Known for its traditional health benefits, this remarkable fungus may hold the key to slowing cancer progression, according to research.
Researchers have discovered how a compound found in a caterpillar fungus may be able to disrupt the out-of-control cell growth that drives cancer. The findings represent an important step toward developing new, potentially less toxic treatments.The compound, known as cordycepin, is produced by a parasitic fungus called Cordyceps militaris that infects caterpillars. The fungus itself is well known for its medicinal qualities, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine.
Letters, said in a statement.The researchers discovered that once inside cells, cordycepin is converted into a molecule called cordycepin triphosphate. This altered form of the compound is able to directly disrupt the cell's growth-inducing signals, ultimately causing cancer cells to stop dividing.Cordycepin triphosphate was identified as the likely factor influencing cell growth and, thus, the molecule capable of directly targeting cancer cells.
Letters, n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.15046
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