The Use of Therapeutic Peptides to Target and to Kill Cancer Cells

    Authors

    R. J. Boohaker; M. W. Lee; P. Vishnubhotla; J. M. Perez;A. R. Khaled

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Curr. Med. Chem.

    Keywords

    Tumor-targeting; membrane; anti-microbial; Bcl-2 family; apoptosis; necrosis; cell-penetrating; mitochondria; cytotoxicity; vasculature; HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS; HOST-DEFENSE PEPTIDES; BH3 MIMETIC; ABT-737; ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES; TUMOR-CELLS; IN-VIVO; PROAPOPTOTIC; PEPTIDE; PENETRATING PEPTIDE; ANTICANCER ACTIVITY; SOLID TUMORS; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Chemistry, Medicinal; Pharmacology &; Pharmacy

    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.

    Journal Title

    Current Medicinal Chemistry

    Volume

    19

    Issue/Number

    22

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Review

    Language

    English

    First Page

    3794

    Last Page

    3804

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000306494500015

    ISSN

    0929-8673

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