Carotenoids from Marine Microalgae as Antimelanoma Agents

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cancer Research
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer characterized by high invasiveness and metastatic potential.
• Multidrug resistance, often linked to mutations like BRAF^V600E, limits conventional melanoma treatment efficacy.
• There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcomes for melanoma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current scientific literature on the potential of microalgal carotenoids as an adjuvant therapy for melanoma.
• To summarize the evidence regarding the direct antimelanoma effects and chemosensitizing properties of these natural compounds.
• To highlight key molecular pathways and mechanisms targeted by microalgal carotenoids in melanoma.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) investigating microalgal carotenoids against melanoma cell lines and models.
• Analysis of data on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, apoptosis, and molecular signaling pathways.
• Focus on specific carotenoids such as fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin.

Main Results:

• Microalgal carotenoids demonstrated significant inhibition of melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• These compounds were shown to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various melanoma cell lines.
• Key pathways including MAPK, NF-ĸB, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and apoptotic factors were modulated.
• Fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin were the most studied carotenoids, showing direct antimelanoma effects.
• Microalgal carotenoids restored sensitivity of melanoma cells to conventional chemotherapies like vemurafenib and dacarbazine.

Conclusions:

• Microalgal carotenoids represent a promising class of natural compounds for adjuvant melanoma therapy.
• Their ability to inhibit melanoma progression and re-sensitize resistant cells warrants further clinical investigation.
• These carotenoids offer a potentially safe and well-tolerated therapeutic avenue, leveraging their use as dietary supplements.