Researchers have found that a compound called cordycepin, produced by the parasitic Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps fungi that infect and “zombify” caterpillars, can block pathways critical for the growth of some cancers.
The researchers, from the University of Nottingham, built on previous research into the cancer-fighting capabilities of cordycepin. They used advanced scientific techniques to study how cordycepin affects gene expression, cell signaling, and protein production in human cells.
They found that cordycepin is converted into a more active compound called cordycepin triphosphate, which inhibits cell activity and blocks two signaling pathways often hijacked by cancer cells to spread.
The effects of cordycepin triphosphate were found to be fast-acting. While further research is needed to develop cancer treatments, the precision of how it operates could help overcome the damage to healthy tissue caused by many current cancer therapies.
The Cordyceps species have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and compounds from them are inspiring the development of treatments for various conditions, from obesity to blood clots.
The researchers say their findings confirm cordycepin is a promising starting point for new cancer medicines and explain its beneficial effects.
Source: ScienceAlert
