Marine Drugs

Chemical investigation of the marine sponge-derived Streptomyces xiamenensis 1310KO-148 afforded six polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs), including three known compounds (1–3) and three previously undescribed chlorohydrin-containing analogues, chlokamycins B–D (4–6). Their planar structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR-ESIMS data, while the relative configurations were assigned using NOESY correlations. The absolute configurations were further confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 3–6 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against 14 human cancer cell lines (GI₅₀ = 2.68–24.92 μM) and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 16.00–32.00 μg/mL) and Micrococcus luteus (MIC = 4.00–32.00 μg/mL) among six tested bacterial strains.

Functional seafoods derived from marine organisms, including fish, shellfish and algae, are gaining increasing attention due to their high content of bioactive compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, polysaccharides and antioxidants, which provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These marine-derived compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities and have been investigated for their potential roles in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. Their effects are largely mediated through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Advances in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and improved extraction of bioactive compounds, have enhanced the nutritional quality and pharmacological relevance of functional seafoods. At the same time, sustainable aquaculture practices are being developed to reduce environmental impacts. Nevertheless, challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, scalability issues and limited understanding of bioavailability and long-term effects still persist. These constraints should be considered when interpreting mechanistic and efficacy findings presented across different study designs and exposure conditions. Future perspectives highlight innovations in precision aquaculture, waste valorisation and traceability as key strategies to improve sustainability and strengthen consumer trust. This review summarizes current knowledge on functional seafoods, with emphasis on pharmacological mechanisms, clinical applications and the need for interdisciplinary research to optimize their health benefits and commercial potential.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their degrading enzymes have extensive applications and biotechnology and medicine, and play a crucial role in the recycling of organic matter in oceans. In this study, a potential GAG utilization gene cluster was identified in the genome of a novel marine Bacteroidetes, Roseihalotalea indica gen. nov. sp. nov. TK19036^T, through sole carbon source cultivation and differential proteomic analysis. Multiple GAG-lyases within this locus were purified and characterized. RiPL8 comprises a functionally unknown N-terminal domain and a catalytic C-terminal domain, exhibiting specificity for degrading hyaluronic acid (HA). The activity of RiPL35 is sensitive to Ca²⁺ ion concentration with an optimum at 10 mM. RiPL38 is the first reported member of the PL38 family capable of degrading HA and chondroitin sulfate (CS). In summary, our study reveals Roseihalotalea indica gen. nov. sp. nov. TK19036^T harbors an unpredicted GAG degradation gene cluster, and the encoded GAG-lyases exhibit distinct substrate specificities compared to the host organism.