A novel class of peptides that induce apoptosis and abrogate tumorigenesis in vivo.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-7-1997

Abstract

In testing the ability of certain synthetic peptides of biological origin to bind to cell surfaces, we unexpectedly found that they could induce apoptosis and inhibit tumorigenesis in rodent and human tumor cell lines. In vitro pre-incubation with the peptides at concentrations as low as 10(-12) M inhibited tumorigenesis in nude mice, in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition of tumorigenesis was reflected in the rapid induction of apoptosis of tumor cells, pre-incubated with the peptides, and tested under conditions of anchorage-independence. Induction of apoptosis was detectable even at concentrations of 10(-12)-10(-13) M (0.1-1.0 pM). Aspecific toxicity of the synthetic peptides was ruled out by the demonstration that single amino acid substitutions (in at least 4 peptides) completely abrogated the pro-apoptotic effect, even at a concentration of 10(-5) M (10 microM).

Volume

240

Issue

1

First Page

208

Last Page

212

ISSN

0006-291X

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

9367911

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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