PNC-27
Research profile · How we handle evidence
PNC-27 is a synthetic peptide containing a portion of the p53 tumor suppressor protein fused to a penetratin sequence that allows cell membrane penetration. It has demonstrated selective anti-tumor activity in multiple cancer cell lines while leaving normal cells unharmed. Currently in preclinical research as a potential cancer treatment.
Evidence Score
Preclinical signal
Category
Therapeutic area
Standard Dose
Research context only
Half-life
Plasma elimination
Route
Intravenous or Subcutaneous
Safety Tier
Limited data
Overview
PNC-27 is a fascinating anticancer peptide that takes a completely novel approach: it attaches to a protein called HDM-2 on cancer cell membranes and literally punches holes in them, causing the cancer cell to rupture and die. The elegant part is that this HDM-2 target is only exposed on cancer cells, healthy cells don't have it on their surface, so they're left alone. This is fundamentally different from chemotherapy which carpet-bombs everything and causes all those horrific side effects. It's shown activity against pancreatic, breast, and leukemia cell lines in lab studies, which is impressive because pancreatic cancer in particular is notoriously hard to treat. The catch: it's still preclinical, with no human trials yet, so this is pure research territory. Don't get ahead of the science, but the mechanism is genuinely exciting.
Mechanism of Action
PNC-27 is a fascinating anticancer peptide that takes a completely novel approach: it attaches to a protein called HDM-2 on cancer cell membranes and literally punches holes in them, causing the cancer cell to rupture and die. The elegant part is that this HDM-2 target is only exposed on cancer cells, healthy cells don't have it on their surface, so they're left alone. This is fundamentally different from chemotherapy which carpet-bombs everything and causes all those horrific side effects. It's shown activity against pancreatic, breast, and leukemia cell lines in lab studies, which is impressive because pancreatic cancer in particular is notoriously hard to treat. The catch: it's still preclinical, with no human trials yet, so this is pure research territory. Don't get ahead of the science, but the mechanism is genuinely exciting.
pH & Mixing
Peptides reconstituted at very different pH levels can destabilize when combined in the same syringe, which lowers how much of the peptide your body actually absorbs. If you're unsure whether two peptides are close enough in pH, reconstitute and inject them separately.
A dedicated compatibility check between two specific peptides is coming to the Compare tool. This section covers this peptide's pH only.
Benefits
- Selectively kills cancer cells while sparing normal cells
- Works via membrane lysis - cancer cells literally rupture
- Active against multiple cancer cell lines in vitro
- Novel mechanism unlike conventional chemotherapy
- Non-toxic to normal cells in cell culture studies
Side Effects
- Not established - only preclinical research available
- Intravenous administration required for most routes
- Unknown long-term safety profile
Contraindications
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals under 18 years old
- Those with known allergies to peptide components
Structure & Sequence
Verified structure
PNC-27
Sequence illustration backed by PubChem match.
- Amino Acid Sequence
- PPLSQETFSDLWKLLKKWKMRRNQFWVKVQRG (32aa, p53-HDM2 binding domain)
- Molecular Weight
- 4,031.7 Da
- Chemical Formula
- C188H293N53O44S
- CAS Number
- 1159861-00-3
- Reconstituted pH
- 5.0-6.0
- InChIKey
- MZCACYLMMMXSKC-KOCFKOPYSA-N
Stack & Route Context
Stacks with
No entries listed.
Administration
Intravenous or Subcutaneous
Research Status
Preclinical only. In vitro and some animal studies. No human clinical trials. Research peptide.
Approval Status
Preclinical
Sports Legal
Permitted
References
- 1
PNC-27 cancer cell killing studies
2011
This profile summarizes research literature for education only. It is not medical advice, and it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose. Consult a qualified professional before changing a protocol.