Deadly "Pharaoh's Curse" Fungus Can Help Fight Cancer, New Study Finds
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania said that a deadly fungus can help in fighting cancer. Aspergillus flavus, which has been linked to many deaths during the excavations of ancient tombs, is often called "pharaoh's curse fungus". The latest findings published on June 23 in the journal Nature Chemical Biology revealed that it contains a cancer-killing compound, a development that can provide new strides in cancer treatment.
The researchers isolated a new class of molecules from the fungus and modified the chemicals to test them against leukaemia cells, and were surprised by the result.
The researchers studied many strains of Aspergillus flavus and found that they might contain more of the chemicals.
They purified four different ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and found potent cancer-fighting molecules, which they named asperigimycins.
The asperigimycins showed strong medical potential against leukaemia cells, even with no modification. The researchers discovered that asperigimycins seem to work by disrupting the process of cancer cell division.
"Fungi gave us penicillin," says Sherry Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and in Bioengineering (BE) and senior author of the paper
"These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found," Gao added.
"Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division," added Dr Gao.
"Pharaoh's curse fungus"
In the 1970s, a dozen scientists entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland for excavations. Ten of the researchers lost their lives within only a few weeks. After the probe, it was revealed that the tomb contained the fungus A. flavus.
The fungus grows on cereals, usually kept in the tombs as offerings. Hence, it was also linked to the deaths of people who entered tombs, including Tutankhamun in 1923, as studies later discovered that Aspergillus flavus become active once it gets disturbed; otherwise, it can remain dormant for centuries.
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
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Imagine an ancient curse holding the key to a much-coveted cure! When Tutankhamun's tomb was cracked open in 1922, the world was mesmerized and somewhat terrified. Tales of the 'Pharaoh's Curse' swiftly followed: mysterious illnesses, sudden deaths, and a malevolent ancient hex. But modern science has unearthed a far more compelling explanation: a deadly fungus lurking in those sealed chambers, not dark magic. The lurking menace: Fungi like Aspergillus flavus, which thrive in hermetically sealed, humid environments, were dormant in King Tut's tomb for centuries. Once the tomb was opened, spores could disperse into the air, triggering respiratory infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Indeed, researchers hypothesize that Lord Carnarvon's pneumonia and death may have been tied to invasive aspergillosis acquired shortly after exposure to these ancient molds. But what began as a harrowing cautionary tale has now become a beacon of hope. That very fungal kingdom, once an incidental actor in macabre legends, is now a treasure trove for anticancer compounds. How? A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that the same notorious fungus, Aspergillus flavus (the "pharaoh's curse fungus"), may hold the key to fighting cancer. What does the new discovery say? Despite its dark history, the recent research, published recently in the journal Nature Chemical Biology , reveals that the fungus, Aspergillus flavus, contains a special compound capable of targeting cancer cells – a promising breakthrough in the realm of cancer treatment! The research team isolated a new group of molecules from this fascinating fungus and, after modifying them, tested their effects on leukaemia cells. To their surprise, they found some remarkable results. By exploring various strains of Aspergillus flavus, they uncovered that some might contain even more of these powerful compounds. They managed to purify four different peptides, known as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), which they named asperigimycins. These compounds demonstrated impressive potential against leukaemia cells, even without any modifications. It turns out that asperigimycins work by disrupting the way cancer cells divide – an exciting mechanism that could lead to new treatments! As per Sherry Gao, a key researcher and Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, "Fungi gave us penicillin, and these results show that there are still many more medicines to discover from nature." Dr. Gao added that these compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are crucial for cell division, thus halting the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. From mythological curse to medicinal cure The journey of the Pharaoh's Curse fungus – from deathly spores haunting tombs to life-saving cancer therapies – is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as superstitious fear has, through the lens of science, come full circle to become a source of healing. The narrative arc – from the 'Pharaoh's Curse' mythos to molecular oncology – highlights humanity's evolving relationship with the natural world. It reminds us that nature's mysteries, even the ominous ones, can inspire medical miracles. Fungi that once triggered fear are now seen as a pharmacopeia waiting to be unlocked. As phase II clinical trials for fungal‑derived drugs like NUC‑7738 advance, the science and medical community stand on the brink of novel, eco-friendly cancer therapies. These efforts honor ancient lore while forging a hopeful, evidence-based future. After all, who knew a fungus with such a fierce reputation could also be a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer! Cancer immunotherapy may also treat certain autoimmune diseases, claims study One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
From Pharaoh's curse to cancer cure: Deadly Tutankhamun's tomb fungus may turn out to be a blessing in disguise
A deadly fungus once feared for causing mysterious deaths in ancient tombs may now offer hope in the fight against cancer. Aspergillus flavus , the toxic mould linked to the so-called "curse" of Tutankhamun's tomb, has surprised scientists by producing powerful cancer-fighting compounds . The fungus, known to trigger severe respiratory issues in people with weakened immune systems, was discovered in the sealed tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and the 15th-century Polish King Casimir IV. After the opening of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1923, the sudden deaths of several people involved—including Lord Carnarvon and financier George Jay Gould—fueled rumours of a pharaoh's curse. Later investigations suggested the culprit may have been dormant spores of A. flavus , reactivated after centuries. Now, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that this same fungus produces a new class of cancer-killing molecules called asperigimycins. These compounds, a rare type of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), were found to be highly effective against leukaemia cells. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist: The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo Without any modification, some asperigimycins already showed strong anti-cancer activity. In further experiments, researchers enhanced their potency by adding a molecule found in royal jelly, boosting their effects to match those of well-established chemotherapy drugs like cytarabine and daunorubicin. The scientists believe the asperigimycins work by halting cell division—specifically, by interfering with microtubules that are essential for cancer cells to multiply. Importantly, the study also uncovered the key role of a gene, SLC46A3 , which helps usher the compound into cancer cells. Live Events The breakthrough offers not only a potential new treatment for blood cancers but also a roadmap to discovering more fungal RiPPs. Despite their scarcity in fungi compared to bacteria, these compounds show remarkable promise. As lead researcher Qiuyue Nie puts it: 'This is an unexplored region with tremendous potential.' The findings were published in Nature Chemical Biology .
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Deadly "Pharaoh's Curse" Fungus Can Help Fight Cancer, New Study Finds
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania said that a deadly fungus can help in fighting cancer. Aspergillus flavus, which has been linked to many deaths during the excavations of ancient tombs, is often called "pharaoh's curse fungus". The latest findings published on June 23 in the journal Nature Chemical Biology revealed that it contains a cancer-killing compound, a development that can provide new strides in cancer treatment. The researchers isolated a new class of molecules from the fungus and modified the chemicals to test them against leukaemia cells, and were surprised by the result. The researchers studied many strains of Aspergillus flavus and found that they might contain more of the chemicals. They purified four different ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) and found potent cancer-fighting molecules, which they named asperigimycins. The asperigimycins showed strong medical potential against leukaemia cells, even with no modification. The researchers discovered that asperigimycins seem to work by disrupting the process of cancer cell division. "Fungi gave us penicillin," says Sherry Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and in Bioengineering (BE) and senior author of the paper "These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found," Gao added. "Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division," added Dr Gao. "Pharaoh's curse fungus" In the 1970s, a dozen scientists entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland for excavations. Ten of the researchers lost their lives within only a few weeks. After the probe, it was revealed that the tomb contained the fungus A. flavus. The fungus grows on cereals, usually kept in the tombs as offerings. Hence, it was also linked to the deaths of people who entered tombs, including Tutankhamun in 1923, as studies later discovered that Aspergillus flavus become active once it gets disturbed; otherwise, it can remain dormant for centuries.
