AMAZON – New Hope in Amazonian Scorpion Venom for Breast Cancer Treatment

Brazilian scientists have identified a molecule in the venom of an Amazonian scorpion that could offer a new avenue for treating breast cancer. The research, conducted at the University of São Paulo and presented during FAPESP Week France, highlights the potential of this natural compound to revolutionize cancer treatment.

Researchers are exploring scorpion venom for its cancer-fighting properties.

The study indicates that the scorpion venom selectively targets and destroys cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This discovery could pave the way for innovative, nature-derived treatments, offering more effective and less invasive therapies for breast cancer patients.

Key Molecule: BamazScplp1

The research focuses on a molecule called BamazScplp1, extracted from the venom of the Brotheas amazonicus scorpion. Initial laboratory tests revealed that this peptide exhibits similar cancer-killing properties to paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapy drug.

"Through bioprospecting, we were able to identify a molecule in this species of Amazonian scorpion that acts against breast cancer cells," stated Professor Eliane Candiani Arantes, the project's coordinator. The molecule belongs to the serine protease family, enzymes known for their ability to break down proteins and disrupt the cancer cell lifecycle.

Necrosis-Induced Cell Death

Tests on breast cancer cells demonstrated that BamazScplp1 triggers cell death primarily through necrosis, a process where cells break apart uncontrollably. While necrosis can be harmful in healthy tissues, it can be an effective strategy in cancer therapy when specifically targeted at tumors. The response observed was comparable to that induced by paclitaxel, suggesting that BamazScplp1 could offer similar therapeutic benefits.

The study reported, "The peptide induces cell death mainly through necrosis, an action similar to that of molecules identified in other scorpion species."

Mass Production via Yeast

To overcome the challenges of venom extraction from scorpions, the researchers are employing a bioengineering technique called heterologous expression. This involves inserting the gene responsible for coding the target protein into a host organism, typically yeast or bacteria, which then produces the protein in large quantities.

Professor Arantes explained, "We intend to obtain these molecules through heterologous expression." The team plans to utilize Pichia pastoris, a yeast strain commonly used in biotechnology, to mass-produce the peptide for further research and testing. This approach eliminates the need for scorpion venom extraction, making the process both ethical and scalable – crucial factors for future drug development.

The Global Impact of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and the second most common cancer globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A 2024 study in Nature Medicine estimated that approximately 1 in 20 women worldwide will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

In 2022, there were an estimated 2.3 million new breast cancer diagnoses and approximately 670,000 deaths worldwide. The majority of cases (71%) and fatalities (79%) occurred in individuals over the age of 50. If current trends continue, breast cancer diagnoses worldwide are projected to rise to 3.2 million annually by 2050, with over 1 million deaths per year.

A Potential Game-Changer

While these results are preliminary, they emphasize the potential of natural products in the drug development process. Further laboratory studies, animal testing, and ultimately human clinical trials will be necessary to determine if BamazScplp1 can be safely and effectively used in humans. If proven effective, this molecule could lead to a new generation of nature-based cancer treatments, offering hope to millions of breast cancer patients worldwide.