Scientists uncover mechanism of action of cancer drug cordycepin

Research lead

Scientists at Nottingham University have uncovered the mechanism of action of cordycepin, an adenosine analogue originally derived from a fungus, and say the information could be used to modify and improve the drug’s effects.

In addition, the scientists have developed an assay for screening modified versions of the drug.

Lead researcher Cornelia de Moor says the discovery opens up the possibility of investigating the range of different cancers that could be treated with cordycepin.

Cordycepin is derived from cordyceps, a parasitic mushroom that has a long history of use in Chinese traditional medicine. The first scientific publication on cordycepin dates back to 1950. But despite its long-researched anti-cancer properties, cordycepin has a short half-life in the body. It can be co-administered with deoxycoformycin, which prevents it being broken down so quickly, but the severe side effects of deoxycoformycin limit to its potential use.

de Moor said these technical obstacles had discouraged research into the mechanism of action of cordycepin, which works by blocking protein synthesis. “[Now] it will be possible to predict what types of cancers might be sensitive and what other cancer drugs it may effectively combine with. It could also lay the groundwork for the design of new cancer drugs that work on the same principle.”