Marine phycocompound screening reveals a potential source of novel senotherapeutics

Rahagir Salekeen1, Joydip Barua1, Punam Rani Shaha1

  • 1Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh.

Insights

Marine algae compounds show promise as senolytics, targeting senescent cell pathways to combat aging. Computational methods identified specific compounds from Dilophus Fasciola and Laurencia species as potent inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Cellular senescence, characterized by the accumulation of senescent cells, is a hallmark of biological aging.
  • Marine algae are recognized for potential anti-aging properties, but their underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective anti-aging interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the senolytic potential of bioactive small phycocompounds from marine algae.
  • To identify specific marine phycocompounds that can inhibit senescent cell anti-apoptotic pathways.
  • To elucidate the molecular interactions between these compounds and their protein targets.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized cheminformatics to analyze 1,202 previously reported bioactive small phycocompounds.
  • Performed in-silico ADMET, 2-phase docking, metabolic pathway interaction, and molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Employed a deep convolutional neural network for screening and identified lead compounds.

Main Results:

  • Identified several marine phycocompounds with safe and effective senolytic potentials.
  • Discovered specific compounds, including Laurendecumenyne A, to be potent inhibitors of senescent-cell anti-apoptotic pathway proteins.
  • Simulations revealed stable interactions between top phycocompounds and target proteins, with significant hydrophobic interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Marine phycocompounds, particularly those from Dilophus Fasciola and Laurencia species, exhibit significant senolytic activity.
  • These compounds offer a promising avenue for developing novel anti-aging cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals.
  • Further research into these phycocompounds could lead to targeted therapies for age-related diseases.

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