Over

Kpv peptides are a novel class of therapeutic agents that have attracted considerable interest for their potential application in the treatment of various cancers. These short sequences are engineered to target specific cellular pathways involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. By modulating key signaling cascades, Kpv peptides can induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation. Their small size, ease of synthesis, and capacity for chemical modification make them attractive candidates for drug development, especially in malignancies that are refractory to existing treatments.



Abstract

The present review consolidates current knowledge on Kpv peptide-based interventions in oncology. It outlines the biochemical properties of Kpv peptides, their mechanisms of action across different tumor types, and highlights preclinical studies demonstrating efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Emphasis is placed on the modulation of apoptosis regulators (such as Bcl-2 family proteins), cell cycle checkpoints, and angiogenic factors like VEGF. The review also discusses challenges related to peptide stability, delivery systems, immunogenicity, and potential off-target effects. Finally, it outlines future directions for clinical translation, including combinatorial strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors and nanoparticle-based delivery platforms.



1 Materials and Reagents

The synthesis of Kpv peptides typically employs solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using Fmoc chemistry. Key reagents include:





Fmoc-protected amino acids with appropriate side-chain protecting groups.


N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane (DCM), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) for deprotection steps.


HBTU or PyBOP as coupling agents, along with DIPEA as a base.


Rink amide resin for C-terminal amidation.



For purification, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) columns (C18) are used, and analytical confirmation is performed via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Buffer solutions such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Tris-HCl, and HEPES are employed for cell culture assays. Cell lines commonly used in Kpv peptide studies include HeLa, MCF-7, A549, and various murine tumor models like B16-F10. Antibodies against apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, PARP), proliferation markers (Ki-67), and angiogenesis indicators (CD31) are essential for immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. For in vivo experiments, reagents for tumor implantation (e.g., Matrigel) and animal housing protocols compliant with institutional guidelines are required. Standard kits for RNA extraction, qPCR, and ELISA assays are also integral to evaluating gene expression changes induced by Kpv peptides.

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