Recent Advances in Polypeptide Antibiotics Derived from Marine Microorganisms

Area of Science:

• Marine microbiology
• Medicinal chemistry
• Antimicrobial drug discovery

Background:

• The rise of antibiotic resistance and dwindling antibiotic supply create a healthcare crisis.
• Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to replenish the drug pipeline.
• Small-molecule antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) offer diverse structures and novel mechanisms against resistant microbes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in SMAMPs from marine microorganisms.
• To highlight the potential of these compounds as next-generation antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of marine-derived SMAMPs published in the last 15 years.
• Classification of compounds into cyclic oligopeptides, cyclic depsipeptides, and cyclic lipopeptides.
• Analysis of sources, structures, antimicrobial spectra, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Compilation of various marine-derived SMAMPs.
• Categorization based on structural features (cyclic oligopeptides, depsipeptides, lipopeptides).
• Summary of their antimicrobial properties and potential therapeutic applications.

Conclusions:

• Marine SMAMPs represent a promising resource for novel antibiotic development.
• Their structural diversity and unique mechanisms are key to overcoming antibiotic resistance.
• Continued research into these compounds is crucial for future antimicrobial therapies.