Cyanobacteria are a rich source of multiple classes of linear peptides and lipopeptides. Whilst species growing in all environments produce these compounds, the peptide and lipopeptide composition of marine cyanobacteria have been particularly well reported [28]. Therefore, this review has a greater emphasis on linear peptides and lipopeptides identified in marine cyanobacteria. The marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula has been particularly well studied and has yielded a wealth of bioactive structurally diverse secondary metabolites. Whilst our review emphasises the identification of marine cyanobacterial compounds, similar compounds are also produced by freshwater and terrestrial cyanobacterial species, and these are also discussed where relevant in the following sections.

Tumonoic acid and its derivatives are some of the most abundant linear peptides in many cyanobacteria. Three tumonoic acids (A–C) were initially identified in the marine cyanobacterial species Lyngbya majuscula and Schizothrix calcicola in 1999 [29]. Since that time, tumonic acid D (Figure 2a), tumonic acid E (Figure 2b), tumonic acid F (Figure 2c), tumonic acid G (Figure 2d), tumonic acid H (Figure 2e) and tumonic acid I (Figure 2f) were identified in Blennothrix cantharidomum [30]. Because the tumonoic acids share structural characteristics with homoserine lactones (which function as bacterial signalling molecules), the authors of that study tested their ability to inhibit quorum sensing in Vibrio harveyi. Inhibitory activity was reported for all of the tumonoic acids, although tumonoic acid F was particularly potent, with an IC₅₀ of 62 μM. That study also reported that tumonoic acid I had noteworthy antimalarial activity (IC₅₀ = 2 μM). Subsequently, the tumonoic acid derivative ethyl tumonoate A (Figure 2g) was identified in Oscillatoria margaritefera and shown to have anti-inflammatory activity against RAW264.7 murine macrophages in a nitric oxide inhibition assay (IC₅₀ = 9.8 μM) [31]. Besarhanamide A (Figure 2h) and besarhanamide B (Figure 2i) were also isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts and their structures were reported [32]. The therapeutic potential of the besarhanamides remain to be rigorously explored, although the authors of that study reported that they had moderate toxicity in an Artemia nauplii lethality assay.

In another study, grenadamide B (Figure 2j) and grenadamide C were isolated from lipophilic Lyngbya majuscula extracts [33]. Both compounds have planar fatty acid amide structures. Grenadamide C (Figure 2k) was determined to have a substituted vinyl chloride group. The same study also reported that both of these compounds have weak insecticidal properties against armyworms, with mortality rates 38–50% at 1 mg/mL. Other biological activities remain relatively unexplored for these compounds and further studies are required.

Lipopeptides of the malyngamide class are also common across multiple cyanobacteria of the genus Lyngbya. Indeed, more than 30 malyngamide class lipopeptides have been reported in multiple cyanobacterial species, with the majority of these identified in Lyngbya majuscula [34,35]. Whilst these compounds vary considerably, all contain a 7S-methoxytetradec-4(E)-enoic acid (commonly known as lyngbic fatty acid; Figure 3a) chain, or a lyngbic acid derivative. Several of the malyngamides have been reported to have noteworthy bioactivities. In particular, the malyngamide stereoisomers 8-epi-malyngamide C (Figure 3b) and 8-O-acetyl-8-epi-malyngamide C (Figure 3c) are strongly cytotoxic against NCI-H460, Neuro-2a and HT29 cells, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3.1 to 23.9 μM [34,35]. Additionally, 8-epi-malyngamide C also inhibits bacterial quorum sensing in transformed Escherichia coli [35]. Isomalyngamide K (Figure 3d) was isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts in another study, although no bioactivities were reported for this compound [36] and further studies are required to evaluate its therapeutic potential.

