PNC-27 (PNC27)
Anti-Cancer Peptide | p53-HDM-2 Disruptor
Community Research
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PNC-27 is an experimental anti-cancer peptide created by a supercomputer at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2000. It contains an HDM-2 binding domain from p53 (residues 12-26) linked to a cell-penetrating domain. The peptide selectively kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 (MDM2) expressed on cancer cell membranes, forming pores that cause cell necrosis. Critically, PNC-27 has no effect on normal cells because healthy cells don't express HDM-2 on their membranes. Research shows effectiveness against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and melanoma.
PNC-27 exploits a unique vulnerability of cancer cells: the presence of HDM-2 (human double minute 2, also called MDM2) on their cell surface. The peptide's p53 residues adopt a conformation that binds directly to membrane-bound HDM-2, inducing transmembrane pore formation. This causes rapid tumor cell necrosis (not apoptosis). Additionally, PNC-27 enters cancer cells and disrupts mitochondrial membranes. Normal cells lack surface HDM-2 expression and are completely spared.
Molecular Data
Research Indications
PNC-27 shows selective cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells in research.
Demonstrated effectiveness against breast cancer cell lines.
Induces necrosis of K-562 leukemia cells through HDM-2 binding.
Shows selective targeting of melanoma cells.
Most effective against cancers with high membrane HDM-2 expression.
Model compound for studying cancer-selective therapies.
Dosing Protocols
PNC-27 is currently in preclinical research stages. All dosing data comes from in vitro and animal model studies. No human dosing protocols have been approved. The peptide has shown tumor eradication in nude mice xenograft models.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research protocol | Variable by study | Research protocols | IP or direct tumor injection (research) |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Sterile water or buffer
- Syringes
- Sterile work surface
- 1 Handle as research chemical
- 2 Reconstitute according to research protocol
- 3 Store reconstituted solution refrigerated
- 4 Use appropriate safety precautions
Interactions
What to Expect
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
- Limited data - primarily preclinical research
- Generally well-tolerated in animal studies
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Not applicable - not approved for human use
Contraindications
- Not approved for human use
- Experimental research peptide only
- Cancers without membrane HDM-2 may not respond
Quality Checklist
Good Signs
- White lyophilized powder
- High purity (>95%)
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Proper storage conditions
Warning Signs
- Research chemical - limited quality standards
- Not all cancers express membrane HDM-2
Bad Signs
- Discoloration
- Cloudy solution
- Particulates visible
References
- Anticancer peptide PNC-27 adopts an HDM-2-binding conformation and kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 in their membranesPNAS (2010)
PNC-27 binds membrane-bound HDM-2, inducing pore formation and cancer cell necrosis while sparing normal cells.
- Anti-Cancer Peptide PNC-27 Kills Cancer Cells by Unique Interactions with Plasma Membrane-Bound hdm-2 and with Mitochondrial MembranesPubMed (2024)
PNC-27 also enters cancer cells and disrupts mitochondrial membranes.
- PNC-27 Induces Tumor Cell Necrosis of Leukemia CellsAnnals of Clinical & Laboratory Science (2014)
PNC-27 induces necrosis of K-562 leukemia cells lacking p53 through p53-independent pathway.
- PNC-27, a Chimeric p53-Penetratin PeptidePubMed (2022)
PNC-27 binds HDM-2 in p53 peptide-like structure, induces selective membrane-pore formation leading to cancer cell lysis.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.