Meroterpenes from marine invertebrates: Chemistry and application in cancer

Abstract

Nowadays alternative sources of new drugs for human therapeutics have been pursued. In the particular case of natural products, there is a trend for exploiting non-conventional sources of molecules, of which marine micro and macroorganisms are the best example. Regarding the marine environment, the majority of bioactive molecules are terpenes, which constitute a family of natural products with high chemical diversity. Among terpenes, the group of meroterpenes, molecules derived from mixed biosynthesis that include both a terpene and quinone/hydroquinone moiety, are particularly interesting because of their anticancer activity. In this chapter we will address the chemistry, distribution and application of meroterpenes in cancer. The most relevant sponges, nudibranchs and ascidians-derived meroterpenes will be addressed and the underlying mechanism of action in cancer cells will also be discussed. Particular attention will be given to compounds that exert their effect by displaying pro-apoptotic properties.