Another study isolated malyngamide 2 (Figure 3e) from Lyngbya sordida and determined that it contains a trihydroxy cyclohexanone ring structure [37]. The authors reported noteworthy nitric oxide inhibitory activity against LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages (IC₅₀ = 8 μM). They also reported that malyngamide 2 had moderate cytotoxic activity against H-460 human lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 8 μM). However, the antimicrobial properties of this compound are yet to be rigorously evaluated. Another study reported the isolation and identification of malyngamide 3 (Figure 3f) from Lyngbya majuscula and reported that it has weak cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 29 μM) and HT-29 colon cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 48 μM) [38]. Additionally, mitsoamide A (Figure 3g) was isolated from a marine cyanobacterium of the Geitlerinema genus and was reported to have several unusual structural features [39]. The structure contains a homolysine, 3,7-dimethoxy-5-methyl-nonanedioic acid and a piperidine moiety, linked by an alanine, isoleucine, N-methyl-isoleucine, phenylalanine and valine peptide. The authors of that study reported that mitsoamide A was cytotoxic to human NCI-H460 lung cells (IC₅₀ = 0.46 μM).

The lipodepsipeptide gallinamide A (Figure 4a) was isolated from Schizithrix spp., although the specific species was not identified [40]. Interestingly, gallinamide A had moderate antiprotozoal activity against Plasmodium falciparum (IC₅₀ = 8.4 μM) and Leishmania donovani (IC₅₀ = 9.3 μM). The same study also reported moderate cytotoxicity against human NCI-H460 lung cancer cells and neuro-2a mouse neuroblastoma cells. A different study isolated and identified the structural isomer symplostatin 4 (Figure 4b) from Symploca spp., although the specific species was not identified [41]. The authors of that study reported that symplostatin 4 had noteworthy cytotoxicity against HT-29 human colon cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 53 μM) and HeLa cervical cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 12 μM) due to its antimitotic activity. Symplostatin 4 disrupted intracellular microtubule formation at 50 μM, and completely depolymerised microtubules at 100 μM. Additionally, the authors also reported that symplostatin 4 and largazole (which was also produced by the Symploca spp. cells) synergised the cytotoxicity of the combination against HT-29 cells, although fractional IC₅₀ values of the combination components were not reported. Largazole functions via a different cytotoxic mechanism, through inhibition of histone deacetylases [42], possibly accounting for these effects.

Dragomabin (Figure 4c) and the dragonamides B (Figure 4d), D (Figure 4e), E (Figure 4f) and C (Figure 4g), as well as the almiramides A (Figure 4h), B (Figure 4i) and C (Figure 4j) and viridamides A (Figure 4k) and B (Figure 4l), are a group of structurally related linear lipopeptides. All contain an eight-carbon polyketide moiety linked to amino acids via amide bonds, with all of these compounds except the viridamides terminating in a primary amide functional group [7]. Dragomabin and dragonamides A and B were isolated from Lyngbya majuscula and screened against a chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain [43]. The authors reported IC₅₀ values between 4.3 and 7.7 μM for all compounds except dragonamide B, which was completely inactive against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain, indicating that the aromatic moiety is required for antimalarial activity. Additionally, the same study also determined the cytotoxicity of these compounds against Vero cells, with IC₅₀ values ≤ 182 μM for all of the tested compounds. Dragonamides C and D were isolated from Lyngbya majuscula and Lyngbya polychroa in another study and reported to have noteworthy inhibitory activity against Leishmania donovani (IC₅₀ = 5.1 μM) [44] and U2OS osteocarcoma cells (IC₅₀ = 56–59 μM).

Almiramides A–C were isolated from Lyngbya majuscula, identified and screened for antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania donovani [44]. The inhibitory activity of almiramides B and C were particularly noteworthy (IC₅₀ values of 2.4 and 1.9 μM, respectively). Another study screened the almiramides against a chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain and reported good antimalarial activity for dramonamide A (IC50 = 7.7 μM) [45]. Another study isolated viridamide A (Figure 4k) and viridamide B (Figure 4l) from the marine cyanobacteria Oscillatoria nigro-viridis and determined that the structures consisted of N-methylated amino acids, hydroxyl acids and a 5-methoxydec-9-ynoic acid moiety [46]. The authors of that study reported noteworthy antiparasitic activity for viridamide A against Leishmania mexicana, Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosoma cruzi (IC₅₀ values 1.1–5.8 μM). Contrastingly, the effects of all of these compounds against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other protozoal pathogens are yet to be rigorously examined.

