspase pathway. PTEN seems to be important in the fucoidan-mediated effect on the AKT pathway. Furthermore, the interaction with VEGF, BMP, TGF-β, and estrogen receptors are discussed. Also, fucoidan as an adjunct seems to have beneficial effects, for both the enhanced effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduced toxicity in healthy cells. In conclusion, the multipotent character of fucoidan is promising in future anti-cancer treatment. However, there is a need for more specified studies of the structure⁻activity relationship of fucoidan from the most promising seaweed species.
Insights
Fucoidan, a compound from brown algae, shows promise for cancer treatment by influencing key cell pathways. Further research into its structure-activity relationship is needed for optimized anti-cancer applications.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, exhibits potential anti-cancer properties.
- The precise mechanisms underlying fucoidan's anti-cancer effects are not fully understood.
- Variability in fucoidan structure due to species and extraction methods complicates its bioactivity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fucoidan's structure, bioavailability, and affected pathways in relation to its anti-cancer mechanisms.
- To elucidate the structure-activity relationship of fucoidan for cancer therapy.
- To explore fucoidan's potential as an adjunct cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fucoidan's anti-cancer properties.
- Analysis of fucoidan's effects on cellular signaling pathways.
- Investigation of fucoidan's interactions with growth factors and receptors.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan influences critical cancer-related pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and caspase pathways.
- PTEN plays a role in fucoidan's modulation of the AKT pathway.
- Fucoidan interacts with VEGF, BMP, TGF-β, and estrogen receptors, and may enhance chemotherapy efficacy while reducing toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan demonstrates multipotent anti-cancer characteristics, offering promise for future therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is essential to define the structure-activity relationship of fucoidan from specific seaweed species.
- Optimizing fucoidan extraction and characterization is key to unlocking its full therapeutic potential.
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