US scientists uncover natural remedy for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases

US scientists have made a promising breakthrough by identifying a natural compound that could potentially halt the progression of cancers and demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have identified a natural compound that could potentially disrupt a key process involved in the progression of certain cancers and demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), that damage the protective myelin sheath surrounding neurons, a team of researchers has released an article via SciTechDaily.

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry revealed that sulfuretin, a plant-derived flavonoid, is capable of inhibiting an enzyme associated with both MS and cancer. The research demonstrated that sulfuretin effectively blocked the enzyme's activity in cell models. The next phase of the study will involve testing sulfuretin in animal models to assess its therapeutic potential, effectiveness, and any potential side effects for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like MS.

“We think this is a drug that could have impact in a lot of different areas,” said Larry Sherman, Ph.D., a professor in the Division of Neuroscience at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center.

The research team discovered that sulfuretin, along with two synthetic compounds, inhibited the activity of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid. The breakdown of hyaluronic acid can cause issues in two major ways:

The breakdown disrupts the maturation of oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin. Myelin is the protective covering around nerve cell axons, which transmit electrical signals. Damage to myelin is associated with conditions such as MS, stroke, brain injuries, and some forms of dementia. Delayed myelination also affects premature infants, potentially leading to brain damage or cerebral palsy.

In cancerous tumors, hyaluronidase activity allows cancer cells to proliferate unchecked by normal cell death processes. “Now we have an inhibitor that could actually stop that,” said Sherman, who also serves as a professor of cell, developmental, and cancer biology at OHSU School of Medicine.

The study specifically targets a type of hyaluronidase known as CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein), which is implicated in not only MS and cancer but also various other conditions, including osteoarthritis, skin infections, brain injury from heavy alcohol use, and potentially Alzheimer's disease.

The discovery follows years of diligent work by undergraduate students in the lab of co-author Angela Hoffman, Ph.D., a retired chemistry professor from the University of Portland. Hoffman and Sherman began collaborating a decade ago to explore plant-derived compounds with therapeutic potential.

“Over the years, her students have been grinding up these flowers, extracting molecules, and testing to see if any of them blocked hyaluronidase activity,” Sherman said. “Finally, a couple of years ago, they found a compound that was promising.”

Alec Peters, a graduate student in Sherman’s lab, was the one to confirm that this compound successfully blocked CEMIP activity in both a tumor cell line and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which are responsible for myelin production.

Hoffman, who retired this year after 35 years of teaching to lead her convent, highlighted the importance of the research for students, who have been instrumental in breaking down plants into molecular components and testing their effects. The new publication is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

“Directing the students to be able to do this kind of research helps them in their careers,” Hoffman said. “This discovery could be useful for Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative conditions. As long as the underlying problem relates to hyaluronic acid being broken apart, this could be helpful for people.”

By Naila Huseynova