Grassystatins are linear decadapsipeptides that are potent inhibitors of cathepsin E enzyme [5]. Grassystatins A (Figure 5a), B (Figure 5b) and C (Figure 5c) were isolated and identified from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya conferoides [47]. That study reported that these compounds are potent inhibitors of both cathepsin D (IC₅₀ = 16.9 nM) and E (IC₅₀ = 0.62 nM). As cathepsins D and E are involved in antigen processing via the HHC class II pathway and bioactive protein degradation [48], it is likely that grassystatins may block pathogen activation mechanisms, and thereby modulate the course of multiple infections. Notably, grassystatins have profound effects on the course of viral diseases. By inhibiting cathepsin enzymes, grassystatins block viral attachment glycoprotein activation and therefore inhibit the entry of virus into the target cells, as well as directly inhibiting viral replication [49].

Lyngbyapeptin D (Figure 5a) and three structural analogues (27-deoxylyngbyabellin A, lyngbyabellin J and laingolide B) have been identified in Lyngbya boullonii extracts [50]. That study reported that all of these compounds were moderately cytotoxic towards HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines, and therefore may have potential as cancer therapeutics. Notably, the effects of lyngbyapeptin D and its analogues have yet to be tested against bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral pathogens and substantially more work is required.

The cytotoxic linear peptide bisebromoamide (Figure 6b) was isolated from an unidentified Lyngbya spp. in 2009 [51]. A subsequent study also identified the structural analog norbisebromamide (Figure 6c) [52]. Bisebromoamide is highly cytotoxic against an extensive panel of human cancer cells with an average GI₅₀ value of 40 nM [53]. That study reported that bisebromoamide exerts its anticancer effects via modulation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathways. Another study reported that bisebromoamide also destabilises actin filaments [54]. However, the effects of bisebromoamide and norbisebromoamide are yet to be elucidated.

Cyclic depsipeptides are a diverse group of compounds containing ring structures composed of amino and hydroxyl acid moieties linked by amide and ester bonds. Differences in the ring structure and the nature of the side chains provides substantial diversity in the structure and function of this class of compounds [55].

The epimeric cyclic depsipeptides porpoisamide A (Figure 7a) and porpoisamide B (Figure 7b) were isolated from an unidentified marine Lyngbya spp. cyanobacterium and the structure was elucidated [56]. Both compounds contained alanine, N-methyl-phenylalanine, 2-hydroxy-3-methylpentanoic acid and 3-amino-2-methyl-octanoic acid moieties and differed only in the stereochemistry of the amino acid at C2 of the ring structure. That study reported that both porpoisamides have weak cytotoxic activity against human HCT-116 colorectal (IC₅₀ = 21 μM) and U2OS osteosarcoma cell lines (IC₅₀ = 28 μM).

Hantupeptin A (Figure 7c) and its structural analogues hantupeptin B (Figure 7d) and hantupeptin C (Figure 7e) have been isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts [57]. These compounds each contain a cyclic structure consisting of four amino acids and two hydroxy acid residues, one of which is a PKS-derived 3-hydroxy-2-methyloctynoic acid. The hantupeptins differ only in the nature of a chain extension that occurs at C2 of this residue. Subsequent studies by the same group reported significant cytotoxic activity against MOLT-4 leukaemia and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values between 32 and 3000 nM [58]. Hantupeptin A was particularly potent against MOLT-4 cells (32 nM). However, the potential of these compounds in the treatment and inhibition of pathogenic diseases remains to be examined.

The 19-membered cyclodepsipeptide palmyramide A (Figure 7f) has been reported in Lyngbya majuscula extracts [59]. Its structure was reported to consist of five amino acid moieties, including three valine residues, as well as one residue each of N-methyl-valine and proline. It also contains the three hydroxy acids 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid, lactic acid and 3-phenyllactic acid. The authors of that study tested palmyramide A in sodium channel blocking assays and reported noteworthy inhibition of veratridine and ouabain-induced sodium channel overload, resulting in considerable cytotoxicity in neuro-2a murine neuroblast cells (IC₅₀~17 μM) and in H-460 human lung cancer cells (IC₅₀~40 μM).

