A Scary Caterpillar Fungus May Have Cancer-Fighting Potential

A deadly pest in caterpillars may well help fend off cancer in humans. Scientists in the United Kingdom have found evidence that a parasitic caterpillar fungus contains an important component that could be used to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

It is called mushroom cordyceps militaristsand is a brightly colored relative of the more infamous fungi known to control the minds of its victims. C. militaris It is regularly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and some studies have shown that a particular compound produced by the fungus (cordycepin) has anti-inflammatory and other properties that may make it valuable in treatment. to treat cancers. Researchers at the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy say they now have insight into how cordycepin could be used to attack cancer’s weak points.

The researchers first analyzed how cordycepin changed the activity of thousands of genes in different cell lines. Based on this analysis, they determined that the compound works primarily by blocking pathways that govern cell growth. They also found the specific metabolic byproduct likely responsible for this effect: cordycepin triphosphate. This byproduct is similar to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule, which is the “fuel” that cells use to perform their functions.

findings, It was published Cordycepin or synthetic cousins ​​derived from it could be used to suppress cancer cell growth, researchers suggest in FEBS Letters on Thursday. The techniques they developed to study cordycepin’s activity in cells may be helpful to them and researchers.

“We have been investigating the effects of cordycepine on various diseases for several years, and with each step we are getting closer to understanding how it could be used as an effective treatment,” said study researcher Cornelia de Moor. expression from university. “Our data confirm that cordycepin is a good starting point for new cancer drugs and explain its beneficial effects.”

Researchers say there are more mysteries to be solved about cordycepin; for example, the actual molecules with which it interacts to affect growth in the cell. But the techniques they developed to study cordycepin in cells could help them and other researchers in the future because they were able to identify specific genes that were reliably activated by the compound. According to De Moor, this information will make it easier to measure, for example, the effect of cordycepine on a patient’s blood cells.

Cordycepin derivatives are also currently being tested in human trials as cancer treatments. early promising results. So it may not take long for what seems terrible to emerge. C. militarists To be a blessing to humanity.