Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence

Mar Drugs. 2023 Dec 20;22(1):6. doi: 10.3390/md22010006.

Abstract

The study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates' innate immunity.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; bioactive molecules; innate immunity; marine invertebrate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquatic Organisms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biological Products*
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Humans
  • Urochordata*

Substances

  • Biological Products

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.