Amazon Scorpion Venom Shows Promise in Breast Cancer Treatment

A molecule derived from the venom of the Amazonian scorpion,Brotheas amazonicus,is showing promise as a potential treatment for breast cancer,a leading cause of death in women worldwide. Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) have identified a compound in the venom with action against breast cancer cells comparable to commonly used chemotherapy drugs [[1]].

The Science Behind the Scorpion Venom

The research team, in collaboration with scientists from the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA) and the state University of Amazonas (UEA), presented their preliminary findings at the Fapesp Week France. The identified molecule, similar to those found in other scorpion venoms, targets breast cancer cells with notable efficacy.

Did You know? Scorpion venom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries,and modern research is now uncovering its potential in treating various diseases.

Professor Eliane Candiani Arantes, project coordinator at FCFRP-USP, explained, “We have been able to identify through a bioprospecting work a molecule in the species of this Amazonian scorpion that is similar to that found in venons of other scorpions and with action against breast cancer cells.”

FAPESP‘s Role in Biopharmaceutical Progress

The research is supported by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) under the Science Translational and Development of Biopharmaceuticals (CTS) program. This initiative, located at the Center for Studies of Venous Poison and Animals (CEVAP) of UNESP, focuses on cloning and expressing bioactive molecules from venomous animals.

CEVAP has already patented a fibrin sealant, a “biological glue” derived from serpent venom, which mimics the natural coagulation process and is being studied for nerve collage, bone injury treatment, and spinal cord injuries. It is indeed currently in phase 3 clinical studies [[2]].

Cloning and Expression of Bioactive Molecules

Researchers have also successfully cloned and expressed Colinein-1, a rattlesnake toxin, aiming to produce it through heterologous expression in *Pichia pastoris*, a type of yeast. They also plan to obtain an endothelial growth factor called CDTVegf from the rattlesnake *Crotalus durissus terrificus*.

Pro Tip: Heterologous expression allows scientists to produce large quantities of specific molecules by inserting the corresponding gene into a host organism.

“our idea,now,is to obtain this serinoprotease by heterologous expression [em um fragmento ou gene completo de um organismo hospedeiro que não o possui naturalmente] em *Pichia pastoris*,” Said Arantes.

Immunosuppressive Neurotoxins and Antitumor Properties

The team has identified two neurotoxins with immunosuppressive action in scorpions.Their research on *Brotheas amazonicus* venom revealed a bioactive molecule, *BAMAZSCPLP1*, with potential antitumor properties. Tests on breast cancer cells showed a response comparable to paclitaxel, a common chemotherapy drug, inducing cell death primarily through necrosis.

New Approaches to cancer Treatment

other research groups are exploring innovative cancer treatments. In Campinas, the Cancerthera’s terathanostic Innovation Center (Cancerthera) is developing a new approach that integrates diagnosis and directed treatment using radioisotopes to target tumor molecules for both imaging and therapy.

Celso Darl, a researcher at FCM-Unicamp, explained, “Depending on the type of radiation emitted by the isotope we coupled with the molecule-if Positron or Gama-we can produce images of it through Cancerthera available at Cancerthera. By documenting that an isotope captures a particular molecule, we can replace it with another that emits a more intense radiation locally and thus treat tumors.”

cancer Vaccine Development

At the University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), researchers are working on an immunotherapy approach using dendritic cells to combat cancer. They create a vaccine by fusing dendritic cells from healthy donors with cancer patient cells to stimulate a strong immune response against the tumor.

José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto, professor at ICB-USP, stated, “The immune system interprets this vaccine, based on dendritic cells of a healthy donor cast with the patient’s tumor cells, such as a transplant and reacts violently.”

Artificial Intelligence in MRI Analysis

Researchers at the University Institute of Toulouse Cancer are using artificial intelligence to analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to predict how glioblastoma patients will respond to chemotherapy. This AI-driven approach aims to determine the presence of a DNA modification known as “MGMT promoting region,” which affects treatment response.

Elizabeth Moyal, a researcher at Yuct-Oncopole, explained, “MGMT’s methylation state is an important prognostic factor, but it requires biopsies that are not necessarily representative of the whole tumor and may vary in relapse.”

Key Research Areas in Cancer Treatment

These advancements highlight the ongoing efforts to develop new and effective cancer treatments,offering hope for improved outcomes and survival rates.

What other natural sources might hold the key to future cancer treatments?

How can AI be further integrated into cancer diagnosis and treatment planning?