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Antarctic Sea Squirt Toxin Fights Deadly Melanoma
29 Jun
Summary
- Antarctic sea squirts yield toxins with potential for melanoma treatment.
- USF researchers found toxins kill melanoma cells in mice without harm.
- Lab synthesis of toxins is crucial due to limited natural collection.
A six-week expedition to Antarctica by University of South Florida researchers has yielded potential breakthroughs in melanoma treatment. The team collected sea squirts, marine invertebrates that produce protective toxins. Studies indicate these toxins can effectively kill melanoma cells.
Early research demonstrated that the toxins eliminated melanoma cells in mice, with no adverse effects on the animals. This finding suggests the toxins possess properties suitable for drug development. Further trials are planned to prove safety before human testing can commence.
Collecting sufficient quantities of the toxin from Antarctic sea squirts is not feasible due to ecological concerns. Therefore, the researchers aim to replicate the toxin synthetically in laboratories. This effort is vital for scaling up production for extensive animal and human trials.
The expedition, funded by the National Science Foundation, involved divers exploring depths up to 130 feet amidst challenging Antarctic conditions like ice and low visibility. Laboratory work will continue in partnership with other research institutions. The discovery represents a significant career milestone for lead researcher Brian Baker.
