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Development and pharmaceutical investigation of novel cervical cancer-targeting and redox-responsive melittin
Seray Sahsuvar1, Rabia Guner2, Ozgul Gok3
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Cervical cancer has recently become one of the most prevalent cancers among women throughout the world. Traditional cancer therapies generate side effects due to off-target toxicity. Thus, novel cancer medications coupled with suitable drug delivery systems are required to improve cancer therapies. Melittin peptide has a high affinity to disrupt cancer cells. In this study, we designed targeted and redox-responsive Melittin conjugates for cervical cancer and then tested them in vitro. Folic acid and squamous cell carcinoma-specific peptide (CKQNLAEG) were used as targeting agents to design various conjugates. Our findings indicate that both anticancer conjugates were effective against different cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, C33A, and HeLa. Moreover, these conjugates were found to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects as well as reduced hemolytic activity. The CM-Target (N-terminus cysteine modified-Melittin-targeting peptide-functionalized conjugate) has become more stable and acted specifically against squamous cell carcinoma, whereas folic acid (FA)-containing conjugates acted efficiently against all cancer types studied, especially for breast cancer. According to our results, these anticancer conjugates may be possible anticancer drug candidates that have fewer adverse effects.
Insights
Novel melittin conjugates show promise as targeted cervical cancer therapies. These drug delivery systems demonstrate anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects with reduced toxicity, offering potential new treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Cervical cancer is a leading global health concern for women.
- Conventional cancer treatments often cause harmful side effects due to toxicity.
- There is a need for advanced cancer therapies and drug delivery systems to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate targeted, redox-responsive melittin conjugates for cervical cancer treatment.
- To investigate the efficacy of melittin conjugates functionalized with folic acid and a squamous cell carcinoma-specific peptide (CKQNLAEG).
- To assess the anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hemolytic properties of the developed conjugates in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of melittin conjugates using folic acid (FA) and CKQNLAEG as targeting ligands.
- In vitro testing of conjugate efficacy against various cancer cell lines (MCF-7, C33A, HeLa).
- Evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial, and hemolytic activities of the conjugates.
Main Results:
- Both FA- and peptide-conjugated melittin demonstrated significant anticancer activity against tested cell lines.
- The CM-Target conjugate showed enhanced stability and specificity for squamous cell carcinoma.
- FA-containing conjugates were effective against multiple cancer types, including breast cancer, with reduced hemolytic activity.
Conclusions:
- Targeted melittin conjugates represent promising drug candidates for cervical cancer and potentially other cancers.
- These novel conjugates offer a potential strategy for developing anticancer drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects.
- The study highlights the potential of combining melittin with specific targeting moieties for advanced cancer therapy.
