Benzoyloxy-ethyl-carbamic acid: A novel anticancerous secondary metabolite produced by <i>Streptomyces globosus</i> VITLGK011

Abstract

Marine actinomycetes are known to possess novel anticancer compounds. In this study, we screened marine actinomycetes for isolation and identification of possible cytotoxic anticancer secondary metabolites, if there any. Screening of antagonistic actinomycetes isolates from Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi marine soil samples resulted in the selection of VITLGK011. Molecular taxonomic characterization identified the isolate as <i>Streptomyces globosus </i> VITLGK011. Silica gel column chromatographic separation, purification and characterization by spectroscopic studies lead to the identification of a novel secondary metabolite benzoyloxy-ethyl-carbamic acid (BECA) with a molecular weight 209.2 g/mol and molecular formula C₁₀H₁₁NO₄. BECA demonstrated selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cell lines, in particular against MCF-7. The results of <i>in vivo</i> studies in zebrafish model showed that the compound BECA is non-toxic and capable of reducing tumor progression. <i>In silico </i> studies revealed that BECA by inhibiting PARP1 in MCF-7 cells demonstrated its cytotoxic activity, and hence this molecule can be probed further for its usefulness as a cytotoxic agent.