In a striking development at the FAPESP Weekly Health Conference in France, Brazilian researchers have revealed preliminary data showing that venom from an Amazon rainforest scorpion (Brotheas amazonicus) could offer a new tool in the fight against breast cancer.
Scorpion Venom Yields a Promising Anti-Cancer Molecule
Led by pharmacologist Dr. Eliane Candiani Arantes from the University of São Paulo, the team discovered a molecule in the scorpion’s venom—BamazScplp1—that demonstrates cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. The compound appears to trigger necrosis, a type of programmed cell death, causing malignant cells to rupture, similar to how conventional chemotherapy drugs operate.
“We found a molecule in this Amazon scorpion that is similar to molecules in other scorpion venoms and that fights breast cancer cells,” said Dr. Arantes.
Biotech Innovation Through Heterologous Expression
The team employed an advanced biotechnological process known as heterologous expression to produce the molecule outside its natural source. In this case, they inserted the scorpion venom gene into the yeast Komagataella pastoris, effectively turning the yeast into a mini bioreactor or “factory” for the desired protein.
This method offers several advantages: it is scalable, allows for controlled testing, and avoids overharvesting from vulnerable species.
Beyond Cancer: Other Medical Potential
The researchers also uncovered another compound derived from snake venom and cow blood using the same heterologous technique. This molecule promotes angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, which has implications for treating chronic wounds and cardiovascular disease.
“This growth factor favors the formation of new blood vessels… and it has the potential to be scaled up to an industrial scale,” said Dr. Arantes.
Why This Matters
With rising rates of cancer, dementia, and chronic disease due to global aging, pollution, and ecosystem stress, the search for novel therapies has never been more urgent. This study suggests that nature’s chemical arsenal—especially from understudied species like Amazonian scorpions—could yield powerful new drugs.
A Race Against Biodiversity Loss
The findings also serve as a poignant reminder of what could be lost. As rainforest ecosystems face deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity decline, the undiscovered compounds hidden in nature’s pharmacy may disappear before they can be studied.
“Using these techniques could help us find more ways to treat diseases, as long as we don’t destroy what nature has hidden first,” said Dr. Arantes.