INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have identified a novel peptide, with therapeutic potential for cancer and proliferative diseases. In vivo and in vitro studies involving this peptide have shown acute inhibitory effects on cancer signaling pathways and activation of anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenesis genes leading to tumor growth suppression. Specifically, human prostate cancer cells (PC-3, 22RV1, and DU145) incubated with the peptide induced apoptosis by at least 2-fold. In addition, real-time PCR analysis of 22RV1 cells incubated with the peptide found common apoptosis genes Apaf-1, Bax, and Bcl-x along with anti-metastasis genes including TIMP1, NME1 and NME4 up-regulated. In contrast, VEGF-A (pro-angiogenic) expression was dramatically down-regulated by more than 70-fold after peptide treatment. In vivo studies involving short-term peptide treatment on SCID mice harboring 22RV1 prostate cancer xenografts showed 30% smaller tumors compared to control.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• New therapeutic to treat many forms of cancer including: prostate, breast, lung, colon, testicular, cervical, pancreatic and renal
• Administration to patients may occur by injection, oral, or dermal, as well as direct administration to sites such as the eye

ADVANTAGES

• Novel composition of matter
• Potential new therapy for cancer
• Small and easy to produce peptide
• The peptide is shown to have acute inhibitory effects on cancer signaling pathways and activation of anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenesis genes leading to tumor growth suppression

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The peptide has been tested in human prostate cancer cells: PC3, 22RV1, and DU145. Additional cancer cell types are currently being tested. In vivo studies involving short-term peptide treatment on SCID mice harboring 22RV1 prostate cancer xenografts have also been completed.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2008-488