Marine Cyanobacterial Peptides in Neuroblastoma: Search for Better Therapeutic Options

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This review describes the anticancer activities of several marine peptides isolated from cyanobacteria and their specific effects against neuroblastoma. After a short presentation of the major cyanobacterial peptides of marine origin, mainly belonging to the cyclic depsipeptide family, this work has focused on the different mechanisms of action of these peptides (effects on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, sodium channel blocking as well as antimetastatic activities). A thorough description of the biological effects of the marine cyanobacterial marine peptides is developed including data on their half-maximal effective concentration (EC(50)), growth inhibition 50% (GI(50)) and lethal concentration 50 (LC(50)) on various neuroblastoma cell lines. This review ends with a description of the clinical trials which are underway to evaluate the anticancer effects of peptides arising from marine cyanobacteria and microalgae. Conclusions envisage the potential role of such peptides for the development of anti-neuroblastoma medicines and a platform for uncovering new therapeutic cellular targets. ABSTRACT: Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in pediatric patients, originating from sympathetic nervous system cells. Metastasis can be observed in approximately 70% of individuals after diagnosis, and the prognosis is poor. The current care methods used, which include surgical removal as well as radio and chemotherapy, are largely unsuccessful, with high mortality and relapse rates. Therefore, attempts have been made to incorporate natural compounds as new alternative treatments. Marine cyanobacteria are a key source of physiologically active metabolites, which have recently received attention owing to their anticancer potential. This review addresses cyanobacterial peptides’ anticancer efficacy against neuroblastoma. Numerous prospective studies have been carried out with marine peptides for pharmaceutical development including in research for anticancer potential. Marine peptides possess several advantages over proteins or antibodies, including small size, simple manufacturing, cell membrane crossing capabilities, minimal drug–drug interactions, minimal changes in blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, selective targeting, chemical and biological diversities, and effects on liver and kidney functions. We discussed the significance of cyanobacterial peptides in generating cytotoxic effects and their potential to prevent cancer cell proliferation via apoptosis, the activation of caspases, cell cycle arrest, sodium channel blocking, autophagy, and anti-metastasis behavior.