Page 36 - Green knowledge 2025

Photo: Siri Elise Dybdal
Hunting cancer-inhibiting compounds at sea
Researchers at NIBIO are investigating whether microalgae could become a new source of
medicines against cancer and viruses that can lead to cancer.
Throughout history, nature has been an important
source of new medicines. At NIBIO, scientists have
now turned their attention to the sea, where microal-
gae produce unique chemical compounds to survive
in demanding environments. Extracts from such
microalgae show promising effects against both
cancer cells and virus-related cancer mechanisms,
but the path to an approved medicine is long.
Microalgae exist in great diversity, and species and
strains vary significantly depending on their environ-
ment. This variation makes the microalgae particu-
larly interesting – especially those living under
extreme conditions such as cold temperatures and
high light levels. These conditions can trigger the
production of bioactive compounds with potential
health effects.
involved in cancer development. Head of Depart-
ment Dr Hanne Skomedal says early results indicate
that extracts from microalgae may have effects
against cancer cells and viruses that can lead to
cancer, but it is still unclear which compounds are
responsible and whether the effects can be repro-
duced.
This work is at an early stage. The compounds are
first tested in cell cultures and then, potentially, in
animal studies. The entire process can take more
than ten years. Collaboration with chemists and the
use of advanced analytical methods now make it pos-
sible to identify which compounds are present in the
extracts.
Since 2013, NIBIO has tested microalgal extracts on
various cancer cell lines. The aim is to identify com-
pounds that inhibit cell growth or affect key proteins
Although the likelihood of discovering a new medi-
cine is small, the potential is significant. Microalgae
may contain previously unknown compounds that
could be important for future cancer treatment.
Purpose: Funding: Contact: To identify bioactive compounds in microalgae that can inhibit cancer cells or viruses that can lead
to cancer, with the aim of developing new medicines.
Two projects: The Research Council of Norway and NordForsk
Head of Department/Head of Research Hanne Skomedal, Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health.
Email: hanne.skomedal@nibio.no | Phone: +47 920 10 068.
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