(Photo by Justin Lauria on Unsplash)
NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom — In a remarkable discovery, researchers have uncovered the key behind a traditional Asian medicine’s potential to combat cancer. The compound in question, cordycepin, is produced by a caterpillar fungus and has long been touted for its health benefits, but its precise effects on the body have remained elusive – until now.
The study, published in the journal FEBS Letters, was led by Dr. Cornelia de Moor from the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy. Her team used advanced techniques to analyze the impact of cordycepin on thousands of genes across multiple cell lines. Their findings reveal that this fungal compound works by interrupting the very signals that drive uncontrolled cell growth – a hallmark of cancer.
“We have been researching the effects of Cordycepin on a range of diseases for a number of years and with each step we get closer to understanding how it could be used as an effective treatment,” explains Dr. de Moor in a university release. “One of the exciting things to have been happening is that it has become easier and less expensive to do these very large experiments, so we were able to examine thousands of genes at the same time.”
The researchers discovered that once inside the cell, cordycepin is converted into a molecule that closely resembles the cell’s primary energy carrier, ATP. This cordycepin-based compound then directly interferes with the cell’s growth-promoting pathways, potentially slowing the rapid division seen in cancer cells.
Importantly, this mechanism of action suggests cordycepin derivatives could offer a less damaging alternative to many current cancer treatments, which often take a heavy toll on healthy cells and tissues.
“Our data confirms that cordycepin is a good starting point for novel cancer medicines and explains its beneficial effects,” says Dr. de Moor.
The caterpillar fungus, known as Cordyceps militaris, has long been prized in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for its supposed restorative and invigorating properties. Now, modern science is beginning to unravel the secrets behind this fungus’s medicinal potential.
While much work remains to be done, these findings represent an important step forward in the development of new, more targeted cancer therapies. By harnessing the power of nature’s own compounds, researchers hope to one day provide patients with effective treatments that minimize harmful side-effects. The road ahead may be long, but the promise of this mushroom-derived molecule has renewed hope in the fight against cancer.
Paper Summary
Methodology
The study aimed to see how cordycepin, a compound derived from fungi, affects cell signaling related to growth. Researchers used various cell types, including cancer cell lines, to see how cordycepin influenced pathways known to drive cell growth and survival. They treated cells with cordycepin, sometimes alongside other compounds like pentostatin (to prevent cordycepin’s breakdown), then observed changes in gene expression and protein activity. Techniques like western blotting, RNA sequencing, and cell growth assays helped confirm the effects.
Key Results
Cordycepin slowed down cell growth by disrupting two major signaling pathways, PI3K/mTOR and MEK/ERK. These pathways are crucial for cell division and survival, especially in cancer cells. The compound also reduced the cells’ ability to repair wounds (important in cancer spread) and even shrank tumors in animal models. The effects were more pronounced when paired with pentostatin, indicating that preventing cordycepin breakdown increased its potency.
Study Limitations
The study doesn’t fully explain how cordycepin disrupts the specific pathways, and results may vary depending on cell types. Also, the study primarily used lab-grown cells and a single animal model, which might not fully replicate how cordycepin would work in human patients. There are also questions about potential side effects that weren’t covered.
Discussion & Takeaways
The findings suggest cordycepin could be a valuable tool in cancer treatment, as it targets key pathways that many cancer cells rely on. By blocking multiple growth signals, cordycepin may reduce the chances of drug resistance, which is a major issue with some cancer therapies. Its effectiveness could improve when used alongside other treatments that prevent its breakdown. However, more studies, particularly on humans, are needed to validate these results.
Funding & Disclosures
The study received funding from sources including the University of Nottingham, Versus Arthritis, and other research scholarships. Collaborations involved various institutions, including the University of Dundee and the MRC Toxicology Unit. The study authors disclosed financial support and the contributions of researchers and students who assisted in pilot and supporting experiments.
I wish modern editors would spend more time ensuring that no major grammar errors are present. Before technology “helped” us with spell checking, etc., there would be no large mistakes, especially in titles, like what appears here…
Fungi rule the planet, fungi built the planet, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for fungi. With that aside fungi can’t perform inside our bodies because of our higher temperature(yes, I understand the article is about the chemical the fungi produce, much like penicillin). If fungi ever adapt to a higher temperature environment, not human induced global warming but standard natural global warming, then we are done for, they will reduce us to nothing.
All I can say about Cordyceps is that when taking it I and another person both notices a strange effect where there was a quick period of dizziness popping up out of no where. The other party operated a backhoe. He mentioned nearly going off the edge of a cliff like ditch bank.
“British scientist” is a contradiction in terms. And of course, they “discovered” what has been known for decades.
Nicotine with Lithium carbonate are natural substances that kill cancer cells. It may leave you a little dumber but it may help you survive the cancer.
Lithium will royally mess up your kidneys, thyroid gland and your lungs along with that nicotine. No thanks! – Al John