Deadly fungus linked to Tutankhamun's alleged 'curse' may offer lifesaving potential
University of Pennsylvania Researchers Discover Potent New Cancer-Killing Compound from Toxic Fungus
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have engineered a powerful new cancer-killing compound from the toxic fungus Aspergillus flavus. The discovery, published in Nature Chemical Biology, could pave the way for the development of new fungal-derived cancer therapies.
The researchers isolated a rare class of molecules called ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) from the fungus and modified them chemically to enhance their potency against leukemia cells. They named this family of compounds "asperigimycins," which form unique interlocking ring structures that likely disrupt cell division in cancer cells.
One modified compound, lipid-modified asperigimycin (asperigimycin 2-L 6), demonstrated potency comparable to FDA-approved leukemia drugs such as cytarabine and daunorubicin. The compound uses a transporter protein (SLC46A3) that is more active in leukemia cells to enter and selectively kill them.
Professor Sherry Gao, the Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, stated that the modification made the compound more effective at entering cancer cells. Gao described nature as an "incredible pharmacy" that needs to be explored to uncover its secrets.
The team plans to create a platform to discover more potentially useful products from fungi, with Gao stating that 95% of fungi may remain unknown to science. Gao's lab focuses on advancing the development of genome-editing tools, disease treatment, diagnostics, and the exploration of novel small-molecule drugs.
Aspergillus flavus produces a type of molecule known as a RiPP. The researchers isolated four RiPPs with a distinctive ring-shaped structure, two of which were highly effective against leukaemia. After entering the cell, Gao believes that the RiPPs prevent cell division.
The research team emphasized that more work is needed to understand how RiPPs target cancer cells and why they are effective against leukaemia but not other types of cancer cells tested.
Aspergillus flavus has a history of causing fatal lung infections, particularly after the opening of King Tutankhamun's tomb in the 1920s and the tomb of a Polish king in the 1970s. However, this study does not mention any new facts about these incidents or the scent of Egyptian mummies.
This discovery not only shows the potential to develop new fungal-derived cancer therapies but also highlights an unexplored reservoir of bioactive fungal natural products. The research team hopes that this study will inspire further exploration of the potential of fungi in cancer treatment.
- The new cancer-killing compound, asperigimycin, discovered by University of Pennsylvania researchers, could lead to the creation of new fungal-derived cancer therapies in the future.
- The modification on the compound asperigimycin 2-L 6 made it more effective at entering cancer cells, a discovery that emphasizes the importance of understanding and exploring nature's pharmaceutical potential.
- The team aims to create a platform to discover more potentially useful products from fungi, as it is estimated that 95% of fungi remain unknown to science.
- The research highlights an unexplored reservoir of bioactive fungal natural products, suggesting that fungi could play a significant role in the development of new cancer treatments.
- Despite the potential health-and-wellness benefits of fungi, it's important to note that certain species, like Aspergillus flavus, can cause fatal infections such as those traced back to the opening of King Tutankhamun's tomb in the 1920s and the tomb of a Polish king in the 1970s.
