Depsipeptides Targeting Tumor Cells: Milestones from In Vitro to Clinical Trials.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer remains a major global health threat.
• Dietary interventions are crucial for cancer patient care.
• Uncommon food sources contain potent anti-cancer molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review depsipeptides as potential cancer therapeutics.
• To detail their structures, sequences, and anticancer mechanisms.
• To assess their clinical progress and limitations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of depsipeptides in cancer research.
• Analysis of reported amino acid sequences and structures.
• Examination of in vivo and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

• Depsipeptides exhibit proven cancer-targeting efficacy.
• Mechanisms include apoptosis induction and elastase inhibition.
• Some depsipeptides are in clinical trials or commercialized.

Conclusions:

• Depsipeptides are promising candidates for cancer treatment.
• Further research is needed for their incorporation into functional foods.
• Understanding their synthesis and limitations is key.