The cyclodepsipeptides cocosamide A (Figure 7g) and cocosamide B (Figure 7h) have also been isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts in another study [38]. Both compounds contain two N-methyl-phenylalanine residues, proline, glycine, valine, and either 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-7-octynoic acid or 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-7-octenoic acid. Both compounds were moderately cytotoxic against HT-29 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11 to 39 μM. The effects of these compounds against bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral pathogens remain to be investigated.

Carriebowmide (Figure 8a) was isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts and the structure was determined to consist of a 21-membered cyclic depsipeptide structure, which consists of alanine, N-methyl-leucine, phenylalanine, methionine, N-methyl-phrnylanine and a 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid moiety [60]. It also contains the two rare amino acids 3-amino-2-methyl-hexanoic acid and methionine sulfoxide. Another study reported that carriebowmide is moderately cytotoxic towards human HEK-293 embryonic kidney cells, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 50 μM [33].

Pitiprolamide (Figure 8b) was also identified in Lyngbya majuscula extracts [61]. Its structure was reported to be similar to that of dolastatin, although it contains four proline residues, as well as a valine, dolaphenvaline and 2-hydroxy-isovaleric acid moieties. The authors of that study reported that pitiprolamide was mildly cytotoxic towards human MVC7 breast cancer and HCT116 colorectal cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 33 μM for both). Of further interest, pitiprolamide also showed antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a disc diffusion assay at 50 μg. However, the MIC was not determined, making it impossible to compare with the potency of other compounds tested in other studies. Additionally, the disc diffusion assay was perhaps not the most appropriate assay system to test antibacterial activity of this compound. Pitiprolamide has a molecular mass of 905.54 Da and its size would hinder its diffusion in agar gels, thereby providing falsely low results. Furthermore, dolastatin (which is structurally similar) has low water solubility, also hampering its diffusion in agar. Therefore, liquid-based assay systems may have been more appropriate for testing the antibacterial potency of this compound. Despite that, the reported mycobacterial activity is promising, and future studies should focus on testing pitiprolamide against other pathogens using more appropriate assays.

Another cyclic depsipeptide was isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula and was identified as desmethoxymajusculamide C (Figure 8c) [62]. Notably, desmethoxymajusculamide C has highly potent and selective cytotoxicity, with an IC₅₀ value of 20 nM against human HCT-116 colorectal cells, although it is substantially less potent against other cell lines. The authors of that study determined the HCT-116 cytotoxicity to be mediated through inhibition of microfilament production.

Laxaphycin B2 (Figure 8d) and laxaphycin B3 (Figure 8e) were detected in Annabaena torulosa extracts, albeit in low abundance [63]. Both compounds were reported to have noteworthy anti-proliferative activity towards a panel of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive solid lymphoblastic cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values generally between 1 and 20 μM. Interestingly, these compounds substantially potentiated each other’s anti-proliferative activity when tested in combination, with at least a two-fold increase in potency against all of the cell lines tested. Lynbyacyclamide A (Figure 8f) and lynbyacyclamide B (Figure 8g) are structurally related to the laxaphycins, which were originally isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts [64]. Structurally, they contain 37-member rings consisting of 11 α-amino acids and 1 β-amino acid (β-amino-decanoic acid). Similar to laxaphycin B2 and laxaphycin B3, the lynbyacyclamides are strongly cytotoxic, both with IC₅₀ values of 0.7 μM against mouse B16 melanoma cancer cells.

Several recent studies have focused on cyanobacterial compounds for antiprotozoal activity, particularly against malaria-, leishmaniasis- and schistomiasis-causing pathogen species. Several promising compounds have been identified with noteworthy antiprotozoal activities. In particular, ventutramide A (Figure 9a) and ventutramide B (Figure 9b) that were isolated from Oscillatoria spp. are reported to have good antimalarial activity. Ventutramide A was a particularly good inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparium growth, with an IC₅₀ of 8.2 μM [65]. Both compounds also inhibited Trypanasoma cruzi and Leishmania donovani, albeit with substantially higher IC₅₀ values. The ventutramides are structurally unusual, containing two thiazole and one methyl-oxazole ring moieties, which may contribute to the antiprotozoal activity of these compounds. The effects of these compounds on non-protozoal pathogens have been less extensively examined and substantially more work is required to determine the therapeutic potential of these molecules.

