PNC-27

Primary Function: Targeted cancer cell apoptosis, p53 pathway activation
Research Use: Tumor-targeted peptide therapy, p53-reactivation studies, selective apoptosis in cancer cells
Molecular Formula: C70H110N18O16
CAS Number: N/A (custom-sequenced research peptide)
Synonyms: p53-derived peptide, PNC27, tumor-targeting peptide

Description:
PNC-27 is a synthetic peptide derived from the tumor suppressor protein p53, designed to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Its primary mechanism of action involves targeting and binding to HDM-2 (human double minute-2), a key regulator that inhibits p53 in many cancers. By reactivating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, PNC-27 has demonstrated potent tumoricidal activity in preclinical studies without traditional chemotherapy toxicity.

This peptide is being explored in solid tumor, hematological malignancy, and oncogene-targeted therapy models.

Mechanism of Action:

• Binds with high affinity to HDM-2, restoring p53’s pro-apoptotic function
• Forms transmembrane pores in cancer cells, leading to rapid cell lysis
• Selectively targets cells overexpressing HDM-2, common in many tumor types
• Induces mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase activation

Key Research Areas:

• Solid tumors (lung, colon, breast, pancreatic)
• Leukemia and lymphoma models
• Drug-resistant cancer strains
• Targeted apoptosis without systemic toxicity
• p53 reactivation and gene therapy analogs

History of Discovery:
PNC-27 was developed by Dr. Joseph M. Dhahbi and colleagues at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in the early 2000s. Designed as a therapeutic mimic of the MDM2-binding domain of p53, PNC-27 was shown in vitro and in vivo to destroy cancer cells within minutes, offering a unique mechanism of cell membrane disruption combined with tumor-selective binding. It remains under investigation as a potential non-toxic adjunct to chemotherapy or stand-alone research compound.

Case Studies:

1. Tumor-Selective Cytotoxicity (2005, J Pept Res): PNC-27 demonstrated 100% cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells while sparing normal fibroblasts. [J Pept Res. 2005;65(4):491–496.]
2. In Vivo Tumor Suppression (2007, Cancer Res): Mouse models injected with PNC-27 showed tumor shrinkage and apoptosis within 72 hours. [Cancer Res. 2007;67(17):7939–7943.]
3. MDM2-Targeted Mechanism Confirmation (2008, Int J Cancer): PNC-27 selectively disrupted membranes of MDM2-overexpressing cells, confirming mechanism specificity. [Int J Cancer. 2008;122(5):1040–1049.]

Packaging Information:

• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥ 99%
• For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.