Researchers have discovered that a compound derived from the fungus *Aspergillus flavus* can potentially be used in anti-leukemia treatments. This fungus, often associated with the "mummy's curse," is now showing promise in the fight against leukemia.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and other institutions have isolated a new class of molecules, called asperigimycins, from *A. flavus*. These molecules have demonstrated the ability to induce cell death in leukemia cells, suggesting a new approach for treating the disease. The research, published on June 23, 2025, in the journal *Nature Chemical Biology*, highlights the potential of these compounds to disrupt cancer cell division.
Clinical trials are not yet underway, but the discovery opens new avenues in the search for fungal-based medicines. The researchers found that asperigimycins can block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division in cancer cells. Notably, the compounds had little to no effect on other cancer cells, suggesting their disruptive effects are specific to certain types of cells.