Largazole (Figure 9c) was initially isolated from marine cyanobacteria of the genus Symploca in 2008 [42]. This compound has attracted substantial interest since that time as it is a potent class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. As HDACs regulate HIV latency [66], largazole has potential as an anti-retroviral therapy for use in HIV-AIDS. Additionally, the HDAC inhibitory activity of largazole also makes it a promising target for anticancer drug development. Notably, largazole (as well as its analogues) has anti-proliferative activity towards the NCI 60 panel of human cancer cell lines [67]. Further studies demonstrated that largazole also has cytostatic effects in a human HCT116 xenograft mouse model via stimulation of histone hyperacetylation, as well cytotoxic effects by inducing apoptosis [67]. Notably, these compounds are yet to be tested for anti-infective properties against pathogens of interest to human health.

Lyngbyabellins are a group of cyclic lipopeptides that are characterised by the presence of thiazole/thaizoline moieties and dichlorination of a polyketide moiety. The structural lyngbyabellin analogues 27-deoxylyngbyaybellin A (Figure 9d) and lyngbyabellin J (Figure 9e) were isolated and characterised from Lyngbya bouillonii extracts and tested for cytotoxic activity against human HT29 colorectal and HeLa cervical carcinoma cell lines [50]. Whilst both compounds displayed good cytotoxic activity, 27-deoxylyngbyaybellin A was particularly potent, with IC₅₀ values of 12 and 7.3 nM against the HT29 and HeLa cells, respectively. Lyngbyabellin J also had noteworthy activity, albeit with significantly higher IC₅₀ values (54 and 41 nM, respectively).

Multiple members of the apratoxin class of compounds have also been identified in cyanobacteria. These compounds have cyclic structures that contain a thiazoline unit, as well as an extensive polyketide moiety. Apratoxin A (Figure 10a) was reported over twenty years ago in the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula [68]. Since that time, apratoxin D (Figure 10b), apratoxin E (Figure 10c) and apratoxin G (Figure 10d) have also been isolated from Lyngbya majuscula, as well as from Lyngbya sordida [69]. Apratoxin D was reported to have potent cytotoxic activity against human H-460 lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 2.6 nM) [69]. Apratoxin E also has potent cytotoxicity against HT29, HeLa and U2OS cell lines (IC₅₀s of 21, 72 and 59 nM, respectively) [70]. Similarly, apratoxin G was cytotoxic to human H-460 cells (IC₅₀ = 14 nM) [71]. However, these compounds are yet to be rigorously tested against pathogens.

Grassypeptolide A (Figure 11a) and grassypeptolide B (Figure 11b) were isolated and characterised from Lyngbya confervoides [72,73]. The authors of those studies also screened these compounds and reported noteworthy cytotoxic activity for grassypeptolide A against human U2OS osteosarcoma, HeLa cervical cancer, HT29 colorectal and IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells, with IC₅₀ values of 2.2, 1, 1.5 and 4.2 μM, respectively [72]. Subsequent studies demonstrated that grassypeptolides A and C inhibit cell cycle progression at G1 phase in low concentrations, and also at the G2/M phase when tested at higher concentrations [73]. More recently, grassypeptolide D (Figure 11c), grassypeptolide F (Figure 11d) and grassypeptolide G (Figure 11e) were isolated from the marine cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya spp. and Lyngbya majuscula and tested for cytotoxicity [74,75]. Grassypeptolides D and E were particularly cytotoxic against HeLa (IC₅₀ = 335 and 192 nM, respectively) and mouse neuro-2a-blastoma cells (IC₅₀ = 599 and 407 nM, respectively) [74]. In contrast, grassypeptolides F and G were only moderate inhibitors of transcription factor AP-1 (IC₅₀ = 5.2 and 6 μM, respectively) [75].

