Title:The Use of Therapeutic Peptides to Target and to Kill Cancer Cells
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 22
Author(s):R. J. Boohaker, M. W. Lee, P. Vishnubhotla, J.L. M. Perez and A. R. Khaled
Affiliation:Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, USA.
Keywords:Tumor-targeting, membrane, anti-microbial, Bcl-2 family, apoptosis, necrosis, cell-penetrating, mitochondria, cytotoxicity,
vasculature
Abstract:Peptide therapeutics is a promising field for emerging anti-cancer agents. Benefits include the ease and rapid synthesis of
peptides and capacity for modifications. An existing and vast knowledge base of protein structure and function can be exploited for novel
peptide design. Current research focuses on developing peptides that can (1) serve as tumor targeting moieties and (2) permeabilize
membranes with cytotoxic consequences. A survey of recent findings reveals significant trends. Amphiphilic peptides with clusters of
hydrophobic and cationic residues are features of anti-microbial peptides that confer the ability to eradicate microbes and show
considerable anti-cancer toxicity. Peptides that assemble and form pores can disrupt cell or organelle membranes and cause apoptotic or
necrotic death. Cell permeable and tumor-homing peptides can carry biologically active cargo to tumors or tumor vasculature. The
challenge lies in developing the clinical application of therapeutic peptides. Improving delivery to tumors, minimizing non-specific toxic
effects and discerning pharmacokinetic properties are high among the needs to produce a powerful therapeutic peptide for cancer
treatment.
