A novel melanoma-targeting peptide screened by phage display exhibits antitumor activity

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Phage display is a powerful tool for identifying peptides targeting specific cells.
• Previous studies focused on known tumor receptors or molecules.
• A novel approach using whole cell surfaces as targets could bypass the need for target characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel bioactive peptides with antitumor activity using a whole cell surface display method.
• To evaluate the efficacy of identified peptides against melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
• To explore the potential of these peptides in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a C7C phage display library to screen for peptides binding to B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells.
• Enriched and selected phages displaying peptides with anti-melanoma activity.
• Synthesized and tested active peptides for inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion.

Main Results:

• Identified seven active peptides, with three preferentially inhibiting melanoma cell growth.
• A unique cyclic peptide, [-CSSRTMHHC-], demonstrated significant in vivo antitumor activity, preventing tumor growth in 60% of mice.
• This peptide also inhibited melanoma cell invasion and cell-to-cell adhesion in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

• A novel bioactive peptide derived from a C7C phage display library has been identified.
• This peptide exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo anti-melanoma activity, targeting whole melanoma cells.
• The findings represent a significant advancement in the discovery of novel anti-cancer agents and therapeutic strategies.