Scientists have managed to engineer from the mold Aspergillus flavus Compounds that defeat leukemia cells – and signal hope for new drugs from nature
A toxic mold once found in the tombs of ancient kings and attributed to the "curse of the pharaohs" is now at the heart of an exciting medical breakthrough. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have succeeded in extracting a drug from the mold. Aspergillus flavus New compounds named Aspirigimycins – Ring-shaped molecules that are lethal to leukemia cells, which compete in their effectiveness with drugs currently approved by the FDA.
By combining lipids (fats) and discovering a key gene in cancer cells, scientists were able to optimize the drug's absorption into cells and disrupt their division process – without harming healthy tissue. The mold that once threatened to become a source of hope.
"The mold that buried scientists is saving lives"
Mold type Aspergillus flavus Considered one of the most dangerous contaminants of crops – but also a prime suspect in the “Curse of Tutankhamun” after several members of the excavation team suddenly died in the tomb in the 20s. Another case occurred in the 70s in Poland, after the tomb of King Casimir IV was opened – ten out of twelve scientists died within weeks. In retrospect, mold spores were found in the tomb.
Now, instead of instilling fear, this mold is producing innovative anti-cancer drugs.
Aspirigimycins belong to the family of RiPPs – ribosomally synthesized peptides that undergo biochemical modifications, which gives them medicinal potency. Lead researcher, Prof. Sherry Gao, notes: "If penicillin came from mold, it's just a sign of what's yet to be discovered in the kingdom of microorganisms."
The researchers isolated four aspirin mycins from the mold. Two of them effectively attacked leukemia cells, while a third variant, enriched with a fat also found in bee royal jelly, successfully competed with conventional drugs. Cytarabine and-Daunorubicin.
Genetic gateway into the cell
Gene identification SLC46A3 It helped explain why aspirimycins manage to penetrate cells. The gene functions as a gate through which substances are released from lysosomes – and it may also be a key for the entry of other drugs from the group of cyclic peptides.
Further testing revealed that the aspirimycins blocked the formation of microtubules in the cell – structures essential for the proper division of cancer cells. The compounds had little effect on healthy cells, including liver, lung and breast cells – a major advantage towards the development of a targeted drug.
"A huge pharmacy right under our noses"
The researchers also found similar gene clusters in other molds—a hint that this is the beginning of a whole field of research that has yet to be mapped. “Most of these compounds are notable for their biological activity,” says Qiuyu Ni, lead author of the paper. "This is a virgin area with tremendous potential."
The next step: animal trials, and hopefully starting human clinical trials in the near future. “Nature gives us the clues – we just need to learn to read them,” concludes Prof. Gao.
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