The search for a mysterious creature in Antarctica that could help cure skin cancer
A strange organism living in the icy waters of Antarctica could hold the key to curing melanoma skin cancer.
A strange organism living in the icy waters of Antarctica could hold the key to curing melanoma skin cancer.
A team from the University of South Florida (USF) has returned from a six-week expedition to one of the most remote regions on Earth to study a species of ascidian, commonly known as a sea squirt, which contains a bacterium capable of killing melanoma cancer cells.
USF chemistry professor Bill Baker’s research has identified the organism’s potential cancer-fighting properties.
He is now helping to lead a US National Science Foundation-supported project aimed at understanding the compound in greater detail and assessing whether it could one day contribute to new treatments for melanoma patients.
Professor Baker said: ‘We first discovered this ascidian produces a bacterium that contains a toxic compound that kills melanoma cancer cells while not harming normal human cells.
‘That selectivity is critical in drug development because you want to treat the disease without harming the patient.’
For decades, Professor Baker has travelled to Antarctica to study marine organisms that may have pharmaceutical applications.
Previous discoveries by his team have led to patented compounds with potential uses in tackling diseases including drug-resistant malaria, cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers say Antarctica offers a unique natural laboratory because of its long geographical and environmental isolation.
Professor Baker added: ‘The continent is unique because it has been geographically and environmentally isolated for millions of years.
‘As a result, species in Antarctica have had time to evolve independently, leading to highly specialized organisms. The ascidians we study are adapted specifically to this environment and are not found anywhere else.’
While Professor Baker advised the 2026 expedition from the United States, USF diving safety officer Ben Meister and postdoctoral researcher Sam Afoullouss represented the university on the Antarctic mission.