The hoiamides are a class of cyclic depsipeptides that have been isolated from several filamentous marine cyanobacteria, including Lyngbya majuscula and Phormidium gracile [76]. Hoiamide A (Figure 11g) contains an extended isoleucine moiety, two methylated thiazoles, a thiazole moiety and a highly methylated and oxygenated polyketide group [76]. The same study also reported that hoiamide A is a potent inhibitor of [3H]-batrachotoxin binding to voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and therefore increases sodium influx in neural cells (IC₅₀ = 93 nM; EC₅₀ = 2.3 μM). A subsequent study isolated and identified hoiamide B (Figure 11h) and hoiamide C (Figure 11i) from other marine cyanobacteria [77]. Notably, that study reported that hoiamide B also promotes sodium influx into neocortical neural cells (EC₅₀ = 3.9 μM)

Lariat-type cyclic depsipeptides are a class of compounds with a wide range of ring sizes and tail lengths. What they all have in common is that they contain non-peptide polyketide regions within their structures [78]. Many of these compounds have relatively low polarity and therefore have good membrane permeability, allowing them to affect intracellular targets. Additionally, many compounds of this class have good serine protease inhibitory activity. The lyngbyastatins are one such class of molecules with noteworthy biological properties. Cyanobacterial-derived lynbyastatins include lynbyastatin 7 (Figure 12a), bouillomide A (Figure 12b), bouillomide B (Figure 12c), kempopeptin A (Figure 12d), kempopeptin B (Figure 12e), molassamide (Figure 12f), symplocamide A (Figure 12g), pompanopeptin A (Figure 12h) and pompanopeptin B (Figure 12i). As serine proteases are involved in multiple important processes in human health, including immunological responses and blood clotting, compounds that modulate serine protease activities may have profound effects on inflammation, cancer, cardiac health, etc.

Lynbyastatin 7 was originally isolated and characterised from Lyngbya confervoides [79]. The authors of that study also reported strong elastase inhibitory activity for lynbyastatin 7 (IC₅₀ = 8.3 nM), as well as similar activity for the structural analogues lynbyastatins 5 and 6. In another study, bouillomide A and bouillomide B were isolated from Lyngbya bouillonii and their structures were elucidated [80]. These compounds were reported to be selective inhibitors of serine proteases, with substantial inhibitory effects against elastase (IC₅₀ = 1.2 μM for both compounds) and chymotrypsin (IC₅₀ values of 2.6 and 0.32 μM for bouillomides A and B, respectively). Notably, their inhibitory activity was substantially lower against the other serine proteases tested.

Kemopopetins A and B were isolated from an unidentified marine cyanobacterium of the genus Lyngbya in 2008 [81]. These compounds were noteworthy inhibitors of elastase and chymotrypsin activity, although kemopopetin A had the most potent inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ values of 0.32 and 2.6 μM against elastase and chymotrypsin, respectively). In a different study, molassamide was isolated from the cyanobacterium Dichothrix utahensis, making it the first natural product identified in any species from the genus Dichothrix [82]. Molassamide was also a good inhibitor of elastase and chymotrypsin activity (IC₅₀ values of 32 and 234 nM, respectively).

In another study, symplocamide A was identified in an unidentified marine bacterium of the Symploca genus [83]. The structure was unusual amongst this class of compounds as it contained citrilline and N,O-dimethyl-bromo-tyrosine residues within the cyclic backbone structure. The authors of that study reported that symplocamide A was a good inhibitor of chymotrypsin and trypsin protease activity (IC₅₀ = 0.38 and 80.2 μM, respectively). Additionally, this compound had potent cytotoxicity towards NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 40 nM) and murine neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells (IC₅₀ = 29 nM). Symplocamide A was also a noteworthy inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum growth (IC₅₀ = 950 nM).

