Ladakh soil microbe may hold key to treating cancer, TB and diabetes

Scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have identified a rare chemical compound in a species of bacterium found in soil in Ladakh that could aid in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and diabetes.

Bacteria are single-celled, microscopic organisms found everywhere on Earth that play vital roles in ecosystems. They are crucial for decomposition, nutrient cycles and human health, although some can cause infections in humans and animals.

The researchers isolated a bacterium known as Streptomyces netropsis, and its scientific analysis revealed the presence of 13 alkaloids. Among these, one compound called Pimprinethine was successfully isolated, and its structure was elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic techniques.

“Pimprinethine demonstrated broad-spectrum bioactivities, including anti-mycobacterial activity, cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cell lines, immunomodulatory effects and significant anti-diabetic potential,” the researchers said.

“These findings underscore Pimprinethine’s potential as a multifunctional therapeutic candidate for the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases,” they added.

The study, carried out by a team from CSIR’s Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, has been published in the current issue of Bioresource Technology Reports, an international peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier.

The study observed that natural compounds, such as metabolites found in microbial communities, exhibit properties including antibiotic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, and potential roles in cardiovascular disease treatment. Some may also function as enzymes, offering better efficacy and safety compared to synthetic compounds.

Due to evolutionary metabolic adaptations to extreme environments, microorganisms continue to play an important role in the discovery of new compounds. However, the frequency of discovering novel bioactive agents depends on selecting sampling sites that yield both cultivable and uncultivable microorganisms.

“Cold-adapted microorganisms, renowned for their distinctive structural and functional adaptations, represent a promising reservoir of novel bioactive compounds. The Himalayan region, particularly Leh-Ladakh, is a recognised hotspot of microbial biodiversity,” the researchers said.