PNC-27
Also known as: PNC27, p53-Penetratin Chimeric Peptide
Anti-Cancer Peptide | p53-HDM-2 Disruptor
Overview
PNC-27 is an experimental anti-cancer peptide created by a supercomputer at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 2000. It contains an HDM-2 binding domain from p53 (residues 12-26) linked to a cell-penetrating domain. The peptide selectively kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 (MDM2) expressed on cancer cell membranes, forming pores that cause cell necrosis. Critically, PNC-27 has no effect on normal cells because healthy cells don't express HDM-2 on their membranes. Research shows effectiveness against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, and melanoma.
Key benefits
- Selectively kills cancer cells only
- No effect on normal healthy cells
- Induces rapid cancer cell necrosis
- Works on multiple cancer types
- Unique membrane pore mechanism
- Does not require p53 function in target cells
- Eradicates tumors in mouse models
- Spares human stem cells
Mechanism of action
PNC-27 exploits a unique vulnerability of cancer cells: the presence of HDM-2 (human double minute 2, also called MDM2) on their cell surface. The peptide's p53 residues adopt a conformation that binds directly to membrane-bound HDM-2, inducing transmembrane pore formation. This causes rapid tumor cell necrosis (not apoptosis). Additionally, PNC-27 enters cancer cells and disrupts mitochondrial membranes. Normal cells lack surface HDM-2 expression and are completely spared.
Molecular data
- Type
- Chimeric peptide
- Half-life
- Less than 24 hours (requires daily dosing in studies)
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Cancer Research
Mechanism Studies
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Variable by study | Research protocols | — |
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Limited data - primarily preclinical research
- Generally well-tolerated in animal studies
Rare side effects
- Unknown - insufficient human data
Contraindications
- Not approved for human use
- Experimental research peptide only
- Cancers without membrane HDM-2 may not respond
Monitoring
- Research compound - medical supervision essential
- No human clinical trials completed