A compound found in a parasitic fungus that commonly paralyzes and kills caterpillars has been shown to block pathways critical for the growth of some cancers.

A compound found in a parasitic fungus that commonly paralyzes and kills caterpillars has been shown to block pathways critical for the growth of some cancers.

The researchers found cordycepin triphosphate blocks two separate signaling pathways often hijacked by cancer cells to assist their spread throughout the human body. Although it’s not clear yet which molecules cordycepin triphosphate is targeting the team did find that the chemical appeared to be working quickly.

Source:

Cordycepin generally inhibits growth factor signal transduction in a systems pharmacology study

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1873-3468.15046