Bioactive Peptides Produced by Cyanobacteria of the Genus Nostoc: A Review

Abstract

Cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc are widespread in all kinds of habitats. They occur in a free-living state or in association with other organisms. Members of this genus belong to prolific producers of bioactive metabolites, some of which have been recognized as potential therapeutic agents. Of these, peptides and peptide-like structures show the most promising properties and are of a particular interest for both research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. Nostoc is a sole source of some lead compounds such as cytotoxic cryptophycins, antiviral cyanovirin-N, or the antitoxic nostocyclopeptides. Nostoc also produces the same bioactive peptides as other cyanobacterial genera, but they frequently have some unique modifications in the structure. This includes hepatotoxic microcystins and potent proteases inhibitors such as cyanopeptolins, anabaenopeptins, and microginins. In this review, we described the most studied peptides produced by Nostoc, focusing especially on the structure, the activity, and a potential application of the compounds.

Current Knowledge on Microviridin from Cyanobacteria

“…The ability to thrive in these heterogenous environments can be attributed to an enormous secondary metabolite repertory, which has intrigued numerous scientists for its rarity and richness [5,6]. Peptides generated by ribosomal synthesis and produced by large multi-domain enzymes called nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) are among these metabolites [7,8]. The macrolides present in these photosynthetic species derive from an enzyme complex called polyketide synthase, which is also modular in nature, similar to animal fatty acid synthase.…”

Comparison of the hydrocolloids Nostoc commune and Nostoc sphaericum: Drying, spectroscopy, rheology and application in nectar

“…The Nostoc commune and Nostoc sphaericum species form colonies that resist dryness and can easily restore their metabolism after being rehydrated (Jensena et al, 2013). Nostoc have high contents of fiber, amino acids, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates, which increases their nutritional value (Fidor et al, 2019). The development of food products based on polysaccharides from these algae serves as a nutritious food for the optimal growth of rodents (Carhuapoma et al, 2015).…”

Transcriptomic analysis of cyanobacterial alkane overproduction reveals stress-related genes and inhibitors of lipid droplet formation

“…The exported product of the pks2 gene cluster has been shown to affect cellular differentiation [38], although the product of the pks4 gene cluster remains unknown. The bioactive compounds produced by these clusters have a wide range of activities, including cytotoxicity, enzyme inhibition, antibacterial and antifungal agents [41]. It will be interesting to see if these can be extended to alkane tolerance in future work.…”