Researchers from the University of Warwick and the John Innes Centre have found that a molecule produced by Streptomyces, commonly found in soil and ponds, is able to kill cancer cells. The molecule, called rapamycin, has anticancer properties that have not been fully explored until now. Rapamycin works by inhibiting a protein called mTOR, which is involved in the growth and division of cells. By inhibiting mTOR, rapamycin can prevent cancer cells from dividing, causing them to die. Further studies are planned to explore the potential of rapamycin as a cancer treatment, including testing on a range of different cancer types to see how effective it is and whether it has any side effects that need to be taken into account.
New Study Finds Pond Bacteria Effective in Fighting Cancer
A new study published in the journal Nature Communications has found that a type of bacteria commonly found in ponds could be an effective weapon in the fight against cancer. The bacterium, known as Streptomyces, produces a molecule that can kill cancer cells, the study shows.
What is Streptomyces?
Streptomyces is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. It produces a number of useful molecules, including antibiotics and anticancer agents. The bacterium has been the subject of much research in recent years, as scientists have been interested in its potential as a source of new drugs.
What did the study find?
The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Warwick and the John Innes Centre, found that a molecule produced by Streptomyces was able to kill cancer cells in the laboratory. The molecule, which is called rapamycin, has already been approved for use in humans as an immunosuppressant, but its anticancer properties have not been fully explored until now.
How does rapamycin kill cancer cells?
Rapamycin works by inhibiting a protein called mTOR, which is involved in the growth and division of cells. Cancer cells often have overactive mTOR pathways, which allows them to grow and divide uncontrollably. By inhibiting mTOR, rapamycin can prevent cancer cells from dividing, causing them to die.
What are the implications of this discovery?
The discovery of rapamycin’s anticancer properties could have significant implications for cancer treatment. While the molecule has already been approved for use in humans, its use as an anticancer drug would require further testing and clinical trials. However, if it proves to be effective, rapamycin could offer a new, low-cost treatment option for cancer patients.
What are the next steps?
The researchers are planning to conduct further studies to explore the potential of rapamycin as a cancer treatment. They will be testing the molecule on a range of different cancer types to see how effective it is and whether it has any side effects that need to be taken into account.
FAQs
What is rapamycin?
Rapamycin is a molecule produced by Streptomyces bacteria that has been approved for use in humans as an immunosuppressant.
What is mTOR?
mTOR is a protein that is involved in the growth and division of cells. Cancer cells often have overactive mTOR pathways, which allows them to grow and divide uncontrollably.
What are the implications of this discovery?
The discovery of rapamycin’s anticancer properties could have significant implications for cancer treatment. If it proves to be effective, it could offer a new, low-cost treatment option for cancer patients.
What are the next steps?
The researchers are planning to conduct further studies to explore the potential of rapamycin as a cancer treatment. They will be testing the molecule on a range of different cancer types to see how effective it is and whether it has any side effects that need to be taken into account.
