Key facts
- University of South Florida researchers collected ascidian samples from Antarctica.
- Toxins produced by these sea squirts have shown efficacy in killing melanoma cells in mice.
- The experimental treatment did not harm the mice in preliminary studies.
- The next steps involve laboratory work to synthetically reproduce the toxins.
- The long-term goal is to develop a potential drug for human melanoma treatment.
Researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) have identified potential melanoma treatments derived from toxins produced by tiny marine organisms found in Antarctica. The team collected samples of ascidians, also known as sea squirts, during a six-week expedition to the remote region.
Professor of Chemistry Brian Baker stated that toxins produced by ascidians for self-protection can be repurposed. Preliminary research has demonstrated that these toxins successfully killed melanoma cells in mice without causing harm to the animals. This finding suggests the toxins possess the necessary properties to function as a drug.
The pathway to developing a human-approved melanoma drug is extensive, involving multiple regulated trials. However, Baker believes the knowledge gained from the Antarctic expedition could accelerate this process. The expedition involved divers descending to depths of up to 130 feet for approximately 30 minutes at a time, facing challenges such as icy waters, leopard seals, and limited visibility.
Laboratory work is now underway in collaboration with the Desert Research Institute and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to further develop the toxins. The researchers aim to understand the ecological relationship between the melanoma-killing bacterium and the microorganism it inhabits. This understanding is crucial for advancing the development of the potential drug.
Baker noted the difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of the metabolite from natural sources, emphasizing the need for synthetic reproduction in the lab to avoid ecological damage. He highlighted that many FDA-approved drugs originate from natural sources and described this melanoma discovery as a significant achievement in his career.