Title:Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents
Volume: 19
Issue: 17
Author(s): Shams Aaghaz, Vivek Gohel and Ahmed Kamal*
Affiliation:
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi,India
Keywords:
Cancer, Oncogene, Epigenetics, Apoptosis, Marine, Peptide.
Abstract: Cancer consists of heterogeneous multiple cell subpopulation which at a later stage develop
resistant phenotypes, which include resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli and/or cytotoxic resistance to
anticancer compounds. The property of cancerous cells to affect almost any part of the body categorizes
cancer to many anatomic and molecular subtypes, each requiring a particular therapeutic intervention.
As several modalities are hindered in a variety of cancers and as the cancer cells accrue varied types of
oncogenic mutations during their progression the most likely benefit will be obtained by a combination
of therapeutic agents that might address the diverse hallmarks of cancer. Natural compounds are the
backbone of cancer therapeutics owing to their property of affecting the DNA impairment and restoration
mechanisms and also the gene expression modulated via several epigenetic molecular mechanisms.
Bioactive peptides isolated from flora and fauna have transformed the arena of antitumour therapy and
prompt progress in preclinical studies is promising. The difficulties in creating ACP rest in improving
its delivery to the tumour site and it also must maintain a low toxicity profile. The substantial production
costs, low selectivity and proteolytic stability of some ACP are some of the factors hindering the
progress of peptide drug development. Recently, several publications have tried to edify the field with
the idea of using peptides as adjuvants with established drugs for antineoplastic use. This review focuses
on peptides from natural sources that precisely target tumour cells and subsequently serve as
anticancer agents that are less toxic to normal tissues.
