Nobuhiro Fusetani Livres

Marine organisms produce a wide array of toxins, many of which are not only structurally unusual, but also show potent and interesting modes of action. Since the discovery of tetrodotoxin, a pufferfish toxin, as a potent and selective blocker of Na+ channels in 1964, it has been widely used as a research tool in pharmacological and physiological research. This has led to the identification of a number of important biological functions for Na+ channels. In recent years, much biological research has been carried out at molecular and cellular levels, and therefore selective inhibitors of enzymes and selective antagonist/agonists of receptors and channels have become increasingly important research tools. Accordingly, interest in using such compounds as reagents has increased. Marine toxins are some of the most popular research tools and have already contributed much to our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.

Increasing awareness of the deleterious effects of toxic components in antifouling coatings has raised interest in the potential for nontoxic alternatives. This book examines how marine organisms from bacteria to invertebrates and plants use chemicals to communicate and defend themselves. Chemicals that prevent colonisation of living surfaces are particularly pertinent to antifouling technology and may inspire new solutions. The challenge is to identify such compounds, identify the means for sustainable production and incorporate them into coatings to give long-term antifouling efficacy.

Marine organisms have attracted much attention as potential sources for drugs over recent years. This timely book covers the discovery, development and production of drugs from marine bacteria, fungi, microalgae, sponges and opisthobranch mollusks. A recent highlight of marine natural product research described here is the development of a painkilling drug from the venom of a sea snail. Detailed accounts are also given on a novel anticancer drug, which was first isolated from a sponge, and a potential antiosteoporotic drug of hexacoral origin. The main challenge for future new drugs from the sea remains supply, but with production by fermentation and aquaculture two promising solutions are presented. The paper dealing with the identification and culture of symbiotic bacteria responsible for the production of bioactive sponge metabolites will make valuable reading for many researchers. 'Drugs from the Sea' will be of special interest to marine ecologists, chemists, and pharmacologists involved in drug development.