Anti-tumor Effect of Glycopeptides with Different Morphologies

Tumor progression is intricately associated with dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Supramolecular fibers composed of biomolecules exhibit structural and functional characteristics reminiscent of the native ECM. Leveraging this similarity, the construction of such fibers within the pericellular space may reconstruct the dysregulated ECM and act as a promising anticancer strategy, by remodeling the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. In this study, we systematically evaluated a series of self-assembled glycopeptide fibers for their ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. A truncated glycopeptide fiber demonstrated significantly enhanced efficacy in modulating the tumor microenvironment compared to other variants. Preliminary mechanistic investigations were also conducted, which revealed that the anti-tumor effect may be attributed to the physical interaction between fibers and tumor cells, thereby providing valuable insights into the mode of action. These findings not only highlight the therapeutic potential of glycopeptide-based fibrils but also pave the way for innovative approaches in cancer treatment.