Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Gagunin D, a Highly Oxygenated Diterpenoid from the Marine Sponge Phorbas sp., via Modulating Tyrosinase Expression and Degradation.

Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme critical for melanin synthesis and controls pigmentation in the skin. The inhibition of tyrosinase is currently the most common approach for the development of skin-whitening cosmetics. Gagunin D (GD), a highly oxygenated diterpenoid isolated from the marine sponge Phorbas sp., has exhibited cytotoxicity toward human leukemia cells. However, the effect of GD on normal cells and the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we identified for the first time the anti-melanogenic activity of GD and its precise underlying mechanisms in mouse melan-a cells. GD significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in the melan-a cells and a reconstructed human skin model. Further analysis revealed that GD suppressed the expression of tyrosinase and increased the rate of tyrosinase degradation. GD also inhibited tyrosinase enzymatic activity. In addition, GD effectively suppressed the expression of proteins associated with melanosome transfer. These findings suggest that GD is a potential candidate for cosmetic formulations due to its multi-functional properties.

New cyclic cystine bridged peptides from the sponge Suberites waedoensis.

Two new peptides, chujamides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the marine sponge Suberites waedoensis, which was collected from Korean waters. Based upon the results of the combined spectroscopic analyses, the structures of these compounds were determined to be proline-riched and cyclic cystine bridged dodeca- and undecapeptides. The absolute configurations of all amino acid residues were determined to be l by advanced Marfey's analysis. The new compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicities against A549 and K562 cell-lines, and compound 2 also demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.

Cytotoxic diterpenoid pseudodimers from the Korean sponge Phorbas gukhulensis.

Four new cytotoxic diterpenoid pseudodimers (2-5), along with a previously reported one, gukulenin A (1), were isolated from the marine sponge Phorbas gukhulensis collected off the coast of Gagu-do, Korea. These novel compounds, designated gukulenins C-F (2-5), were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses to be pseudodimers of the gagunins, like gukulenin A. The termini of the tropolone-containing side chains in gukulenins C-E (2-4) were found to have diverse modifications involving acetamides or taurine, whereas gukulenin F (5) was formed from 1 by the ring-opening of a cyclic hemiketal. The relative and absolute configurations were assigned by Murata's and modified Snatzke's methods using a HETLOC experiment and a CD measurement of a dimolybdenum complex, respectively. All of these compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the K562 and A549 cell lines.

Gombamide A, a cyclic thiopeptide from the sponge Clathria gombawuiensis.

A new peptide, gombamide A (1), was isolated from the marine sponge Clathria gombawuiensis, collected from Korean waters. On the basis of the results of combined spectroscopic analyses, the structure of this compound was determined to be a cyclic C-terminally modified thiohexapeptide containing the unusual amino acid residues para-hydroxystyrylamide (pHSA) and pyroglutamic acid (pyroGlu). The absolute configurations of all amino acid residues were determined to be l by advanced Marfey's analysis. The new compound exhibited weak cytotoxicity against A549 and K562 cell lines as well as moderate inhibitory activity against Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Inhibition of yeast-to-hypha transition in Candida albicans by phorbasin H isolated from Phorbas sp.

Phorbasin H is a diterpene acid of a bisabolane-related skeletal class isolated from the marine sponge Phorbas sp. In this study, we examined whether phorbasin H acted as a yeast-to-hypha transition inhibitor of Candida albicans. Growth experiments suggest that this compound does not inhibit yeast cell growth but inhibits filamentous growth in C. albicans. Northern blot analysis of signaling pathway components indicated that phorbasin H inhibited the expression of mRNAs related to cAMP-Efg1 pathway. The exogenous addition of db-cAMP to C. albicans cells had no influence on the frequency of hyphal formation. The expression of hypha-specific HWP1 and ALS3 mRNAs, both of which are positively regulated by the important regulator of cell wall dynamics Efg1, was significantly inhibited by the addition of phorbasin H. This compound also reduced the ability of C. albicans cells to adhere in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that phorbasin H impacts the activity of the cAMP-Efg1 pathway, thus leading to an alteration of C. albicans morphology.

