Cordycepin

Cordycepin is a naturally occurring nucleoside analog derived from Cordyceps militaris. It is structurally similar to adenosine but lacks a hydroxyl group at the 3′ position, allowing it to interfere with RNA synthesis. Cordycepin exhibits potent biological activity, including anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It inhibits RNA polymerase and induces apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, with reported IC₅₀ values ranging from 10 to 50 µM, depending on the cell type.

Key features and applications include:

• RNA Chain Termination: Incorporates into RNA and halts elongation, making it a valuable tool for studying transcriptional regulation.
• Apoptosis Induction: Triggers caspase-dependent cell death in cancer cells via mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS generation.
• AMPK Activation: Modulates energy metabolism and inflammation through AMPK signaling.
• Broad-Spectrum Activity: Exhibits antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-metastatic properties.

Research Applications:

• Cancer biology and apoptosis studies
• RNA synthesis and gene expression regulation
• Inflammation and metabolic disease models
• Neuroprotection and aging research

Relevant disease states include:

• Cancer: Demonstrates cytotoxicity in breast, leukemia, and colon cancer models by disrupting RNA synthesis and promoting apoptosis.
• Inflammatory Diseases: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress in models of arthritis and liver inflammation.
• Neurodegenerative Disorders: Investigated for neuroprotective effects via modulation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.
• Infectious Diseases: Active against gram-positive bacteria and mycobacteria, with potential antifungal applications.