Asperigimycins: New Leukemia-Killing Compounds

 

Researchers recently  discovered a new class of cancer-fighting compounds called asperigimycins, derived from the toxic fungus Aspergillus flavus. Although historically known for producing carcinogenic,  but it is recently found that A. flavus also contains biosynthetic gene clusters ( A group of gene clusters in the genome can be responsible for producing compounds with potential new drugs).

Asperigimycins is a natural compound known as RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). These peptides are first produced as linear chains by the ribosome and then undergo specific enzymatic modifications, including cyclization to form a stable, bioactive structures. Among the four asperigimycin variants isolated, two have potent cytotoxicity against human leukemia cells. One gene, SLC46A3, proved critical in allowing asperigimycins to enter leukemia cells in sufficient numbers. This asperigimycins function by disrupting microtubule formation, an essential process in mitosis. This prevents cancer cells from dividing and leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

 Importantly, asperigimycins showed high selectivity, exhibiting little to no toxicity against non-leukemic cancer cells (e.g., breast, liver, and lung), as well as bacteria and fungi—highlighting their target-specific therapeutic potential.

 

Reference: 

1. https://blog.seas.upenn.edu/penn-engineers-turn-toxic-fungus-into-anti-cancer-drug/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLk3sFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuLyJ1jfyfVjEAAhnVyUaD_jvnDwuA_tUiErtTMatyT9ItsX0Qn-dInHhGPX_aem_zRPGBZdRUgV7ekU49Nfe4w

2. https://colombiaone.com/2025/06/23/toxic-fungus-anti-cancer-drug/