Scientists Unlock Nature’s Secret to a Cancer-Fighting Molecule
OKANAGAN, BC – Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus have cracked the genetic and enzymatic code that allows plants to produce mitraphylline, a rare molecule with promising anti-cancer properties. The findings, published on October 10, 2025, pave the way for a new, sustainable method of manufacturing potent natural medicines in the lab.
The study focuses on a small family of complex molecules called spirooxindole alkaloids. These compounds, sourced from plants like kratom and cat’s claw, are known for their unique twisted structures and significant biological activity. However, their low abundance in nature and complex chemistry have hindered their development into widely available drugs.
The research team, led by Dr. Thu-Thuy Dang, has now identified the two key enzymes that complete the molecular "assembly line" for mitraphylline. One enzyme dictates the stereochemistry—the crucial 3D arrangement of atoms—while the other performs the final chemical step that twists the molecule into its active, spiro-shaped form.
"This discovery answers a long-standing question about how nature builds these complex molecules," said Dr. Dang. "It’s not just a scientific curiosity; it provides us with the tools to replicate and even engineer this process."
For doctoral student Tuan-Anh Nguyen, who led the experimental work, the implications are profound. "This gives us a green chemistry approach to accessing compounds with enormous pharmaceutical value," he stated. "It’s exciting to see how our work at UBC Okanagan can have a global reach."
The project was an international collaboration with the University of Florida and was supported by Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
"Plants are fantastic natural chemists," Dr. Dang concluded. "Our next steps are to adapt their sophisticated molecular tools to create a wider library of therapeutic compounds, making drug discovery greener and more efficient."