A study recently published by scientists at the College of Charleston has discovered a novel exopolysaccharide, EPS3.9, formed by the marine bacterial strain Spongiibacter nanhainus CSC3.9. This compound shows remarkable anti-tumor efficacy, most notably in mice suffering from liver cancer. According to a study published in The FASEB Journal, EPS3.9 has a unique mechanism of action. It shows that EPS3.9 is capable of inducing pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that specifically targets and destroys cancer cells.
EPS3.9 is dominant in the bacterial cosmopolitan genus Spongiibacter. This suggests that this unique compound might be a shared feature amongst its relatives. Those results were reported by a team led by Chaomin Sun, Ph.D., from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Photo credit: Jennifer Shorts/West Virginia University. Read the original story on phys.org. Related to this point, the study highlights the untapped power of marine microbial resources for drug development.
Characteristics of EPS3.9
EPS3.9 contains primarily mannose and glucose residues, the primary sugars contributing to EPS3.9’s biological activity. The compound directly engages five distinct membrane phospholipid species. This specific interaction is key to its potent anti-leukemic effects on human leukemia cells. This pharmacological targeting mechanism greatly enhances its efficacy. We look forward to receiving your research and review articles that fulfill the aim of highlighting novel polysaccharides properties of marine origin.
Our study of this research shows how EPS3.9 induces non-apoptotic pyroptosis in human leukemia cells, thus producing significant anti-tumor effects. This important discovery renders EPS3.9 a viable drug development candidate that can be advanced in hopes of addressing multiple cancer types.
Anti-Tumor Effects Observed in Animal Studies
Experimental results from EPS3.9 in mouse studies show that EPS3.9 has pronounced anti-tumor effects direct to liver designated as hepatoma tumor. The compound proves to be an effective tumor growth inhibitor. It activates powerful anti-tumor immune responses, significantly enhancing the body’s capacity to destroy malignant cells. These findings shed light on a two-pronged approach. EPS3.9 acts via dual mechanisms by directly targeting tumor cells and reprogramming the host’s immune system to combat malignancies.
The implications of these results extend beyond liver cancer, indicating that EPS3.9 might have broader applications in oncology, potentially offering new avenues for treatment strategies against various cancers.
Insights from the Research Team
Chaomin Sun, the corresponding author of the study, expressed optimism about the findings:
“Our work not only provides a theoretical basis for developing more carbohydrate-based drugs but also highlights the importance of exploring marine microbial resources.” – Chaomin Sun, Ph.D.
This declaration emphasizes the urgent need to continue exploring marine microorganisms for their promise in pharmacological uses. The study’s conclusion calls for further study of EPS3.9 and other related compounds to better realize their therapeutic potential.