Frog Bacteria Kills Cancer Tumors in Mice with a Single Dose

Topic: Biology

Scientists at JAIST found a bacterium from Japanese tree frogs that can kill cancer tumors in mice. The bacteria, Ewingella americana, was given to mice with colorectal cancer and completely eliminated the tumors.

Scientists at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) have discovered a naturally occurring bacterium from the intestines of Japanese tree frogs that can kill cancer tumors in mice. The researchers collected 45 bacterial strains from three different animals: Japanese tree frogs, Japanese fire belly newts, and Japanese grass lizards.

They found nine bacterial strains with anticancer activity, but one stood out - Ewingella americana. This bacterium was grown in the laboratory and given to mice with colorectal cancer through an intravenous injection. The results were remarkable: a single dose of E. americana completely eliminated the tumors in all the mice tested.

The researchers believe that this bacterium works by attacking tumors directly and also stimulating the immune system. It can thrive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments, which is common inside tumors. This allows it to multiply quickly inside the tumor and cause damage to cancer cells. Additionally, the presence of E. americana attracts immune cells like T cells, B cells, and neutrophils into the tumor, which release inflammatory signaling molecules that strengthen the immune response and promote cancer cell death.

The researchers also found that E. americana accumulates almost exclusively inside tumors and does not colonize healthy organs. This is because of several factors working together: it can thrive in low-oxygen environments, it's attracted to the tumor environment, and it doesn't colonize normal tissues.

Why It Matters

This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments that are more effective and less toxic than current therapies. It also highlights the potential value of exploring biodiversity as a source of future medical treatments.

Key Facts

• Scientists at JAIST discovered a bacterium from Japanese tree frogs that can kill cancer tumors in mice.
• The bacterium, Ewingella americana, was given to mice with colorectal cancer and completely eliminated the tumors.
• A single dose of E. americana was used for treatment.
• E. americana works by attacking tumors directly and stimulating the immune system.
• The researchers plan to explore whether this approach can be applied to other types of cancer.

Key Terms

Facultative anaerobic bacterium

A type of bacteria that can thrive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments.

Implications

This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments that are more effective and less toxic than current therapies. It also highlights the potential value of exploring biodiversity as a source of future medical treatments.