Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends

Polyketides (PKs) are a widespread class of secondary metabolites with recognised pharmacological properties. These molecules are abundantly produced in the marine environment, especially by dinoflagellate-photosynthetic organisms able to produce several PKs, including neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and i...

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Main Authors: Noemi Russo, Giulia Quaini, Marcello Ziaco, Daniela Castiglia, Alessandra Ruggiero, Vincenzo D’Amelia, Concetta Di Napoli, Sergio Esposito, Angelo Fontana, Genoveffa Nuzzo, Simone Landi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Marine Drugs
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/6/255
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author Noemi Russo
Giulia Quaini
Marcello Ziaco
Daniela Castiglia
Alessandra Ruggiero
Vincenzo D’Amelia
Concetta Di Napoli
Sergio Esposito
Angelo Fontana
Genoveffa Nuzzo
Simone Landi
author_facet Noemi Russo
Giulia Quaini
Marcello Ziaco
Daniela Castiglia
Alessandra Ruggiero
Vincenzo D’Amelia
Concetta Di Napoli
Sergio Esposito
Angelo Fontana
Genoveffa Nuzzo
Simone Landi
author_sort Noemi Russo
collection DOAJ
description Polyketides (PKs) are a widespread class of secondary metabolites with recognised pharmacological properties. These molecules are abundantly produced in the marine environment, especially by dinoflagellate-photosynthetic organisms able to produce several PKs, including neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and immunomodulating agents. The biosynthesis of these compounds is driven by a conserved enzymatic process involving polyketide synthase complexes. Different genera of dinoflagellates produce PKs. Among them, dinoflagellates of the genus <i>Amphidinium</i> are of particular interest due to its ability to produce the following two major families of PKs: amphidinolides and amphidinols. These compounds display remarkable biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects, making them attractive targets for pharmaceutical research and development. However, the natural yield of <i>Amphidinium</i>-derived polyketides (APKs) is generally low, limiting their potential for sustainable molecular farming. This challenge has prompted interest in developing biotechnological strategies to enhance their production. This review aims to define the current state of studies about APKs, starting from their initial discoveries to the recent understanding of their biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, it summarizes the structures of compounds discovered, highlights their biotechnological potential, and discusses novel trends in their production.
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spelling doaj-art-db3ea4b05c514418a9d7443b0bf37cc02025-06-25T14:08:10ZengMDPI AGMarine Drugs1660-33972025-06-0123625510.3390/md23060255Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research TrendsNoemi Russo0Giulia Quaini1Marcello Ziaco2Daniela Castiglia3Alessandra Ruggiero4Vincenzo D’Amelia5Concetta Di Napoli6Sergio Esposito7Angelo Fontana8Genoveffa Nuzzo9Simone Landi10Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyDepartment of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyBio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, ItalyBio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, ItalyInstitute of Bioscience and Bioresources, National Research Council, Via Università 133, 80055 Portici, ItalyDepartment of Agronomy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, ItalyDepartment of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyDepartment of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyDepartment of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyBio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, ItalyDepartment of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, 80126 Naples, ItalyPolyketides (PKs) are a widespread class of secondary metabolites with recognised pharmacological properties. These molecules are abundantly produced in the marine environment, especially by dinoflagellate-photosynthetic organisms able to produce several PKs, including neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and immunomodulating agents. The biosynthesis of these compounds is driven by a conserved enzymatic process involving polyketide synthase complexes. Different genera of dinoflagellates produce PKs. Among them, dinoflagellates of the genus <i>Amphidinium</i> are of particular interest due to its ability to produce the following two major families of PKs: amphidinolides and amphidinols. These compounds display remarkable biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects, making them attractive targets for pharmaceutical research and development. However, the natural yield of <i>Amphidinium</i>-derived polyketides (APKs) is generally low, limiting their potential for sustainable molecular farming. This challenge has prompted interest in developing biotechnological strategies to enhance their production. This review aims to define the current state of studies about APKs, starting from their initial discoveries to the recent understanding of their biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, it summarizes the structures of compounds discovered, highlights their biotechnological potential, and discusses novel trends in their production.https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/6/255marine natural productspolyketidespolyketide synthasesdinoflagellates<i>Amphidinium</i> spp.
spellingShingle Noemi Russo
Giulia Quaini
Marcello Ziaco
Daniela Castiglia
Alessandra Ruggiero
Vincenzo D’Amelia
Concetta Di Napoli
Sergio Esposito
Angelo Fontana
Genoveffa Nuzzo
Simone Landi
Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
Marine Drugs
marine natural products
polyketides
polyketide synthases
dinoflagellates
<i>Amphidinium</i> spp.
title Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
title_full Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
title_fullStr Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
title_full_unstemmed Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
title_short Bioactive Polyketides from <i>Amphidinium</i> spp.: An In-Depth Review of Biosynthesis, Applications, and Current Research Trends
title_sort bioactive polyketides from i amphidinium i spp an in depth review of biosynthesis applications and current research trends
topic marine natural products
polyketides
polyketide synthases
dinoflagellates
<i>Amphidinium</i> spp.
url https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/23/6/255
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