PNC-27

PNC-27 is a 32-amino acid peptide designed to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The design logic is based on a specific property of cancer cells: they express the p53 binding domain of MDM2 on their membrane surface, whereas normal cells do not. PNC-27 contains the p53 transactivation domain (residues 12-26) linked to a membranolytic domain from mastoparan. In cancer cells, PNC-27 binds membrane-resident MDM2, anchors to the membrane, and then the mastoparan domain creates pores that kill the cell. Normal cells, lacking membrane MDM2, are not targeted.

The research was developed by Matthew Pincus's group at SUNY Downstate. PNC-27 has shown selective cytotoxicity in multiple cancer cell lines -- including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia -- while sparing non-transformed cells in the same experiment. This in vitro selectivity is the key evidence for the targeting mechanism, and it has been replicated in several published studies. The concept of membrane-targeted cancer cell killing using the p53-MDM2 interaction interface as a targeting mechanism is scientifically distinctive from most chemotherapy approaches.

In vivo data in animal tumor models has also been published, though this compound is still in early-stage research. The mechanism represents a novel approach to oncology research distinct from conventional cytotoxics.

Specifications

Storage

Store at -20°C before reconstitution. Refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution and use within 14 days. PNC-27 is a larger peptide -- handle to minimize aggregation.

PNC-27 is supplied for laboratory research use only. Not approved for human use. Handle in compliance with institutional biosafety guidelines.