PNC-27 (p53-MDM2 Inhibitor) Peptide

Anticancer peptide derived from the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Targets HDM-2 binding site on cancer cell membranes, inducing selective necrosis of transformed cells while sparing normal tissue. Key compound in targeted cancer peptide research.

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Quick Facts

SKUAC-PNC27
PurityResearch Grade
Physical FormLyophilized Powder
StorageStore at -20°C

What is PNC-27?

PNC-27 is a 32-amino acid synthetic peptide containing a p53 tumor suppressor protein fragment (residues 12-26) linked to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequence. It selectively kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 (human double minute 2, also called MDM2) — an oncoprotein overexpressed on the surface membrane of transformed cells but not on normal cells.

Unlike conventional chemotherapy which damages all rapidly dividing cells, PNC-27 induces necrosis exclusively in cells expressing surface HDM-2, a marker specific to malignant transformation. Normal cells with intranuclear (not surface) HDM-2 are unaffected. This selectivity makes PNC-27 one of the most targeted anticancer peptide candidates in preclinical research.

Mechanism of Action

HDM-2 Surface Binding: Cancer cells uniquely express HDM-2 on their plasma membrane exterior (normal cells keep HDM-2 in the nucleus). PNC-27 p53 fragment binds this surface HDM-2 with high affinity.

Membrane Pore Formation: Upon binding, PNC-27 induces transmembrane pore formation in the cancer cell membrane. These pores (visualized by electron microscopy) cause osmotic lysis — the cell swells and bursts (necrosis), releasing contents that stimulate an anti-tumor immune response.

Selectivity: Normal cells do not express surface HDM-2 and are completely unaffected by PNC-27 at concentrations that kill 100% of cancer cells in vitro. This >1000-fold selectivity window is unprecedented for a cytotoxic agent.

Research & Clinical Studies

Preclinical Cancer Research

PNC-27 has demonstrated anticancer activity across multiple tumor types in preclinical research:

  • Pancreatic cancer: 100% cell death in MIA PaCa-2 lines at 50 μM, zero toxicity to normal pancreatic ductal cells
  • Breast cancer: Effective against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative lines
  • Leukemia: Selective killing of HL-60 and K562 leukemia cells
  • Melanoma: Active against B16 mouse melanoma
  • Drug-resistant tumors: Effective against doxorubicin-resistant lines (different mechanism — no MDR efflux)
  • Synergy: Synergistic with doxorubicin at sub-toxic doses of both agents

Chemical Properties

TypeChimeric peptide (p53 fragment + cell-penetrating peptide)
Length32 amino acids
p53 FragmentResidues 12-26 (MDM2-binding domain)
TargetSurface HDM-2/MDM2 on cancer cell membranes
MechanismMembrane pore formation → necrosis
Selectivity>1000-fold for cancer vs normal cells
PurityResearch Grade
AvailabilityComing Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PNC-27 only kill cancer cells?

Cancer cells uniquely express HDM-2/MDM2 protein on their outer cell membrane. Normal cells keep HDM-2 inside the nucleus. PNC-27 binds to surface HDM-2 and forms lethal membrane pores, so only cells with surface HDM-2 (cancer cells) are killed.

How is PNC-27 different from chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy kills all rapidly dividing cells (hair, gut lining, immune cells). PNC-27 selectively targets a cancer-specific surface marker (HDM-2) with >1000-fold selectivity. Normal cells are unaffected at anticancer concentrations. No cross-resistance with conventional drugs.

What cancers has PNC-27 been tested against?

Preclinical activity shown in: pancreatic cancer, breast cancer (including triple-negative), leukemia, melanoma, and drug-resistant tumor lines. Effective across all HDM-2-expressing tumors regardless of tissue origin.

For laboratory and research use only. Not intended for human or animal consumption. All product information is derived from published preclinical research and does not constitute medical advice or claims.