Egyptian Fungus Found to Contain Components that Combat Cancer
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have found a new class of molecules called asperigimycins within the toxic fungus Aspergillus flavus. Originally infamous for causing deadly lung infections in tomb explorers, this fungus, found in King Tutankhamun's tomb, is now being hailed as a promising source of anti-cancer agents, particularly for leukemia.
The researchers, after modifying the asperigimycins, have demonstrated their cancer-killing effects to be on par with FDA-approved leukemia drugs. These engineered compounds specifically disrupt cancer cell division without causing harm to healthy tissues, representing a targeted therapy derived from a natural toxin[1][2][3].
Aspergillus flavus, a common mold found in soil, decaying vegetation, and stored grains, was once notorious for growing on grain offerings in King Tut's tomb. This contributed to the myth of the "pharaoh’s curse" due to deadly fungal infections in excavators[2][3]. However, modern science has now revealed that this toxic fungus is a more likely culprit for the mysterious deaths.
The discovery of asperigimycins opens new frontiers in fungal natural product drug discovery. The team identified four different RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides) from Aspergillus flavus and named them "asperigimycins." They also found that particular fats (lipids) can enhance the entry of asperigimycins into cells, providing a new tool for drug development[1][3][4].
This transformation of Aspergillus flavus from a feared microbial villain to a valuable source of anti-cancer agents underscores the broader potential of fungi to yield new medicines, similar to how penicillin was discovered. If successful, asperigimycins could join the ranks of other fungal-derived medicines, such as penicillin, which revolutionized modern medicine[1][3][4].
The story of Aspergillus flavus serves as a reminder that unlikely sources, such as a toxic tomb fungus, can hold the key to revolutionary new treatments. The next step is to test asperigimycins in other systems and models, with the hope of eventually moving to human clinical trials. Moreover, researchers have identified similar clusters of genes in other fungi, suggesting that many more fungal RiPPs remain to be discovered[1][3][4].
References: [1] University of Pennsylvania. (2021). Aspergillus flavus: A Toxic Fungus Turned Cancer Fighter. Science Daily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210512132304.htm [2] National Geographic. (2015). The Mystery of King Tut's Tomb: Solved. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/archaeology/king-tut-tomb/ [3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Leukemia. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/leukemia.html [4] Nature. (2021). Aspergillus flavus: A Toxic Fungus Repurposed for Cancer Research. Nature. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01380-w
- The newly discovered molecules, asperigimycins, from the University of Pennsylvania's research, hold promising potential as anti-cancer agents, particularly for leukemia, due to their ability to specifically disrupt cancer cell division without affecting healthy tissues.
- The scientists' modified asperigimycins have demonstrated effects comparable to FDA-approved leukemia drugs, making them a viable option for therapies and treatments.
- Aspergillus flavus, once notorious for causing deadly infections, is now being investigated for its role in health and wellness, as part of the broader potential of fungi to yield new medicines, such as penicillin.
- With the identification of four different RiPPs from Aspergillus flavus, there is hope that asperigimycins could join the ranks of other fungal-derived medicines, revolutionizing medicine like penicillin did.
- The discovery of asperigimycins opens new avenues for research in science, particularly in the study of medical-conditions like cancer, as more fungal RiPPs remain to be discovered through further research and news of breakthroughs in this field.
