Unexplored potential: Biologically active compounds produced by microorganisms from hard-to-reach environments and their applications

Zuzanna Cyske; Weronika Jaroszewicz; Magdalena Żabińska; Patryk Lorenc; Maja Sochocka; Patrycja Bielańska; Łukasz Grabowski; Lidia Gaffke; Karolina Pierzynowska; Grzegorz Węgrzyn

doi:10.18388/abp.2020_5887

Zuzanna Cyske Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Weronika Jaroszewicz Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Magdalena Żabińska Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Patryk Lorenc Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Maja Sochocka Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Patrycja Bielańska Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Łukasz Grabowski Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Science, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
Lidia Gaffke Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Karolina Pierzynowska Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Grzegorz Węgrzyn Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2020_5887

Abstract

Rapid development of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and fungi, as well as cancer drug resistance, has become a global medical problem. Therefore, alternative methods of treatment are considered. Studies of recent years have focused on finding new biologically active compounds that may be effective against drug-resistant cells. High biodiversity of hard-to-reach environments offers sources to search for novel molecules potentially applicable for medical purposes. In this review article, we summarize and discuss compounds produced by microorganisms from hot springs, glaciers, caves, underground lakes, marine ecosystems, and hydrothermal vents. Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of these molecules are presented and discussed. We conclude that using compounds derived from microorganisms occurring in extreme environments might be considered in further studies on development of treatment procedures for diseases caused by drug-resistant cells.