Natural product found in sea sponges shows promise in preventing cancer-induced muscle wasting

Researchers in Montreal have discovered that a chemical found in sea sponges can effectively prevent muscle wasting in mice. The study, funded in part by the Canadian Cancer Society, is published in the journal Nature Communications. Led by Dr Imed Gallouzi at McGill University, the study shows that a chemical known as pateamine A (PatA) extracted from sea sponges can be used at low doses to prevent cachexia in mice. Previous research has demonstrated PatA’s effectiveness in preventing some tumours and inflammation, but Dr Gallouzi’s team is the first to show PatA’s role as an anti-muscle wasting agent. Read the full news story here.

Study mentioned: Di Marco S, et al. The translation inhibitor pateamine A prevents cachexia-induced muscle wasting in mice. Nat Commun. 2012 Jun 12;3:896. PMID: 22692539