Fighting Skin Cancer with a Mushroom-based Microneedle Patch

Jim Crocker
16th June, 2024

Fighting Skin Cancer with a Mushroom-based Microneedle Patch

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in Taipei, Taiwan, found that a water-soluble glucan (WSG) from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum can reduce melanoma cell viability and movement
  • WSG downregulates EMT-related transcription factors like Snail and Twist, which are crucial for cancer metastasis
  • In mice with melanoma tumors, WSG significantly suppressed tumor growth, showing its potential as a therapeutic agent
Cutaneous melanoma is a highly aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer with a significant potential for metastasis. Despite its severity, there are limited targeted therapies available to effectively inhibit its progression. A recent study conducted by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, investigates the potential of a water-soluble glucan (WSG) derived from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum to combat melanoma cells[1]. Ganoderma lucidum, known for its extensive range of therapeutic properties, has been used as an adjunct therapy for various diseases, including cancer[2]. This study explores the efficacy of WSG in inhibiting melanoma cell viability and mobility. The results demonstrate that WSG not only reduces the viability of melanoma cells but also impedes their movement, which is critical for preventing metastasis. The study delves into the mechanism by which WSG exerts its effects. It was found that WSG induces changes in the expression of markers related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that is crucial for cancer metastasis. Specifically, WSG downregulates EMT-related transcription factors such as Snail and Twist. These transcription factors are known to play a significant role in promoting the invasive properties of cancer cells. Further signal transduction assays revealed that WSG reduces the protein levels in transforming growth factor β receptors (TGFβRs). This reduction subsequently inhibits the phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules, including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), ERK1/2, and Smad2. FAK is a protein that has been implicated in various cellular processes such as spreading, motility, growth, and survival, and is often upregulated in invasive cancers[3]. By inhibiting FAK phosphorylation, WSG disrupts these critical pathways, thereby hindering the progression of melanoma. The in vivo component of the study showed promising results as well. In mice bearing B16F10 melanoma tumors, WSG significantly suppressed tumor growth. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates the potential of WSG as a therapeutic agent in a living organism, beyond in vitro cell cultures. To enhance the delivery of WSG and prevent its oxidation, the researchers developed a dissolvable microneedle patch (MN-WSG) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which are known for their biocompatibility[4]. This innovative delivery method ensures that WSG is effectively administered through the skin, overcoming the barrier posed by the stratum corneum. The functional assays indicated that the MN-WSG patch had effects comparable to those of WSG alone, suggesting that this method could be a viable option for clinical applications. In summary, the study highlights the significant potential of WSG derived from Ganoderma lucidum as a therapeutic agent for treating melanoma. By inhibiting key pathways involved in cancer cell survival and metastasis, WSG offers a promising avenue for future cancer therapies. The development of the MN-WSG patch further enhances the practicality of this treatment, providing a novel and effective method for delivering the compound.

MedicineBiotechMycology

References

Main Study

1) Targeting TGFβ receptor-mediated snail and twist: WSG, a polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum, and it-based dissolvable microneedle patch suppress melanoma cells.

Published 1st October, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122298

Related Studies

2) Ganoderma lucidum: Persuasive biologically active constituents and their health endorsement.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.036

3) Increased dosage and amplification of the focal adhesion kinase gene in human cancer cells.

Journal: Oncogene, Issue: Vol 18, Issue 41, Oct 1999

4) Biocompatible nanoparticles and vesicular systems in transdermal drug delivery for various skin diseases.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.11.032


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