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
Pancreatic Cancer
EffectivePNC-27 shows selective cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cells in research.
Breast Cancer
EffectiveDemonstrated effectiveness against breast cancer cell lines.
Leukemia
EffectiveInduces necrosis of K-562 leukemia cells through HDM-2 binding.
Melanoma
EffectiveShows selective targeting of melanoma cells.
Mechanism Studies
HDM-2 Expressing Tumors
EffectiveMost effective against cancers with high membrane HDM-2 expression.
Tumor Selectivity Research
ModerateModel compound for studying cancer-selective therapies.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
PNC-27 is currently in preclinical research stages. All dosing data comes from in vitro and animal model studies. No human dosing protocols have been approved. The peptide has shown tumor eradication in nude mice xenograft models.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research protocol | Variable by study | Research protocols | IP or direct tumor injection (research) |
Preparation
You will need
- Sterile water or buffer
- Syringes
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Handle as research chemical
- Reconstitute according to research protocol
- Store reconstituted solution refrigerated
- Use appropriate safety precautions
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Chemotherapy agents
UnclassifiedPotential for combination therapy being researched.
Other anti-cancer peptides
UnclassifiedCombination studies not yet published.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Hours
Binding to membrane HDM-2 begins
- Hours-Days
Pore formation and cancer cell necrosis
- Days-Weeks
Tumor reduction in animal models
- Research ongoing
Human clinical trials not yet conducted
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
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Not applicable - not approved for human use
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
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White lyophilized powder
- High purity (>95%)
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Proper storage conditions
Warning signs
- Research chemical - limited quality standards
- Not all cancers express membrane HDM-2
Stop signs — don't use
- Discoloration
- Cloudy solution
- Particulates visible
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Anticancer peptide PNC-27 adopts an HDM-2-binding conformation and kills cancer cells by binding to HDM-2 in their membranes
PNAS · 2010
PNC-27 binds membrane-bound HDM-2, inducing pore formation and cancer cell necrosis while sparing normal cells.
Anti-Cancer Peptide PNC-27 Kills Cancer Cells by Unique Interactions with Plasma Membrane-Bound hdm-2 and with Mitochondrial Membranes
PubMed · 2024
PNC-27 also enters cancer cells and disrupts mitochondrial membranes.
PNC-27 Induces Tumor Cell Necrosis of Leukemia Cells
Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science · 2014
PNC-27 induces necrosis of K-562 leukemia cells lacking p53 through p53-independent pathway.
PNC-27, a Chimeric p53-Penetratin Peptide
PubMed · 2022
PNC-27 binds HDM-2 in p53 peptide-like structure, induces selective membrane-pore formation leading to cancer cell lysis.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.