Researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia are exploring an innovative approach that could transform cancer treatment.
Their study focuses on melittin, a compound in honey bee venom, which has demonstrated the ability to target and kill cancer cells within an hour.
According to reports, the researchers are examining melittin’s molecular structure and its application in treating breast cancer, the most common cancer among women globally.
Melittin is a peptide made up of 26 amino acids and is the principal component of honey bee venom. Its amphipathic nature allows it to interact with cell membranes, leading to cell death. This characteristic has been confirmed in recent experiments.
The research involved testing melittin derived from over 300 honeybees and bumblebees against aggressive forms of breast cancer, including triple-negative and HER2-enriched types.
Remarkably, melittin was able to destroy cancer cells in just an hour, sparing healthy cells in the process.
This breakthrough could pave the way for new, cost-effective cancer therapies using a resource that is both abundant and inexpensive to produce.
Melittin’s potential extends beyond killing cancer cells; it also inhibits molecules overexpressed in cancer cells and can halt malignant growth.
Additionally, when combined with chemotherapy drugs, melittin enhances their effectiveness by creating pores in cancer cell membranes, improving drug penetration.
Future research will be needed to determine the safest dosages, potential toxicities, and best delivery methods for melittin.
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