PNC-27
An experimental anticancer peptide engineered to selectively disrupt cancer cell membranes that overexpress HDM-2 — preclinical research only.
A chimeric peptide combining a p53-derived HDM-2-binding sequence with a membrane-penetrating domain that induces necrotic cell death in cancer cells overexpressing HDM-2 at the plasma membrane, while sparing normal cells.
Mechanism of action
Selectively binds HDM-2 (the human MDM-2 homolog) expressed on the outer plasma membrane of cancer cells but not normal cells. Binding induces transmembrane pore formation and rapid necrotic cell death. The selectivity derives from the cancer-specific surface expression of HDM-2 — in normal cells, HDM-2 is intracellular and PNC-27 has minimal effect.
Primary uses
- Preclinical oncology research
- Solid tumor cell-line models
- Leukemia cell-line models
Typical dosing
No human dosing established. Community use carries unknown risk; not medical guidance.
Regulatory status
Not approved. Preclinical-stage investigational anticancer peptide. No completed clinical trials identified.
References
- [pubmed] Michl J, et al. "PNC-27, a Peptide that Binds HDM-2 on the Cancer Cell Membrane, Induces Necrosis in Human Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells." J Cell Biochem, 2021.
- [pubmed] Sarafraz-Yazdi E, et al. "Anticancer peptide PNC-27 adopts an HDM-2-binding conformation and kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 in their membranes." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2010;107:1918-1923.
This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.