Antimetastatic effect of halichondramide, a trisoxazole macrolide from the marine sponge Chondrosia corticata, on human prostate cancer cells via modulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Halichondramide (HCA), a trisoxazole-containing macrolide isolated from the marine sponge Chondrosia corticata has been shown to exhibit cytotoxicity and antifungal activities. In our previous study, HCA was also found to exhibit antiproliferative activity against a variety of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanism of action of HCA in the antitumor activity remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we identified the antimetastatic activity of HCA in the highly metastatic PC3 human prostate cancer cells. HCA showed potent growth inhibitory activity of the PC3 cells with an IC50 value of 0.81 µM. Further analysis revealed that HCA suppressed the expression of a potential metastatic biomarker, phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PRL-3), in PC3 cells. The suppression of PRL-3 by HCA sequentially down-regulates the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) subunits p85 and p110. The antimetastatic effect of HCA was also correlated with the down-regulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and the modulation of cadherin switches N-cadherin and E-cadherin. In addition, HCA also effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of PC3 cells. These findings suggest that halichondramide might serve as a potential inhibitor of tumor cell metastasis with the modulation of PRL-3.

Cascade-amplified self-immolative polymeric prodrug for cancer therapy by disrupting redox homeostasis.

The amplification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glutathione (GSH) depletion in cancer cells represents a promising strategy to disrupt redox homeostasis for cancer therapy. Quinone methide and its analogs (QM) have recently been recognized as potential GSH scavengers for anticancer applications; however, an effective QM prodrug is yet to be developed. In this study, we prepare a self-immolative polymeric prodrug (SPP), which could be selectively degraded to generate large quantities of QMs in cancer cells during the spontaneous stepwise head-to-tail degradation of SPP. The amphiphilic SPP is self-assembled into nano-sized micelles, allowing for encapsulating 2-methoxy-ß-estradiol (2ME), an anticancer drug that produces a large amount of intracellular ROS. When SPP@2ME, as the cascade-amplified prodrug, is treated on the cancer cells, 2ME is rapidly released at the ROS-rich intracellular environment by degradation of SPP, thus generating more ROS that triggers the degradation of more SPP chains. Such a domino-like cascade-amplified feedback loop significantly amplifies oxidative stress and disrupts the redox homeostasis in cancer cells. This unique strategy provides synergistic anticancer therapeutic efficacy and demonstrates an important perception in innovative and precise nanomedicine.

Self-immolative polymer-based immunogenic cell death inducer for regulation of redox homeostasis.

Doxorubicin (DOX), widely used as an anticancer drug, is considered an immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer that enhances cancer immunotherapy. However, its extended application as an ICD inducer has been limited owing to poor antigenicity and inefficient adjuvanticity. To enhance the immunogenicity of DOX, we prepare a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive self-immolative polymer (R-SIP) that can efficiently destroy redox homeostasis via self-immolation-mediated glutathione depletion in cancer cells. Owing to its amphiphilic nature, R-SIP self-assemble into nano-sized particles under aqueous conditions, and DOX is efficiently encapsulated inside the nanoparticles by a simple dialysis method. Interestingly, when treated with 4T1 cancer cells, DOX-encapsulated R-SIP (DR-SIP) induces the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and overexpression of ecto-calreticulin, resulting in endoplasmic reticulum-associated ICD. In addition, DR-SIP contributes to the maturation of dendritic cells by promoting the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from cancer cells. When intravenously administered to tumor-bearing mice, DR-SIP remarkably inhibits tumor growth compared with DOX alone. Overall, DR-SIP may have the potential to elicit an immune response as an ICD inducer.

Functionally Masked Antibody to Uncouple Immune-Related Toxicities in Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Therapy.

Of the existing immunotherapy drugs in oncology, monoclonal antibodies targeting the immune checkpoint axis are preferred because of the durable responses observed in selected patients. However, the associated immune-related adverse events (irAEs), causing uncommon fatal events, often require specialized management and medication discontinuation. The study aim was to investigate our hypothesis that masking checkpoint antibodies with tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive polymer chains can mitigate irAEs and selectively target tumors by limiting systemic exposure to patients. We devised a broadly applicable strategy that functionalizes immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies with a mildly acidic pH-cleavable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell to prevent inflammatory side effects in normal tissues. Conjugation of pH-sensitive PEG to anti-CD47 antibodies (αCD47) minimized antibody-cell interactions by inhibiting their binding ability and functionality at physiological pH, leading to prevention of αCD47-induced anemia in tumor-bearing mice. When conjugated to anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies, double checkpoint blockade-induced colitis was also ameliorated. Notably, removal of the protective shell in response to an acidic TME restored the checkpoint antibody activities, accompanied by effective tumor regression and long-term survival in the mouse model. Our results support a feasible strategy for antibody-based therapies to uncouple toxicity from efficacy and show the translational potential for cancer immunotherapy.

