Key Takeaways
- •Peptides stand out as optimal drug candidates.
- •Researchers continue to build on these properties for innovative treatments.
- •Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer after skin cancer among American men.
Peptides Offer Key Advantages for Drug Development
Peptides stand out as optimal drug candidates. They provide high affinity, strong selectivity, minimal toxicity, and straightforward synthesis. Recent studies have produced new peptide-based therapies to address various diseases.
Researchers continue to build on these properties for innovative treatments. Tools like the Peptide Glossary can help clarify peptide structures and functions.
Peptidomimetics Target ERG Fusion in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer ranks as the second most common cancer after skin cancer among American men. It causes the third-highest number of cancer deaths in this group, per the American Cancer Society.
University of Michigan scientists developed a large-molecule peptidomimetic that selectively targets prostate tumors with a specific genetic change. This avoids damage to healthy cells. The TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion plays a central role in prostate cancer progression. ERG has resisted small-molecule inhibitors, which have succeeded against other cancers.
The team employed large-molecule peptides to hit ERG directly. Tests in cell lines and animal models show these peptides degrade the ERG fusion effectively. They cause minimal disruption to normal cell operations. Results appear in Cancer Cell.
Stem-Derived Peptides Block Japanese Encephalitis and Zika Viruses
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), both from the Flavivirus genus, spread via mosquitoes. JEV leads to viral encephalitis, while ZIKV causes congenital microcephaly in humans. These pose major threats to public health.
Flaviviruses use their envelope glycoprotein E, a class II fusion protein, for host cell entry. This involves conformational shifts, such as stem region binding to domain II, which fuses viral and cell membranes.
Scientists tested peptides from the JEV E protein stem for blocking infection by JEV and ZIKV. Peptides from stem helix 2 stopped JEV with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the nanomolar range. One peptide, P5, shielded mice from JEV lethality. It lowered viral loads and prevented infection-related histopathological changes.
P5 also inhibited ZIKV at an IC50 in the micromolar range. In type I and II interferon receptor-deficient (AG6) mice, P5 reduced brain and testes damage from ZIKV. These results support peptide drugs for JEV and ZIKV.
Use the Interaction Checker to assess potential peptide effects with other agents.
Engineered Peptide Combats Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Over recent decades, numerous bacteria have gained resistance to current antibiotics. Few new options have entered the market.
To counter infectious diseases, experts focus on antimicrobial peptides from natural proteins. These eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Teams from the University of Brasilia and the University of British Columbia created an antimicrobial peptide named clavanin-MO. Mouse tests showed it destroyed Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to most antibiotics.
Four-Amino-Acid Peptide Aids Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
Traumatic brain injuries vary widely, from mild football concussions to severe car crash impacts causing unconsciousness and memory issues. Secondary effects like inflammation, excess free radicals, and disrupted signaling can trigger cell death.
More than 100 compounds undergo preclinical testing to reduce post-injury brain damage. Reaching injured areas remains challenging.
Researchers at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified a peptide of four amino acids: cysteine, alanine, glutamine, and lysine (CAQK). This sequence binds specifically to damaged brain tissue. It enables delivery of therapies to curb injury spread.
Check peptide stability with the Stability Calculator for research planning.
Key Research Citations
Wang, X., Qiao, Y., Asangani, I. A., Ateeq, B., Poliakov, A., Cie?lik, M., ... & Wang, C. X. (2017). Development of Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of the ERG Gene Fusion Product in Prostate Cancer. Cancer cell, 31(4), 532-548.
Chen, L., Liu, Y., Wang, S., Sun, J., Wang, P., Xin, Q., ... & Wang, W. (2017). Antiviral activity of peptide inhibitors derived from the protein E stem against Japanese encephalitis and Zika viruses. Antiviral research, 141, 140-149.
Silva, O. N., De La Fuente-nú?ez, C., Haney, E. F., Fensterseifer, I. C. M., Ribeiro, S. M., Porto, W. F., ... & Lu, T. K. (2016). An anti-infective synthetic peptide with dual antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Scientific reports, 6.
Mann, A. P., Scodeller, P., Hussain, S., Joo, J., Kwon, E., Braun, G. B., ... & Krajewski, S. (2016). A peptide for targeted, systemic delivery of imaging and therapeutic compounds into acute brain injuries. Nature communications, 7.
These studies demonstrate peptides' potential across diseases. Ongoing work may yield practical therapies. Explore our latest peptide news for updates.