An article published this Monday (23) in the magazine Nature Chemical Biology It brings a new and surprising connection between the famous Pharaoh Tutancâmon and the modern science. According to the study, the fungus Aspergillus flavussuspected of contributing to the deaths of people who opened the tomb of the former king in the Egypt in the 1920s, it can help in developing drugs against leukemia – Type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow.
The mystery around “mummy curse”He began after the Tutancâmon tomb opened about 100 years ago. Several archaeologists and funders died shortly afterwards. Although many people have seen a supernatural punishment, scientists suggested another explanation: the presence of dangerous fungi, such as the A. Flavuswho lives in dark and humid environments, feeding on old grains.
Tutancâmon tomb was just the beginning of a series of mysterious deaths
Similar cases occurred in other excavations, such as Poland in the 1970s, when 10 of the 12 scientists who opened the tomb of King Casimiro IV died within a few weeks. The deaths were attributed to infections caused by the spores of the A. Flavuscapable of attacking human lungs. For decades, experts have discussed whether this fungus was also the villain behind the deaths in Egypt.
Now the fame of this microorganism can change. Researchers believe it is a promising source of new cancer medications, especially leukemia. As the disease kills millions of people a year, finding a new weapon against it would be an important advance.
The authors of the study explain that fungi and bacteria They produce small chains of amino acids called peptides through different cellular processes. A specific type, known as RIPPS (acronym for “ribosomally modified and post-disorder synthesized peptides”), has been widely studied in bacteria, but little explored in fungi. And precisely in these peptides is the potential for new treatments.
In one communicationresearcher Xue Gao of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, recalls that fungi have already given us important medications, such as penicillin. Advisor of the study team, she points out that, because they are organisms that cannot escape predators, the fungi have developed lethal chemical compounds to defend themselves. And this can be used by medicine.
Purifying these substances, however, is no easy task. According to scientist Qiuyue Nie, many peptides have been poorly classified over the years, which made advances in research difficult. Even so, the compounds that were already isolated showed strong action against animal cells, which caught the attention of the researchers. “The synthesis of these compounds is complex,” said Nie. “But that is also what gives them this remarkable bioactivity.”
Good laboratory results do not guarantee success in the human body
The study analyzed 12 types of Aspergillus and pointed out the A. Flavus as the most promising. Scientists have discovered a protein that appears to be responsible for the production of special peptides. Four of these molecules, called aspects, were isolated and two of them showed ability to kill leukemic cells in the laboratory.
A third asrigimicin, which did not work alone, became highly efficient when combined with a royal jelly substance. However, the study authors warn: what works in the laboratory will not always have the same result in humans.
Even so, the team believes that there are still many other asrigimicinas to be discovered. These compounds act by blocking structures called microtubules, essential for cell division, which is vital in combating cancer.
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Nature is allied in the fight against cancer
Another interesting point was the discovery of a new mode of action, involving the SLC46A3 gene, which facilitates the entry of these molecules into the cells. This can pave the way to improve other existing treatments.
Interestingly, the aspects were effective only against leukemia, showing no effect on other cancers. For scientists, this is positive as a more specific medicine has more chances of success and fewer side effects.
Before they reach humans, substances still need to go through animal experiments. But the researchers are optimistic. For Gao, nature remains a great source of inspiration and solutions for modern medicine. “It’s up to us to unravel your secrets,” she said. “As engineers, we are excited to continue exploring, learning from nature and using this knowledge to project better solutions.”
