Disease: cancer

Unveiling SSR4: a promising biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers discovered that a protein called SSR4 is overexpressed in esophageal cancer cells and is associated with poor patient outcomes. This protein appears to be involved in how cancer cells communicate with immune cells in the tumor environment. The findings suggest SSR4 could be used as a diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for treating esophageal cancer patients.

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Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania to measure their metal content. Researchers found that while mushrooms provide important minerals like iron and zinc, some species accumulate harmful metals like cadmium and chromium. Children are at greater risk from eating these mushrooms than adults because their smaller bodies absorb proportionally more of the contaminants. Some mushroom species pose significant cancer risks from metal exposure.

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Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

β-glucans are natural substances found in yeast and fungi that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. They can be measured in blood to diagnose serious fungal infections and may help prevent common illnesses like colds and respiratory infections. Recent research suggests they could be useful additions to vaccines and may help patients recovering from COVID-19.

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Physicochemical Characteristics of Chitosan Extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus and Its Anticancer Activity Against the MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Line

Researchers extracted a compound called chitosan from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and tested its ability to fight breast cancer cells. The chitosan successfully killed cancer cells by triggering apoptosis, a natural cell death process, while showing promise as a safer alternative to conventional chemotherapy. The study demonstrates that mushroom-derived compounds could have significant therapeutic potential for cancer treatment with fewer side effects than traditional drugs.

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Adaptive Responses in High-Radiation Environments: Insights From Chernobyl Wildlife and Ramsar Residents

Animals and people living in highly radioactive areas have developed natural adaptations to survive and thrive despite dangerous radiation levels. Frogs in Chernobyl have evolved darker skin that helps protect against radiation, while residents of Ramsar, Iran have developed enhanced DNA repair abilities over generations. These discoveries challenge traditional beliefs about radiation dangers and suggest that life can adapt to extreme environmental stressors in unexpected ways.

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Exploring the Mechanisms of Amino Acid and Bioactive Constituent Formation During Fruiting Body Development in Lyophyllum decastes by Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses

This study examined how Lyophyllum decastes mushrooms develop and build up their nutritious compounds. Researchers tracked amino acids and polysaccharides across four growth stages and identified which genes control their production. The mature mushrooms contained the highest levels of beneficial compounds, with amino acids reaching 45,107.39 μg/g and polysaccharides at 13.66 mg/g. These findings help explain why these mushrooms are nutritious and suggest ways to grow them better for maximum health benefits.

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The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in Chinese traditional medicine for treating parasites and digestive issues. The study reveals the mushroom’s genetic makeup, including 15,847 genes and over 3 million methylation marks that may control gene expression. They identified 67 gene clusters that could produce medicinal compounds and 521 enzymes for breaking down organic matter. This genetic blueprint will help scientists understand how to cultivate this threatened species sustainably and develop its health benefits.

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The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research revealed how this mushroom produces beneficial compounds and how its genes are regulated through a process called methylation. This information could help develop better ways to cultivate this increasingly rare mushroom sustainably rather than harvesting it from the wild, making it available for future medical research and treatment.

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Extraction, purification, and identification of total saponins from hazel mushroom and its application evaluation

Researchers developed an efficient method to extract beneficial compounds called saponins from hazel mushrooms using microwaves. They identified 22 different chemical compounds in these extracts and tested their effects on cancer cells and oxidative stress. The saponin extracts significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer and bone cancer cells and demonstrated antioxidant properties, suggesting hazel mushrooms could be developed into functional foods or medicines.

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Radiation protection and structural stability of fungal melanin polylactic acid biocomposites in low Earth orbit

Scientists sent biocomposite materials containing fungal melanin into space for six months to test if they could protect equipment and astronauts from radiation and other harsh conditions. The results showed that fungal melanin-infused materials lost significantly less mass and showed better radiation protection than plain plastics. This research suggests that fungal melanin-based materials could be valuable for long-duration space missions because they are lightweight, biodegradable, and could potentially be grown in space.

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