Beta-carboline alkaloids derived from the ascidian Synoicum sp.

Six ß-carboline alkaloids (1-6) of the eudistomin Y class were isolated from the Korean ascidian Synoicum sp. These compounds were chemically converted to a known compound, eudistomin Y(1) (7) and six new derivatives, designated eudistomins Y(8)-Y(13) (8-13). Several of these natural and synthetic compounds exhibited moderate to significant antimicrobial activity, weak cytotoxic activity, and inhibitory activities toward sortase A, isocitrate lyase, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Structure-activity relationships were also deduced.

Brominated aromatic furanones and related esters from the ascidian Synoicum sp.

Nine new compounds, tris-aromatic furanones (1, 2, 3a, 3b, and 4) and related bis-aromatic diesters (5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b), are described from the ascidian Synoicum sp. collected off the coast of Chuja-do, Korea. The structures of these compounds, designated as cadiolides E and G-I (1-4) and synoilides A and B (5 and 6), were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration at the asymmetric center of cadiolide G (2) was assigned by ECD analysis. Of these new compounds, cadiolide I and the synoilides possess unprecedented carbon skeletons. Several of these compounds exhibited significant inhibition against diverse bacterial strains as well as moderate inhibition against the enzymes sortase A, isocitrate lyase, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Nortriterpene glycosides of the sarasinoside class from the sponge Lipastrotethya sp.

Five new nortriterpene glycosides, along with eight known compounds of the sarasinoside class, were isolated from the tropical sponge Lipastrotethya sp. collected from Chuuk, Micronesia. The structures of these new compounds, designated as sarasinosides N-R (9-13), were determined by combined spectroscopic and chemical methods. The aglycone portions of 10-13 were found to be unprecedented among nortriterpeneoids on the basis of extensive NMR analyses. Several of these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against A549 and K562 cell lines as well as weak inhibitory activity against Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Cyclic Bis-1,3-dialkylpyridiniums from the sponge Haliclona sp.

Eight novel cyclic bis-1,3-dialkylpyridiniums, as well as two known compounds from the cyclostellettamine class, were isolated from the sponge Haliclona sp. from Korea. Structures of these novel compounds were determined using combined NMR and FAB-MS/MS analyses. Several of these compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxic and antibacterial activities against A549 cell-line and Gram-positive strains, respectively. The structure-activity relationships of cyclostellettamines are discussed based on their bioactivities.

Chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer-based immunostimulatory nanoparticles for sonoimmunotherapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has recently emerged as a promising alternative to photodynamic therapy because of its applicability in treating deeply located tumors accessible by ultrasound (US). However, the therapeutic potential of conventional sonosensitizers is limited by the low quantum yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and poor immune responses eliciting canonical apoptosis of cancer cells. Herein, we report chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET)-based immunostimulatory nanoparticles (iCRET NPs) for sonoimmunotherapy, which not only amplify the ROS quantum yield of sonosensitizers but also generate carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles to induce immunogenic cell death in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Owing to their CRET phenomena responsive to H2O2 in the TME, iCRET NPs exhibit strong cytotoxicity to cancer cells by producing a large quantity of ROS. Additionally, iCRET NPs effectively induce CO2-mediated immunogenic cell death by rupturing the cancer cell membrane in the presence of US, leading to the release of bare damage-associated molecular patterns, such as HSP 70 and HMGB1. Consequently, when iCRET NPs are combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies, iCRET NPs exhibit synergistic effects in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, in which antitumor immunity is remarkably amplified to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Bearing Dermal Filler Ameliorates the Dermis Microenvironment by Supporting CD301b-Expressing Macrophages.

Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels (Hyal-Gels) have the potential to reduce wrinkles by physically volumizing the skin. However, they have limited ability to stimulate collagen generation, thus warranting repeated treatments to maintain their volumizing effect. In this study, stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (EV)-bearing Hyal-Gels (EVHyal-Gels) were prepared as a potential dermal filler, ameliorating the dermis microenvironment. No significant differences were observed in rheological properties and injection force between Hyal-Gels and EVHyal-Gels. When locally administered to mouse skin, Hyal-Gels significantly extended the biological half-life of EVs from 1.37 d to 3.75 d. In the dermis region, EVHyal-Gels induced the overexpression of CD301b on macrophages, resulting in enhanced proliferation of fibroblasts. It was found that miRNAs, such as let-7b-5p and miR-24-3p, were significantly involved in the change of macrophages toward the CD301bhi phenotype. The area of the collagen layer in EVHyal-Gel-treated dermis was 2.4-fold higher than that in Hyal-Gel-treated dermis 4 weeks after a single treatment, and the collagen generated by EVHyal-Gels was maintained for 24 weeks in the dermis. Overall, EVHyal-Gels have the potential as an antiaging dermal filler for reprogramming the dermis microenvironment.

Actin depolymerizing effect of trisoxazole-containing macrolides.

Oxazole-containing macrolides (1-5) isolated from the marine sponge Chondrosia corticata were evaluated for their actin depolymerizing activities by monitoring fluorescent intensity of pyrene F-actin. These studies led to the identification of (19Z)-halichondramide (5) as a new actin depolymerizing agent. The actin depolymerizing activity by (19Z)-halichondramide (5) was four times more potent than that of halichondramide (1). Compounds 1 and 5 also have potent antifungal activity. The preliminary structure-activity relationship of these compounds is described to elucidate the essential structural requirements.

Scalarane sesterterpenes from the sponge Hyatella sp.

Five new sesterterpenes (7-11) along with six known compounds (1-6) were isolated from the sponge Hyatella sp., collected off the coast of Soheuksan-do, Korea. Spectroscopic analyses revealed these compounds as scalarane sesterterpenes with oxidized furan moieties (7-10) and a corresponding lactam (11). The compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and weak inhibitory activity against isocitrate lyase.

Sesterterpenes from the tropical sponge Coscinoderma sp.

Eight new sesterterpenes (2, 5, and 10-15), including structurally related pentaprenyl hydroquinones (2 and 5), and seven known ones of the same structural classes were isolated from the sponge Coscinoderma sp., collected from Chuuk Island, Micronesia. On the basis of the results of combined spectroscopic analyses, the new compounds were determined to be derivatives of the halisulfates and suvanine. These compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the K562 cell line and inhibitory activities against isocitrate lyase, sortase A, and Na+/K+-ATPase; significant structure-activity relationships were evident.

Gold-installed hyaluronic acid hydrogel for ultrasound-triggered thermal elevation and on-demand cargo release.

The temporal and quantitative control of the cargo release is a challenging issue in the application of hydrogels for cancer therapy. Here, we report hyaluronic acid hydrogel-based depot that provides ultrasound-triggered thermal elevation and on-demand cargo release. The hyaluronic acid hydrogel was developed by employing the gold cluster as a sonothermal crosslinker which was grown on the cargo to prevent its undesired leakage until ultrasound-induced dissociation. The results demonstrated that, in the presence of ultrasound at 30 W, the hyaluronic acid hydrogel significantly increased the temperature to 53.7 °C, leading to dissociation of gold clusters and subsequent cargo release. In addition, the prepared hydrogel exhibited appropriate mechanical properties and superior biostability as an injectable hydrogel for in vivo applications.

Psammocindoles A-C: Isolation, Synthesis, and Bioactivity of Indole-γ-lactams from the Sponge Psammocinia vermis.

Psammocindoles A-C (1-3), a new class of indole alkaloids, were isolated from a Psammocinia vermis sponge. By combined spectroscopic analyses, the structures of these compounds were determined to be the indole-γ-lactams derived from three amino acid residues. In addition, an enantiomer psammocindole D (4), and the N-lactam isomers isopsammocindoles A-D (5-8) were also synthesized. These natural products and synthetic analogues were found to significantly stimulate adiponectin secretion in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.