In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified a unique sugar molecule found in deep-sea bacteria that exhibits the ability to selectively destroy cancer cells. Preliminary studies reveal that this compound targets malignant cells, breaking down their energy production pathways and leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
According to ScienceDaily, the compound, called EPS3.9, causes a fiery form of cell death in cancer cells causing them to self-destruct in a process called pyroptosis. It also activates the immune cells to fight back during lab tests and in mice with liver cancer.
This discovery could pave the way for new and less invasive ways to treat cancer based on sugars from marine organisms. The research, published in The FASEB Journal, reveals how EPS3.9 targeted human leukemia cells and had significant anti-tumor effects in mice with Iiver cancer.
"Our work not only provides a theoretical basis for developing more carbohydrate-based drugs but also highlights the importance of exploring marine microbial resources," said corresponding author Chaomin Sun, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Pyroptosis acts as a double whammy in targeting cancer cells because it not only destroys them directly, but also rallies the immune system in the fight against cancer.
According to Drug Target Review, EPS3.9 is still in its early stages of research and scientists will need to monitor its safety profile and find the best ways to effectively deliver the treatment. Researchers are hopeful that this breakthrough could pave the way for new, less toxic cancer treatments in the near future.
Lynn C. Allison ✉
Lynn C. Allison, a Newsmax health reporter, is an award-winning medical journalist and author of more than 30 self-help books.