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Published on: February 27, 2019
Recalculating the Route: Repositioning Antimicrobial Peptides for Cancer Treatment
Isadora de Almeida Gomes1, Ana Beatriz da Lima1, Daiane Maria da Silva Brito1,2
1Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo 1000, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-275, Brazil.
Abstract:
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs has been considered a public health problem. Likewise, the increasing resistance of cancer cells to drugs currently used in therapy has also become a problem. Therefore, the research and development of synthetic peptides bring a new perspective on the emergence of new drugs for treating this resistance since bioinformatics provides a means to optimize these molecules and save time and costs in research. Peptides have several mechanisms of action, such as forming pores on the cell membrane and inhibiting protein synthesis. Some studies report the use of antimicrobial peptides with the potential for action against cancer cells, suggesting a repositioning of antimicrobial peptides to fight back cancer resistance. There is an alteration in the microenvironment, making its net charge negative for the survival and growth of cancer cells. The changes in glycoproteins favor the membrane to have a more negative charge, favoring the interaction between the cells and the peptide, thus making possible the repositioning of these antimicrobial peptides against cancer. Here, we will discuss the mechanism of action, targets and effects of peptides, comparison between microbial and cancer cells, and proteomic changes caused by the interaction of peptides and cells.
Insights
Synthetic peptides offer a novel approach to combat drug resistance in both microbes and cancer. Bioinformatics aids in optimizing these peptides for potential repositioning against resistant cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Antimicrobial drug resistance is a significant public health concern.
- Increasing cancer drug resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Synthetic peptides present a promising avenue for developing new anti-resistance drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of synthetic peptides in overcoming drug resistance.
- To investigate the mechanisms of action of peptides against microbial and cancer cells.
- To evaluate the feasibility of repositioning antimicrobial peptides for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatics for peptide optimization and cost-effective research.
- Analysis of peptide mechanisms, including membrane pore formation and protein synthesis inhibition.
- Comparative study of microbial and cancer cell interactions with peptides.
Main Results:
- Peptides exhibit diverse mechanisms of action against cellular targets.
- Alterations in cancer cell microenvironment (e.g., negative charge) enhance peptide interaction.
- Antimicrobial peptides show potential for repositioning against resistant cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic peptides, optimized via bioinformatics, offer a new perspective for combating drug resistance.
- The unique characteristics of cancer cell membranes facilitate peptide interaction and therapeutic potential.
- Repositioning antimicrobial peptides is a viable strategy to address cancer drug resistance.
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