Caterpillar Fungus: A Promising Ally in Cancer Treatment
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered how cordycepin, a chemical from the caterpillar fungus Cordyceps militaris, can slow cancer cell growth by interrupting cell growth signals. This finding, published in FEBS Letters, suggests cordycepin could be a promising basis for new cancer treatments, as it targets growth pathways with potentially less harm to healthy tissues. The study highlights cordycepin's conversion to cordycepin triphosphate, which mimics ATP and affects cancer cells, offering insights for future drug development and patient monitoring.