[CAS NO. 73-03-0]  Cordycepin

Cordycepin increases interleukin (IL)-10 expression, decreased IL-2 expression and suppresses T lymphocyte activity. It also up-regulates IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha and suppresses phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and IL-12. The structure of Cordycepin is very much similar with cellular nucleoside, adenosine and acts like a nucleoside analogue. Cordycepin lacks 3' hydroxyl group in its structure. It provokes RNA chain termination and interferes in mTOR signal transduction. At higher doses, Cordycepin inhibits cell attachment and reduces focal adhesion. under low nutritional stress, Cordycepin activates AMPK which blocks the activity of mTORC1 and mTORC2 complex. The inactivated mTORC2 complex cannot activate AKT 1 kinase fully, which in turn blocks mTOR signal transduction inhibiting translation and further cell proliferation and growth. Cordycepin also induces apoptosis by enhancing JNK and p38 kinase activity and increasing the protein expression of Bcl-2 pro-apoptotic molecules. Cordycepin has anti-tumor effect on mouse melanoma and lung carcinoma cells and human oral cancer cells.