Author Type

Faculty

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The oceans continue to provide new opportunities for the discovery of marine-derived medicines and the deep sea is relatively untapped. The Division of Biomedical Marine Research (DBMR) at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) has conducted expeditions worldwide to collect a unique set of marine microorganisms and invertebrates, such as sponges and gorgonians, using the Johnson-Sea-Link submersibles to depths of 914 m. Discodermolide, a bioactive compound derived from the deep water sponges Discodermia spp., was discovered by HBOI and licensed for development as an anticancer drug. Other HBOI compounds in preclinical trials includetopsentins with potent anti-inflammatory activity and lasonolides with antitumor properties. With the discovery of marine bioproducts comes the challenge of developing techniques for the sustainable use of the source organisms. HBOI's research in aquaculture, in vitro production (or cell culture), microbial fermentation and recombinant production offer biological alternatives to harvesting the organisms. Current HBOI projects include recombinant production of novel anticancer compounds from marine actinomycetes (filamentous bacteria), and the discovery of novel anti-fungal agents with activity against drug-resistant fungi. We are using DNA microarray technology to screen the genome of target sponges and develop in vitro methods for the production of bioactive compounds. Another project focuses on the genetic diversity within the microbial community associated with deep water sponges. A critical component of this research is the ethical utilization of the host country's natural resources and equitable sharing of properties and technologies.

Publication Date

2000

Comments

Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 1381.

Download

Share

COinS