PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say they have discovered a way to modify a deadly fungus — linked to an ancient Egyptian curse — into a drug that can help fight cancer.
In the 1920s, members of archaeologist Howard Carter’s excavation team died one by one after discovering the grave of Egyptian King Tutankhamun, fueling the myth of the “pharaoh’s curse.” According to the legend, anyone who disturbed the king’s tomb would die.
Scientists later discovered that a fungus present in the grave, called Aspergillus flavus, created deadly toxins that were being inhaled by the excavators.
Now, that fungus is the source of a promising new cancer-fighting agent.
Penn associate professor Dr. Sherry Gao said the genetic makeup of the fungus can be altered to help fight cancer by adding a fatty molecule.
“We added a lipid chain into the natural molecule. So that lipid chain actually makes the molecule way more potent or active,” she explained.
Gao found some of the fungus variants were effective against leukemia.
“This is also representing how fascinating enzymes at being able to modify chemicals in a way that’s hard for humans to even design.”
The next step is animal experimentation, with the hope of one day moving to human trials.