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The most current events that impact lives are the ones that happen inside our bodies; everything else seems to pale in importance.

IMPORTANT: Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), in collaboration with University of Portland undergraduates, have identified a plant-derived compound called sulfuretin that inhibits a key enzyme linked to cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the University of Portland have found a compound called sulfuretin that comes from plants and stops an enzyme that is linked to cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). This groundbreaking discovery opens new avenues for research into sulfuretin’s potential as a therapeutic agent.

This is a major breakthrough in cancer and neurodegenerative disease research! The findings, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, demonstrate that sulfuretin effectively blocks the activity of an enzyme known as CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein). CEMIP has been associated with both cancer progression and myelin damage in diseases such as MS. By inhibiting this enzyme, sulfuretin may prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and support myelin repair, potentially benefiting individuals suffering from MS, stroke, brain injuries, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The impact of this discovery should not be taken lightly! “This is a drug that could have an impact in a lot of different areas,” said Larry Sherman, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Neuroscience at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center.

The research team found that sulfuretin inhibits hyaluronidase activity, an enzyme responsible for breaking down hyaluronic acid. Several harmful effects are associated with this process.

• Myelin Damage: Hyaluronidase prevents the maturation of oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelin production. This contributes to neurological conditions such as MS and may impact premature infants by increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
• Proliferation of Cancer Cells: The activity of hyaluronidase in tumors allows cancer cells to proliferate unhindered, circumventing normal cell death mechanisms. Sulfuretin could help counteract this process by blocking the enzyme’s activity, potentially slowing cancer progression.

This breakthrough is the result of years of dedication from undergraduate researchers at the University of Portland, led by retired professor Angela Hoffman, Ph.D. Over the years, her students meticulously screened plant compounds to find a molecule capable of neutralizing CEMIP. Their efforts were rewarded when sulfuretin was identified as a promising inhibitor.

Alec Peters, a graduate student at OHSU working in Sherman's lab, confirmed that sulfuretin stops CEMIP from working in tumor cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. This validation is a significant step toward understanding how the compound may be used therapeutically.

Laboratory testing models will prove if researchers are on the right track. Although these findings are encouraging, additional research is necessary to ascertain the effectiveness and safety of sulfuretin in living organisms. The next phase of research will involve laboratory testing to evaluate its potential as a treatment for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

If sulfuretin continues to show positive results, it could pave the way for new, plant-based treatments that not only slow the progression of cancer but also offer new hope for patients with MS and other related conditions.

Final Word: The world will be watching closely as this research progresses. Sulfuretin is a significant step towards discovering a natural compound that could revolutionize the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and it also opens up additional applications for these new discoveries!

Reference: “Distinct chemical structures inhibit the CEMIP hyaluronidase and promote oligodendrocyte progenitor cell maturation” by Alec Peters, Fatima Banine, Kanon Yasuhara, Angela Hoffman, Prashant K. Basappa, Lily Metri, Ava Gunning, Jake Huffman, Clinton C. VanCampen, Stephen A. Shock and Larry S. Back, 24 October 2024, Journal of Biological Chemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107916. scitechdaily[]com/scientists-discover-natural-compound-that-stops-cancer-progression. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, grant award P51 OD011902 for the operation of the Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU; Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs grant award MS160144; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, grant award RG 4843A5/1; the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the NIH, grant award NS054044; and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the NIH, grant award P60AA010760.