Fungus linked to 'Mummy's curse' emerges as cancer treatment
Scientists have discovered that a fungus once blamed for mysterious tomb deaths, Aspergillus flavus, actually makes molecules that could treat leukemia—a serious blood cancer.
Their study suggests these natural compounds might lead to safer, more effective therapies.
Researchers pulled out 4 special peptides
Researchers pulled out four special peptides (called asperigimycins) from the fungus.
Two of them already fought leukemia cells well, but when they tweaked one with fatty molecules, it got even better at getting inside leukemia cells.
Modified compound worked just as well as existing FDA-approved drugs
This modified compound worked just as well as existing FDA-approved leukemia drugs but seemed to target only leukemia cells, leaving other cells alone.
That could mean fewer side effects for patients in the future.
Team hopes findings will open up new ways to use
The team is moving toward animal trials and hopes their findings will open up new ways to use natural fungal compounds against cancer.
It's early days, but it's a hopeful step forward for better treatments.