Mini Review of Modified Aquatic Antimicrobial Peptides with Anticancer Properties.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Studies on Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have shown their potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce cancer cell death. These discoveries raise the question of whether such anticancer properties can be enhanced using peptide modification methods. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether modifications to AMPs derived from aquatic sources can enhance their anticancer properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of studies published from 2014 to 2024 was conducted using Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases, with keywords and Boolean operators. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reported methods of modification in these studies included peptide modifications, nanoencapsulation, and amino acid sequence scrambling. Among these studies, most reported increased stability, selectivity, and cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, while also reducing cytotoxicity towards normal human tissues. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that peptide modification may improve anticancer activity by enhancing peptide stability, cellular uptake, delivery efficiency, and cancer-cell selectivity. However, the included studies varied in peptide sequence, modification method, cancer cell model, and evaluation indicators; therefore, the findings should be interpreted as potential evidence rather than definitive proof. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of peptide modifications in enhancing anticancer activity, underscoring the need for further research to optimize cancer treatment strategies.