[Progress in the mechanisms of anticancer peptides]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, driving the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
• Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are naturally occurring bioactive peptides with demonstrated antitumor properties.
• ACPs are found across diverse biological kingdoms, highlighting their evolutionary significance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the diverse mechanisms by which Anticancer Peptides (ACPs) exert their antitumor effects.
• To consolidate current research on ACPs, providing insights into their therapeutic potential.
• To offer research and development directions for novel peptide-based anticancer drugs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Anticancer Peptides (ACPs).
• Analysis of reported mechanisms of action for various ACPs.
• Compilation of data on the advantages of ACPs over conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• ACPs exhibit antitumor activity through various mechanisms, including membrane disruption, intracellular target interaction, and immunomodulation.
• ACPs offer significant advantages over traditional chemotherapy, such as high tumor selectivity, low toxicity, and reduced risk of drug resistance.
• The diverse origins and structures of ACPs suggest a broad therapeutic applicability.

Conclusions:

• Anticancer peptides (ACPs) represent a promising class of therapeutic agents for cancer treatment.
• Understanding ACP mechanisms is crucial for the rational design and development of effective peptide-based anticancer drugs.
• Further research into ACPs could lead to more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies.