PNC-27

Product Overview

PNC-27 is a chimeric p53-penetratin peptide that targets the HDM-2 protein found on cancer cell membranes. Its selectivity is based on the critical observation that HDM-2 is highly expressed on cancer cell membranes but is very low or undetectable on normal, healthy cells. This creates a precise targeting mechanism that distinguishes it from conventional chemotherapy.

Mechanism of Action

PNC-27 binds to HDM-2 proteins on cancer cell membrane surfaces, inducing transmembrane pore formation. This pore formation disrupts membrane integrity, causing water influx and cell bursting (necrosis). Additionally, PNC-27 damages cancer cell mitochondria, further compromising cellular viability. This dual action — membranolysis plus mitochondrial damage — delivers comprehensive cancer cell destruction.

Key Benefits

High Cancer Cell Selectivity — Binds exclusively to HDM-2 on cancer cell membranes, leaving healthy cells unharmed. Provides targeted therapy without the systemic toxicity of conventional chemotherapy.

Broad-Spectrum Efficacy — Demonstrated effectiveness against multiple cancer types including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, and melanoma.

Necrosis-Based Mechanism — Induces necrosis rather than apoptosis, which may reduce the risk of tumor cell fragments entering the bloodstream and causing metastatic spread.

Mitochondrial Disruption — Damages cancer cell mitochondria as an additional mechanism of action, providing a multi-layered attack on cancer cell viability.

References

1. Sarafraz-Yazdi E, et al. PNC-27 binds to HDM-2 in a p53 peptide-like structure, induces selective membrane-pore formation and leads to cancer cell lysis. *Biomedicines.* 2022;10(5):945.
2. Ghaly G, et al. Anti-cancer peptides: status and future prospects. *Molecules.* 2023;28(3):1148.
3. Bowne WB, et al. Novel peptides from the RAS-p21 and p53 proteins for the treatment of cancer. *Cancer Therapy.* 2007;5B:331.