From apocalypse rider to savior: Researchers aim to treat cancer using a mind-altering fungus.

Cordycepin, a chemical compound produced by the mushroom Cordyceps militaris, shows significant promise as a potential cancer treatment, according to recent studies. Thus, this fungus from a family known for its unusual ability to turn insects into true zombies may not herald the end of humanity, but rather serve as its salvation from one of the deadliest diseases, as reported by Cosmos.

Commonly referred to as the caterpillar fungus and cited as the cause of the apocalypse in the "The Last of Us" franchise, C. militaris grows on the bodies of insect larvae, forming fruiting bodies that can reach up to 8 centimeters in height. These unique fungal structures have long attracted the attention of researchers, primarily due to their chemical byproducts, including cordycepin, which is extensively studied for its medicinal potential.

A recent study led by Dr. Cornelia de Moor from the University of Nottingham and published in the journal FEBS Letters marks a significant advancement in understanding how cordycepin can function as an anticancer agent. The study's results indicated that cordycepin interrupts hyperactive cell growth signals, which are often associated with their cancerous counterparts. This intervention effectively hinders the proliferation of cancer cells, making cordycepin a promising candidate for the development of new anticancer drugs, according to the authors.

Dr. de Moor emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating: "Our data confirm that cordycepin is a good starting point for new cancer drugs and explain its effective action on the affected organism." Her research also demonstrated that cordycepin is converted within the cell into a compound called cordycepin triphosphate, which likely accounts for its inhibitory effect on cancer cells.

This conversion process provides new insights into how the drug can be optimized for more effective treatment. By focusing on derivatives that stimulate the production of cordycepin triphosphate, researchers believe they can enhance the therapeutic effect of the drug. The data obtained from the study also identify specific genetic markers that reliably respond to cordycepin, which could ultimately allow doctors to more accurately monitor patients' responses to treatment by measuring these genes in blood samples, the scientists suggest.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.