Fungus blamed for mysterious deaths of archaeologists is unexpectedly a cure for leukaemia

It was once blamed for the mysterious deaths of archaeologists, but now it claims to be the saviour of mankind. We're talking about Aspergillus flavus, the same mushroom that was allegedly behind the "curse" of Tutankhamun's tomb and the Polish King Casimir IV. Today, it has unexpectedly taken the side of good - it is used to fight leukaemia.

What is known

In the 1920s, after the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb, several members of the expedition died suddenly. A similar story happened in the 1970s - 10 out of 12 scientists who were exploring the tomb of Casimir IV died. Aspergillus flavus, a fungus that produces toxic spores, was suspected.

But scientists from the University of Pennsylvania decided to look at it from a different angle. The researchers found a new class of molecules in the fungus - RiPPs (ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides), which have already shown to be effective in fighting cancer cells.

These molecules are real biochemical designers: first, they are assembled by the ribosome, and then special enzymes add the finishing touches. It is these modifications that give the compounds their unique properties.

The team of researchers discovered four new molecules called asperigimycins. Two of them successfully destroyed leukaemia cells without any additional modifications. And another molecule in combination with lipids (fatty molecules) showed efficacy comparable to cytarabine and daunorubicin, long-approved FDA leukaemia drugs.

Interestingly, these compounds had almost no effect on breast, liver or lung cancer cells, as well as on bacteria and fungi. That is, it is a very selective action - something that pharmaceuticals have been dreaming of for years.

According to Qiuyue Nie, one of the authors of the study, the key discovery was the identification of a gene that works as a "gate" - it helps aspergillicins to enter cells. But when this gene was switched off, the molecules lost their power.

Animal trials are ahead. But it's already clear: these gloomy fungi could be the source of a whole new category of drugs.

Source: Gizmodo