Targeting cellular proapoptotic agents from marine sources

Abstract

Marine organisms are an important source for the discovery of anticancer agents. In recent years, an increasing number of lead compounds have been isolated and some of them possess potent apoptosis-inducing activities in cancer cells. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death and is a critical defense mechanism against the occurrence of cancer. There is a long list of pro- or anti-apoptotic molecules that can trigger apoptosis. Therefore, searching agents that target these pro- or anti-apoptotic molecules has become an important strategy for the anticancer agent developments. This review summarizes some of marine-derived agents with pro-apoptotic activities and discusses the existing challenges and our perspectives on the development of anticancer agents from marine source.