How a plant's anti-fungal defence may protect against cancer

According to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer 1, a natural product that can destroy grapes, mulberries, peanuts and bean sprouts may help prevent cancer.
The researchers found that this molecule, called resveratrol, is converted into a known anticancer agent in the body that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells.
Studies have shown that resveratrol may be a cancer prevention, but this is the first time scientists have learned more about the anti-cancer properties of the chemical.
Professor Gerry Potter, head of the research team, said: "Learning in nature in this way will help us design drugs that selectively activate in tumors and form the basis of anticancer therapy.
"Resveratrol is a defensive molecule that protects against grape and other crop fungi and is high in the absence of artificial fungicides.
Researchers from the University of Leicester's School of Pharmacy found that resveratrol is processed by an enzyme called CYP1B1, one of the cell factory workers, that can be used in many different types of tumors. Found in. This converts resveratrol into a toxic product called paclitaxel.
Previous studies by the Leicester Group have shown that this process is limited to the tumor itself, limits the toxicity to cancer cells, and helps to selectively destroy them.
Scientists previously thought that CYP1B1 is the cause of cancer because it is only found in tumors, not in healthy tissues.
They believe that this enzyme not only does not cause cancer, but is still fighting it, and the team is continuing to study how to assist it in its work.
Professor Porter said: "I believe that CYP1B1 is the cause of cancer, just because they blame the police on the scene. We suspect that this natural product may be good for health and has cancer-preventing properties. This study shows that it is How to prevent tumor development by producing these anti-cancer molecules in cancer cells."
Professor Gordon McVie, Director-General of the UK Cancer Research Association, said: "The UK Cancer Research Centre has long been working on the use of natural products for cancer. It has been found to be converted into anticancer drugs in an anticancer drug. And treatment research is of great significance."
Sir Paul Sins, Director-General of the United Kingdom Cancer Research Association, said: "Special targeting of cancer cells to destroy them is an important area of investigation that may eventually lead to fewer effective side effects."