Study of several dozen compounds based on a fungal chemical
shows potent anti-tumor activity.
Inspired by a chemical that fungi secrete to defend their
territory, MIT chemists have synthesized and tested several dozen compounds
that may hold promise as potential cancer drugs.
A few years ago, MIT researchers led by associate professor
of chemistry Mohammad Movassaghi became the first to chemically synthesize
11,11’-dideoxyverticillin, a highly complex fungal compound that has shown
anti-cancer activity in previous studies. This and related compounds naturally
occur in such small amounts that it has been difficult to do a comprehensive
study of the relationship between the compound’s structure and its activity —
research that could aid drug development, Movassaghi says.