Scientists Discover a Natural Compound That Stops Cancer Progression
Stops Cancer Progression
Scientists Discover a Natural Compound That Stops Cancer Progression
A groundbreaking discovery led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has revealed a natural compound capable of halting a key process involved in the development of certain cancers and demyelinating diseases—conditions that damage the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Discovery
The research, published in the journal Biochemistry, identified a plant-derived flavonoid called sulfuretin as an inhibitor of an enzyme linked to both cancer and multiple sclerosis. The study, conducted on cell models at OHSU, demonstrated that sulfuretin effectively blocks the enzyme’s activity.
The next phase of the research will involve testing the compound on animal models to evaluate its therapeutic potential, effectiveness, and possible side effects in treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like MS.
A Potentially Far-Reaching Treatment
Larry Sherman, a professor in the Department of Neuroscience at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, stated, “We believe this drug could have an impact in many different areas.”
The researchers found that sulfuretin, along with two synthetic compounds tested on live cells, inhibits the activity of a specific enzyme known as hyaluronidase, which naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid. This is significant because when hyaluronic acid is broken down into fragments, it creates two major problems:
1. Prevents Myelin Repair: The breakdown of hyaluronic acid stops oligodendrocytes—cells responsible for producing myelin—from maturing. Myelin is the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers and facilitates electrical signal transmission between neurons. Damage to myelin is associated with multiple sclerosis, strokes, brain injuries, and certain forms of dementia. Additionally, a delay in myelin formation can affect premature babies, potentially leading to brain damage or cerebral palsy.
2. Enables Cancer Cells to Multiply: In tumors, hyaluronidase activity allows cancer cells to proliferate unchecked by normal cellular death mechanisms. Sherman, who is also a professor of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology at OHSU’s School of Medicine, explained, “Now we have an inhibitor that can actually stop this process.”
The new research focuses on inhibiting a specific type of hyaluronidase known as CEMIP (Cell Migration-Inducing Hyaluronan-Binding Protein).
Beyond Cancer and MS
In addition to its role in multiple sclerosis and cancer, CEMIP is implicated in various disorders, including osteoarthritis, skin infections, brain injuries caused by excessive alcohol consumption, and possibly neurodevelopmental disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. The study suggests that sulfuretin may effectively suppress this enzyme’s activity.
Molecular Secrets in Flowers
This discovery is the result of years of meticulous research by undergraduate students at Portland University in the lab of co-author Angela Hoffman, Ph.D., a longtime professor of chemistry who recently retired.
Sherman explained that over the years, her students have been crushing these flowers, extracting their molecules, and testing them to see if any could block hyaluronidase activity. Finally, two years ago, they found a promising compound.”
Graduate student Alec Peters, working in Sherman’s lab at OHSU, discovered that sulfuretin successfully inhibited CEMIP activity in both tumor cell lines and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which are essential for producing myelin.
Hoffman, who retired from Portland University earlier this year after 35 years to lead her convent, began collaborating with Sherman a decade ago. During that time, hundreds of students analyzed dozens of plants at a molecular level, searching for compounds that could neutralize CEMIP.
The recent publication validates the years of dedicated student research.
Hoffman stated, “Guiding students to conduct this kind of research helps them in their careers. This discovery could be beneficial for Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative conditions. As long as the underlying issue involves the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, this could be helpful to people.”
