Peptibase
Immune

PNC27

Also known as: PNC-27, p53-HDM2 Disruptor Peptide, Anti-Cancer Peptide PNC-27

Preclinical
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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
Duration
Research protocols only - no human use data
Also Known As
PNC-27, p53-HDM2 Disruptor Peptide, Anti-Cancer Peptide PNC-27

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.

Trial Progress:Preclinical
Pre
I
II
III
IV
FDA

Dosing Information

Animal Studies·Extensive in vitro research, ex vivo human cancer tissue studies, limited animal studies

Note: Animal study doses may not translate directly to humans.

Typical Dosingⓘ

Community experience

Common Dose

No human dose - research compound only

Range

Lab research: 0.1-0.3 mg/mL in cell culture

Frequency

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

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

Research This Peptide Further

PubMedClinicalTrials.govFDA.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PNC27 do?

A chimeric anti-cancer peptide containing p53 residues 12-26 linked to a membrane-penetrating sequence. Selectively kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 expressed on cancer cell membranes, inducing membrane pore formation and necrosis while leaving normal cells unaffected.

How does PNC27 work?

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.

Is PNC27 FDA approved?

No, PNC27 is not currently FDA approved. Current status: Preclinical - Extensive in vitro studies, ex vivo human cancer tissue studies

What are the side effects of PNC27?

Reported side effects include: 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. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal health factors.

What is the typical dose of PNC27?

Community-reported common dose: No human dose - research compound only (Not applicable - no human use). Range: Lab research: 0.1-0.3 mg/mL in cell culture. Administration: IV injection in animal studies - not for human use. Research compound only. No human clinical data. Not for human use. Lab research only.

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