Biologists have found a natural anti-cancer substance in a parasitic fungus.
An interesting discovery was made by scientists from the University of Nottingham (UK).
Researchers have discovered a substance in the Cordyceps militaris mushroom that could form the basis of a revolutionary anti-cancer drug, according to an article in the scientific journal FEBS Letters .
C. militaris parasitizes caterpillars and produces cordycepin.
Experiments have been conducted with this substance in the past, showing promising results. But there is still no clear understanding of how exactly it works.
In a new study, scientists filled this gap. They used cordycepin against tumor cells.
Once inside the cell, the substance is transformed into cordycepin triphosphate and interrupts the cell growth signal.
A new study has found that the parasitic fungus Cordyceps could be a source of raw material for a cutting-edge anti-cancer drug.
Scientists plan to continue research in this direction.
