In the year 1920, there were many workers in the digging team that discovered the grave of King Tutankhamun with prematurely died. Five decades later, 10 scientists from 12 people died after entering tomb Of King Poland in the 15th century Casimir IV– In both cases, researchers show that the spores of the fungus can play role In especially mysterious death Identification Fungus Aspergillus Flavus Within Poland's burial
A. Flavus Now coming back But not a killer who woke up from ancient Toms, but instead of a surprisingly effective fighting cancer By changing the newly specified molecules found in the fungus, researchers have created effective compounds for leukemia cells as a drug that has been certified by FDA.
The molecules that are the center of these anti -cancer properties are called synthetic peptides. RippsIs a variety of natural molecules that are assembled by Ribosome (Which made protein) and edited later by enzymes They conduct different biological activities, which are well -known for its anti -economy. feature–
To date, the researchers have specified only a few ripps in the fungus – which is less than a thousand previously discovered in bacteria. Part of the problem is that scientists do not understand how the fungus creates Ripps.
“These synthesis of these compounds is complicated,” Qiuyue, a doctorate after the Penichelvani University of Chemical and Biomoleva. statement– “But that is something that gives them this impressive biological effect.”
Genetic analysis points out that only A. Flavus The protein may be a source of Ripps fungus. Of course, when she was not, her colleagues closed the jeans responsible for the protein. Ripps's chemical marketing also disappeared. With this method, the team discovered four different. A. Flavus Ripps with the previous unused structure of the coordinated ring After these innocent Ripps, they named asperigimycins Two of the four unique molecules work well with human blood cells without further adjustment.
When mixed with fat (Full molecules) separate RIPPS The same variable as Cytarabine and Daunorubicin, both of which have been approved by white blood cells for a long time. To check the properties of this fat increase, the researchers go back to the gain and next. In this way, they specify genes related to the process that helps asperigimycins Enough in cancer cells
“This gene acts like a gateway” did not say the first author of the study published on Monday in Natural Chemical Biology– “It doesn't help asperigimycins Enter the cell only But also helps Other 'Peptide' can do the same. “Peptide circuit is other chemicals that have the ability to be known. “Knowing that the fat can affect the genes transporting chemicals into the cells, allowing us to have another tool for the development of drugs.” Not added.
The researchers also discovered that asperigimycins May obstruct the process of cell division – which is good news for cancer treatment because cancer consists of cell division that cannot be controlled. In addition, the compound also affects only a small amount of liver or lung cancer cells that do not include many bacteria and fungi. Although this may sound negative But the impact of Asperigimycins That may occur, may be an important characteristic for future drugs Move forward. The researchers are committed to testing. asperigimycins In animal experiments
Recently, checking the trend of new cancer But also paved the way for future research about drugs
“Nature has given us a remarkable drugstore to us.” Cherry Gao, the senior author of the education and the professor is still in the Department of Chemistry and Biological Scimal Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania. “It depends on us to reveal its secret.”