In a remarkable breakthrough, scientists at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), in collaboration with University of Portland undergraduates, have discovered a natural plant compound that could revolutionize treatments for certain types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
The findings, recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, have opened up new possibilities for drug development using a naturally occurring flavonoid called sulfuretin.
What is Sulfuretin and Why is It Important?
Sulfuretin is a plant-derived flavonoid that has now been identified as a powerful inhibitor of a specific enzyme involved in the progression of MS and cancer. Research conducted at OHSU’s Division of Neuroscience has shown that this compound effectively blocks the activity of the enzyme, potentially halting disease progression.
How Sulfuretin Works: The Science Explained
The breakthrough focuses on an enzyme called hyaluronidase, specifically CEMIP (cell migration-inducing and hyaluronan-binding protein), which plays a major role in:
✅ Preventing Myelin Repair:
Hyaluronidase breaks down hyaluronic acid, leading to delayed repair of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve cells. This damage is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injuries, and even premature birth-related brain damage.
✅ Promoting Cancer Growth:
In cancerous tumors, increased hyaluronidase activity allows cancer cells to grow and spread by avoiding natural cell death mechanisms. Blocking this enzyme could potentially stop cancer proliferation.
Potential Applications Beyond MS and Cancer
According to Dr. Larry Sherman, professor at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, “This could be a drug that impacts a lot of different diseases.”
Besides MS and cancer, CEMIP has been linked to other serious conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Skin infections
- Brain injury due to alcohol abuse
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (including potential links to Alzheimer’s disease)
The next phase of research involves testing sulfuretin in animal models to evaluate its effectiveness, therapeutic potential, and possible side effects.
What’s Next in This Research Journey?
While the cell model trials have yielded promising results, researchers emphasize that human clinical trials are still years away. However, the identification of sulfuretin as a natural inhibitor of CEMIP gives hope for developing safer, plant-based treatments for diseases that currently have limited effective therapies.
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