Bioactive Metabolites from Marine Invertebrates and Their Associated Microorganisms: Structural Diversity, Biosynthetic Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential

Marine invertebrates, including sponges, corals, tunicates, and mollusks, and their associated microorganisms, such as actinomycetes and fungi, are important sources of structurally diverse natural products. Their chemical interactions, shaped by marine environmental conditions and close host–microbe relationships, can produce metabolites with distinctive carbon skeletons, stereochemistries, and biological activities. These compounds include terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids, peptides, and macrolides with reported or potential antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.This collection aims to deepen understanding of the chemical ecology and biosynthetic strategies underlying metabolite production by marine invertebrates and their associated microorganisms. We welcome studies of the molecular, cellular, and enzymatic mechanisms involved in biosynthesis, including genome-guided discovery and the role of host–microbe interactions. The collection will also examine pharmacological mechanisms of action and practical routes toward the sustainable discovery, development, and production of marine invertebrate-derived compounds.To advance understanding of bioactive metabolites from marine invertebrates and their associated microorganisms, we welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Discovery and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites produced by marine invertebrates and their associated microorganisms, including actinomycetes and fungi.- Biosynthetic pathways and chemical ecology, including genome mining of biosynthetic gene clusters, host–microbe interactions, symbiosis, and environmental drivers of metabolite production.- Pharmacological evaluation and mechanisms of action, including molecular targets relevant to oncology, infectious disease, inflammation, and neuroprotection.- Sustainable production and biotechnological development of invertebrate-derived compounds, including microbial fermentation, metabolic engineering, and semi-synthesis.We welcome original research papers, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives focused on the chemistry, biosynthesis, biological activity, and sustainable development of marine invertebrate-derived metabolites. Topic editors: Chengqian Pan, Filomena Conforti, Yin Chen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86349/bioactive-metabolites-from-marine-invertebrates-and-their-associated-microorganisms-structural-diversity-biosynthetic-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-potential