Anticancer peptide SVS-1 : efficacy precedes membrane neutralization

Gaspar, Diana; Veiga, Ana Salomé; Sinthuvanich, Chomdao; Schneider, Joel P.; Castanho, Miguel A. R. B.

http://hdl.handle.net/10451/7233

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Authors

Gaspar, Diana

Veiga, Ana Salomé

Sinthuvanich, Chomdao

Schneider, Joel P.

Castanho, Miguel A. R. B.

Abstract(s)

Anticancer peptides are polycationic amphiphiles capable of preferentially killing a wide spectrum of cancer cells relative to noncancerous cells. Their primary mode of action is an interaction with the cell membrane and subsequent activation of lytic effects; however, the exact mechanism responsible for this mode of action remains controversial. Using zeta potential analyses we demonstrate the interaction of a small anticancer peptide with membrane model systems and cancer cells. Electrostatic interactions have a pivotal role in the cell killing process, and in contrast to the antimicrobial peptides action cell death occurs without achieving full neutralization of the membrane charge.