PNC-27 is a 32-residue chimeric peptide, designed as a cancer-targeting agent by fusing the HDM-2 (human homolog of murine double minute 2)-binding domain of p53 (residues 12–26) with a membrane residency peptide (MRP, a cell-penetrating sequence). It selectively induces cancer cell necrosis via transmembrane pore formation, sparing normal cells, and shows efficacy against diverse malignancies independent of p53 status. It is a preclinical research tool with potential for developing targeted cancer therapies.
I. Core Structure & Properties
| Parameter | Details |
| Sequence | p53 (12–26)+MRP (17 residues); full sequence: Tyr-Pro-Pro-Lys-Lys-Leu-Leu-Arg-Ile-Nle-Phe-Leu-Asp-Ser-His-Leu-Arg-Gln-Ile-Lys-Ile-Trp-Phe-Gln-Asn-Arg-Arg-Lys-Lys-Leu-Leu-Arg-Ile-Nle |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₇₄H₂₉₁N₅₅O₃₉S |
| Molecular Weight | ~3980 Da |
| Key Traits | Water-soluble, lyophilized powder (≥99% HPLC purity); stable at -20°C (desiccated, protected from light); avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles |
| Research Status | Preclinical only; not approved for human/veterinary use |
II. Mechanism of Action
PNC-27 exerts cytotoxicity through a multi-step, cancer-selective pathway:
- Membrane HDM-2 Binding: Binds to HDM-2 overexpressed on cancer cell membranes (minimal on normal cells).
- Pore Assembly: HDM-2-PNC-27 complexes oligomerize into transmembrane pores, disrupting membrane integrity.
- Mitochondrial Damage: Cytosolic PNC-27 forms pores in mitochondrial membranes, amplifying cell death.
- Necrotic Cell Death: Rapid lysis occurs within 4 hours via necrosis, independent of p53 function.
III. Preclinical Efficacy & Applications
- Broad Antitumor Activity: Active against breast, colon, lung, ovarian, cervical, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and leukemia (including p53-null/K562 cells) in vitro/in vivo.
- Resistance Overcoming: Effective against chemotherapy-resistant lines (e.g., paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer).
- Research Uses:
- Probe HDM-2 membrane biology and cancer-specific membrane vulnerabilities.
- Develop targeted delivery systems (nanoparticles) for imaging and therapy.
- Validate MRP-based peptide design for cell penetration and membrane targeting.
IV. Research Protocols & Safety
- Handling & Reconstitution: Use PPE; reconstitute with sterile water/saline; discard unused solution after 24–48 hours.
- Typical Dosing: In vitro: 5–20 μM (24–72 h incubation); in vivo: 1–5 mg/kg (intravenous/intratumoral, 2–3× weekly).
- Safety Notes: Minimal normal cell toxicity; potential local irritation at injection sites. Dispose of waste per laboratory safety guidelines.
ECHEMI Editorial Reference
PNC-27 is an anticancer peptide, containing an HDM-2-binding domain. PNC-27 shows anti-tumor activity and can be used in acute myeloid leukemia research.