There are lots of mysteries under the ocean. And with more than 70% covered with water, it is safe to say that there are so many things we still don’t understand about our little home planet we call Earth. Once in a while, bright scientists and researchers ask weird yet eye-opening questions about the world around us, from which arises the amazing breakthroughs that all of us enjoy at least some in aspect of our lives. And recently, a group of scientists asked the question, “what else can we do to help cure cancer?”

When you think of sea cucumbers, you’d probably picture small, squishy, ocean-floor creatures. But recent research has revealed that these humble creatures might actually hold one of the keys to fighting cancer.

Behind a cancer cell

Let us set the scene. Scientists have identified an enzyme called Sulf-2 that’s the culprit behind various cancer types (breast, lung, pancreatic, gastric, head, neck, etc.). Sulf-2 is a problem because when it gets overreactive, it fuels tumors to grow aggressively and be immune to the body’s defenses. Dangerous. And until recently, finding an effective way to put this enzyme on its place was a challenge.

Researchers discovered a hidden yet powerful molecule within sea cucumbers, which has a really hard-to-pronounce name called “fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (HfFucCS).” Unlike typical meds that are made in labs, HfFucCS comes naturally from the sea cucumber species Holothuria floridana.

What makes this molecule special is its ability to inhibit Sulf-2. As if this molecule was made to fight cancer, HfFucCS in sea cucumbers does this without directly competing with Sulf-2’s natural functions, making it a very smart (and safe!) choice for potential future therapies.

To find out how HfFucCS inhibits Sulf-2, the researchers did detailed biochemical test and computer simulations, and discovered that the molecule binds tightly to Sulf-2. Notably, this sea cucumber molecule performed better than standard substances used to block similar enzymes because of its inherent structure that contains a rare combination of sugar groups called “fucosylation” and “sulfation.” Even in small amounts, this molecule were still found to be potent. This matters because we usually want smaller amounts when dealing with drugs and medications to reduce the risk of negative side effects.

Marine-derived glycans have historically shown beneficial pharma effects like anti-coagulation, anti-inflammatory, etc. So this study really reinforces the potential of ocean creatures in helping us create better medications for diseases on land.

Sea cucumbers in hospitals

In future research, this group of scientists are looking to further explore the following questions:

• How do different types of cancer specifically respond to HfFucCS? Are some cancer types more susceptible to this glycan-based molecule?

• Can these findings be translated to clinical trials safely and effectively?

• Could combining HfFucCS with other therapeutic agents improve efficacy?

While still in its early days and definitely more testing is needed before we see sea cucumbers lying around in hospitals, these promising results places an extra building block for future drug development in cancer therapies. And despite the prevalence of lab-synthesised drugs we encounter every day, nature always proves again and again that they are everything humans need to survive and thrive.

Talk soon,

Krish

Read the full research journal here; If you don’t have access, let me know and I’ll send you a direct copy!