Biogenesis, structural diversity, biosynthesis and bioactivities of linear peptides from cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are ancient photosynthetic Gram-negative prokaryotes widely distributed in various aquatic environments, exhibiting strong adaptability and the capacity to produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites. Among these metabolites, different types of peptides, including linear and cyclic peptides, are the dominant compounds. Although a number of in-depth studies on various linear peptides originating from cyanobacteria have been published, there has not yet been a comprehensive review that systematically summarizes the diverse research on these linear peptides. This article provides a systematic overview of the research progress on 19 classes of well-studied cyanobacteria-derived linear peptides, including short chain linear peptides, fatty acid modified linear peptides, linear peptides containing specialized cyclic moieties and long chain linear peptides, focusing on their biogenesis, structural diversity, biosynthesis as well as bioactivities. These linear peptides have emerged as promising candidates for developing anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agents due to their versatile bioactivities and structural modifiability. Integrated chemical and biosynthetic strategies offer novel approaches to enhance production efficiency and optimize the pharmacological properties of these peptides. Future research will focus on overcoming the stability limitations of these linear peptides and expanding their therapeutic applications, aiming to unlock their full potential in addressing unmet medical challenges.