Marine Amino Acids

Dear Colleagues,

Amino acids play essential roles in organisms. Proteinogenic amino acids are used by all life forms as the building blocks for the synthesis of proteins. Through evolution, organisms have evolved to use amino acids, both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic, in different ways. In this regard, the use of a wide arrange of chemically diverse amino acids for the synthesis of secondary metabolites through the activity of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) is very relevant.

Other amino acids are precursors of important cellular products, both secreted to the environment or as intracellular products. For instance, L-tyrosine can be a substrate for the synthesis of melanin pigments, which are widely-distributed protective pigments. Melanins are polymeric, while, on the other hand, mycosporin-like amino acids are soluble intracellular compounds that also play UV protective and antioxidant roles. Amino acids are also the substrates of a wide variety of enzymes in many different routes. Different organisms can use amino acid oxidases to generate hydrogen peroxide from amino acids. This compound shows antimicrobial activity and is also an irritant that can be used by the sea hare to escape from predators.

This Special Issue "Marine Amino Acids" in Marine Drugs aims to cover different aspects related to amino acid utilization and metabolism in sea waters. Amino acids originated from organisms can be detected as part of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in oceans. A better knowledge of their origins, cycling and metabolism will help to understand their products.

From a biotechnological point of view, it is interesting to know the synthesis of amino acids in marine organisms, in terms of using them as a source for these metabolites. For example, brown algae, among many other marine organisms, are considered a source of these compounds for its use a precursor in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a food and feed supplement. An example of this application is the synthesis and production of taurine. Amino acids are also precursors of many important marine secondary metabolites, which will be also covered in this Special Issue.

Prof. Antonio Sanchez-Amat
Prof. Patricia Lucas-Elio
Guest Editors

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• Amino acid

• Marine compounds

• Secondary metabolites

• Antimicrobial

• Survival

• Mycosporin-like

• Taurine

• Marine biotechnology