The ancient fungus of ‘Pharaoh’s Curse’ is promising to kill cancer cells
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A potentially deadly fungus known as “Pharaoh curse fungus” could offer an unexpected path to combat cancer, according to recent investigations.
The scientists at the University of Pennsylvania modified mushroom molecules, which is officially called Aspergillus Flavus, to create a new compound and improve their cancer slaughter properties.
“The fungi gave us penicillin,” said Dr. Xue (Sherry) Gao, an associated professor at UPENN and leader of the study, in a press release. “These results show that there are many more medications derived from natural products.”
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The findings were published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology.
Aspergillus Flavus is found in the leaves and the decomposition compost, as well as in trees, plants and some crops, according to Mayo Clinic.
A sample of Aspergillus Flavus cultivated in Gao’s laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. (Beautiful deer / upenn)
While the fungus does not endanger most healthy people, it can cause respiratory problems for those who have weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications.
Some of the most serious complications of the fungus may include bleeding in lungs and potentially mortal infections in the brain, heart and kidneys, said Mayic Clinic.
History of the ‘curse’
After the archaeologists opened the tomb of King Tut in the 1920s, several members of the excavation team suddenly died, feeding the rumors of a “curse” about those who dared to interfere with the rest of the pharaoh, according to Upenn’s press release.
After the archaeologists opened the tomb of King Tut in the 1920s, the members of the excavation team suddenly died, feeding the rumors of a “curse” about those who disturbed the rest of the pharaoh. (Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage images/getty images)
Decades later, doctors raised the hypothesis that fungal spores, which had been inactive for thousands of years, could have infected the team.
In the 1970s, it happened again, the university declared.
A dozen scientists entered another grave, this time in Poland, and 10 died in a few weeks. It was said that later investigations revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus in the tomb.
Cancer fighting potential
Now, the same fungus linked to the tomb of King Tut could have the ability to combat leukemia in a new form of cancer therapy.
“There are a variety of compounds capable of being produced by fungi,” Gao told News Digital.
These compounds can be toxic to different cells, he said, depending on the “biological management that we can mitigate.”
Cancer could be detected three years before diagnosis with experimental blood analysis.
The study aimed to find a specific type of compound: synthesized peptides ribosomal and post -translationally modified, or “ripps”, within Aspergillus flavus, which was previously demonstrated that it was a good source.
When this compound can enter cancer cells, Gao said, it can stop their growth.
“Cancer cells are divided uncontrollably,” Gao said in liberation. “These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division.”
The first author Qiuyue Nie and co -author Maria Zotova, on the left, purify samples of the fungus in the UPENN laboratory. (Beautiful deer / upenn)
When mixed with human cancer cells, it was discovered that two variants of the molecules within these RIPP had powerful effects against leukemia cells, the researchers found.
Another variant made, as well as two medications approved by the FDA that have been used for decades to treat leukemia (citarabin and daunorubicin).
Potential limitations
Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, MD, a medical oncologist and consultant for Cancer Care-based Cancer in New York, warned that this study, which was carried out in cellular crops, is still in the early stages.
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“It is still far from applicable to use in humans with leukemia,” News Digital told News Digital.
Talking about Ripps, the doctor told News Digital: “What they mean [in the study] It is basically a rare type of bioactive molecule that have isolated from this fungus. “
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There are multiple subtypes of leukemia, designated Troso-Sandoval, including acute and chronic forms.
“A treatment may not work in [another] Type of leukemia, “he said. More tests are needed to determine which subtypes can contain the active molecule.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer. Once the identified compound can enter the cancer cells, it can stop their unofficial growth, the researchers said. (Istock)
The compound explored in the study had little or no effect on breast cancer cells, liver or lung, the researchers said.
This suggests that their disruptive effects only work in certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications.
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Looking towards the future, researchers plan to prove the potential of the fungus in animal models and, ultimately, human essays.
Gao told News Digital that he is “excited about what nature can create and how can benefit our society.”
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The study received the support of the National Health Institutes, the University of Pennsylvania, the Welch Foundation, the Molecular Biophysics Program of the Houston Area, the Texas Cancer Prevention and Cancer Research Institute and the National Science Foundation.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.