Does Spider Cause Cancer?
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered if spiders can cause cancer, you may be relieved to learn that there’s no evidence of it. But a recent study suggests that some of the protein in the venom may be helpful in fighting the disease.
The researchers behind the study found that the venom of the brown recluse spider, a common species found in North and South America, has properties that can be used to fight cancer. This discovery has important implications for understanding the biology of spider bites and the effects they have on human health.
The venom of the brown recluse contains a rare protein. This protein helps to defend the immune system against cancer. Typically, the protein breaks down in cells and prevents genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. But when something goes wrong in the cell, the protein stops breaking down.
This protein is known to be the key player in the immune system’s defense against cancer. But its unruly structure can cause a systemic reaction in humans.
Scientists have been working to find a way to make this protein more stable. They believe that it could help to stop the development of cancer, since the protein is often the root of the disease.
A scientist at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has found a way to make the protein more stable. By attaching spider silk protein to the p53 protein, the two proteins can interact to create a more stable version.