Pompanopeptins A (Figure 12h) and B (Figure 12i) were isolated and characterised from Lyngbya confervoides [84]. Despite their similar names, these compounds are not structurally related, due to the presence of a N-methyl-2-amino-6-(4′-hydroxy-phenyl) hexanoic acid moiety in the cyclic backbone of pompanopeptin B. Pompanopeptin A (but not pompanopeptin B) was determined to be a selective inhibitor of trypsin, with an IC₅₀ of 2.4 μM. Notably, with the exception of the antiprotozoal activities of some compounds discussed above, the anti-pathogenic properties of all lyngbyastatins have been largely neglected and substantially more work is required to understand their therapeutic potential.

Further lariat-type cyclic depsipeptides have been isolated from Lyngbya confervoides. In particular, the structural analogues tiglicamide A (Figure 13a), tiglicamide B (Figure 13b), tiglicamide C (Figure 13c), largamide A (Figure 13d), largamide B (Figure 13e) and largamide C (Figure 13f) were identified and their structures were determined to differ by a single amino acid residue in the cyclic backbone [85]. The authors reported that these compounds were moderate inhibitors of elastase activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.53 to 7.3 μM.

Another study reported the isolation and characterisation of coibamide A (Figure 13g) [86]. The authors reported that the compound was highly N-methylated, with eight of the eleven amino acids in the macrocyclic group containing N-methyl moieties. Interestingly, coibamide A displayed potent cytotoxicity against human NCI-H460 lung cancer cells and murine neuro-2a cells (LC₅₀ values < 23 nM against both cell lines). Additionally, coibamide A was screened against the 60 human cancer cell lines of the NCI panel, and the authors reported substantial toxicity against MDA-MB-231 (IC₅₀ = 2.8 nM), LOX IMVI (IC₅₀ = 7.4 nM), HL-60(TB) (IC₅₀ = 7.4 nM) and SNB-75 cells (IC₅₀ = 7.6 nM) [86].

Itralamide A (Figure 13h) and itralamide B (Figure 13i) were isolated from Lyngbya majuscula and their structures were reported [33]. Interestingly, both compounds contained a branched chlorinated group (4,4-dichloro-3-methylbutanoic acid) linked to N-methyl-threonine. The itralamides are both toxic, although itralamide B was particularly toxic towards human HEK-293 embryonic kidney cells (IC₅₀ = 6 μM).

Laingolide B (Figure 14a) was isolated from the marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya bouillonii and structurally characterised [50]. Unfortunately, this compound is highly labile and biological activity testing was not undertaken in that study. Palmyrolide (Figure 14b) contains a similar cyclic structure, with extensive polyketone groups, and was isolated from mixed cyanobacterial cultures rich in Oscillatoria spp. [87]. Interestingly, palmyrolide A was a moderate inhibitor of calcium influx in cerebrocortical neurons (IC₅₀ = 3.7 μM) via blocking of sodium channels (IC₅₀ = 5.2 μM). In another study, alotamide A (Figure 14c) was isolated from Lyngbya bouillonii and it was determined to consist of a macrocyclic structure containing seven acetate units, as well as N-methylvaline, a thiazoline moiety and a proline, linked by a polyketide group [88]. Interestingly, alotamide A was reported to activate calcium influx in cerebrocortical neurons (IC₅₀ = 4.2 μM).

A related class of compounds (lagunamides) were also isolated from Lyngbya majuscula extracts and their structures were elucidated [89]. The authors of that study reported that both lagunamide A (Figure 14d) and langunamide B (Figure 14e) were strongly cytotoxic towards murine P338 leukaemia cells (IC₅₀ values of 6.4 and 20.5 nM, respectively). These compounds also had significant antimalarial potential, with IC₅₀ values of 0.2 and 0.9 μM against Plasmodium falciparium. Additionally, lagunamide A and lagunamide B had substantial anti-swarming activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, although IC₅₀ values were not reported in that study, making comparisons difficult. Despite this wide range of promising bioactivities, most pathogens of human importance are yet to be tested using these compounds.

Malevamide E (Figure 14f) is a structural analogue of dolastatin that was isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca laete-viridis [90]. This compound is a noteworthy inhibitor of calcium entry into immortalised human HEK embryonic kidney cells treated with thapsigargin. However, the mechanism of inhibition was not reported.