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Proteomic study of medicinal mushroom extracts reveals antitumor mechanisms in an advanced colon cancer animal model via ribosomal biogenesis, translation, and metabolic pathways

Summary

Scientists studied how special medicinal mushroom extracts can fight advanced colon cancer in mice. They found that a blend called Agarikon Plus, especially when combined with a common chemotherapy drug, significantly improved survival rates and slowed tumor growth. By analyzing all the proteins in tumor tissues, they discovered the mushroom extracts work by disrupting the cancer cells’ ability to make proteins they need to survive and grow. This research suggests mushroom-based treatments could become important new weapons in the fight against advanced colorectal cancer.

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally with poor survival rates for metastatic cases. Medicinal mushrooms have been extensively researched for their anti-cancer properties and immune-enhancing effects. This study investigated the proteomic mechanisms of medicinal mushroom extracts in advanced colon cancer.

Objective

To perform qualitative and quantitative proteomic analyses of CT26 wild-type colon cancer tissues from Balb/c mice treated with medicinal mushroom preparations (Agarikon Plus and Agarikon.1), alone or combined with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. The goal was to identify key proteomic changes and antitumor mechanisms.

Results

Treatment with Agarikon Plus combined with 5-fluorouracil achieved the highest survival rate (87.5%). Proteomic analysis identified 98 differentially regulated proteins involved in decreased ribosomal biogenesis and translation, and increased unfolded protein response, lipid metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Key proteins affected included RPS3, RPL14, DNAJC3, ACOT7, and FH.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushroom preparations, particularly Agarikon Plus, demonstrate potent antitumor effects in advanced colorectal cancer through multiple mechanisms affecting protein synthesis, metabolism, and cellular stress responses. These findings support further translational research on mushroom-based therapies as potential multi-targeted cancer treatments.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Pharmacology,
  • Study Type:Animal Study,
  • Source: 39494346
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