PNC27
Also known as: PNC-27, p53-HDM2 Disruptor Peptide, Anti-Cancer Peptide PNC-27
Popular For
Cancer research, tumor targeting, oncology research
Key Facts: PNC27
- Category
- Immune
- FDA Status
- Not FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- Preclinical - Extensive in vitro studies, ex vivo human cancer tissue studies
- Administration
- IV injection in animal studies - not for human use
- Typical Dose
- No human dose - research compound only
- Frequency
- Not applicable - no human use
- Evidence Level
- Animal Studies
- Duration
- Research protocols only - no human use data
Mechanism of Action
PNC27 contains two functional domains: residues 12-26 of the p53 HDM-2 binding domain on the N-terminus, and a membrane residency peptide (MRP/penetratin) on the C-terminus. Cancer cells uniquely express HDM-2 on their plasma membranes, while normal cells do not. PNC27 binds to this membrane-bound HDM-2, adopts an alpha-helical conformation similar to p53, and induces transmembrane pore formation. This causes extrusion of intracellular contents and rapid necrotic cell death. The peptide also enters cancer cells and disrupts mitochondrial membranes. Importantly, this mechanism is independent of intracellular p53 status - effective even in p53-null cancers.
Research Summary
Extensive in vitro research demonstrates PNC27 selectively kills multiple cancer cell types including breast (MCF-7), pancreatic (MIA-PaCa-2), cervical (HeLa, SW756), ovarian (OVCAR-3, OV-90), colon, lung, and leukemia (K562, U937, HL-60) cell lines. Effective concentration: 0.1-0.2 mg/mL kills most cancer cells. At 0.3 mg/mL, nearly 100% of K562 leukemia cells were killed. Studies confirm no toxicity to normal cells including fibroblasts and leukocytes. Mechanism involves membrane pore formation and necrosis (not apoptosis). Research published in PNAS and multiple peer-reviewed journals.
Dosing Information
Note: Animal study doses may not translate directly to humans.
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
No human dose - research compound only
Lab research: 0.1-0.3 mg/mL in cell culture
Not applicable - no human use
Experimental anti-cancer peptide with strong lab evidence but NO human clinical trials. Research shows 0.2-0.3 mg/mL kills 90-100% of cancer cells in vitro while sparing normal cells. Only tested in cell cultures and ex vivo tissue samples. Not available through peptide vendors - strictly a research compound for cancer biology studies.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Lab concentrations from peer-reviewed studies - no human dosing established
Doses from Studies
0.3 mg/mL (nearly 100% leukemia cell killing)
0.1-0.5 mg/mL range tested in vitro
PNAS 2010 - Anticancer peptide PNC-27 adopts HDM-2-binding conformation ↗
0.2 mg/mL (90-92% ovarian cancer reduction)
Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science 2015 - Ex vivo efficacy in patient-derived ovarian cancer ↗
Duration
Research protocols only - no human use data
Administration
IV injection in animal studies - not for human use
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Per research protocol
Research protocols only
Food Recommendation
With or without food
Why This Timing?
Experimental compound with short half-life. In vitro studies show optimal activity at 37°C with peptide re-addition every 24 hours.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Limited safety data - research compound only
- ●Highly selective for cancer cells in vitro
- ●No cytotoxicity observed in normal cells (fibroblasts, leukocytes)
- ●Temperature-dependent activity (37°C optimal, minimal at 17°C)
- ●Not tested in human clinical trials
- ●Unknown systemic effects in humans
- ●Potential immunogenicity unknown
References
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Educational Information Only
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.