Fucoidan from Spatoglossum schroederi promotes B16-F10 malignancy features modulation and antimelanoma in vivo activities

Although recent advances in targeted and immunotherapy, metastatic melanoma treatment still poses as a challenge, with limited success and a variety of severe adverse effects. Polysaccharides from natural sources have been explored as a new approach to tackle cancer and melanoma treatment limitations, even reaching clinical trials. One prominent group of biological active polysaccharides are fucoidans - sulfated polysaccharides mainly constituted of fucose and obtained from brown seaweed. In the present study, we explored the antimelanoma activities of Fucan A, a highly sulfated fucoidan obtained from Spatoglossum schroederi. Fucan A presented a selective antiproliferative effect against murine melanoma B16-F10 cell line impacting cell cycle progression in concentrations of 100 and 1000 mu g center dot mL(-1) while also reducing its colony formation and invasive capacity, as well as modulating invasion mechanistically related genes - namely MMP-9, MMP-14, glypican-3 and perlecan. Fucan A also reduced in vivo solid tumor volume in a daily post-cell inoculation treatment regimen with a 100 mg center dot Kg(-1) dosage. Additionally, using a 48 h pre-treatment regimen in a reduced dosage (30 mg center dot Kg(-1)), Fucan A reduced pulmonary metastasis colonization, with limited to non-detectable adverse effects. These results associated with the explorable commercial potential of S. schroederi indicate an interesting compound to be further explored as a possible antimelanoma drug.

Automated summary

Despite advances in targeted and immunotherapy, effective treatment for metastatic melanoma remains challenging with limited success and severe adverse effects. This study explored the potential of a sulfated fucoidan called Fucan A, obtained from brown seaweed, as an antimelanoma drug. Fucan A showed selective antiproliferative effects on melanoma cells, reduced colony formation and invasive capacity, and modulated invasion-related genes. It also reduced in vivo tumor volume and pulmonary metastasis colonization with minimal adverse effects. These findings suggest that Fucan A has potential as a promising antimelanoma drug candidate.