IL6Rα-Targeting Apoptosis-Inducing Peptide (SSTP1)
- Overview
Brief Description:SSTP1 is a novel anti-carcinogenic peptide derived from the skin secretion of the frog Indosylvirana aurantiaca. It functions by specifically targeting cancer cells that overexpress the Interleukin 6 Receptor alpha (IL6Rα) and inducing apoptosis. This peptide modulates the IL6 pathway, actively promoting cell death in a targeted manner, offering a new strategy for cancer treatment.
Development Stage: It is in the advanced research and pre-clinical development stage, with a focus on understanding its pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential. Extensive experimental data and in silico analyses, demonstrating its mechanism of action, cytotoxicity, and safety in in vitro settings and in specific cell lines.
- Key Features
- Targeted Apoptosis Induction: SSTP1 selectively induces programmed cell death in cancer cells overexpressing IL6Rα, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
- Modulation of IL6 Pathway: It downregulates the JAK/STAT pathway (reducing STAT3 phosphorylation) and activates the JNK/AP1 pathway, disrupting pro-survival signals and initiating apoptosis.
- Non-Membranolytic Activity: SSTP1 induces apoptosis through a non-membranolytic mechanism, internalizing via receptor-dependent endocytosis for targeted intracellular action without general membrane disruption.
- Benefits:
- Economic Impact: Potential for reduced treatment costs due to targeted therapy and cost-effective production as a small peptide.
- Social Impact: Offers a safer, more effective treatment for cancers like triple-negative breast cancer, improving patient outcomes and quality of life with fewer side effects.
- Environmental Impact: Derived from a natural source, suggesting potentially more sustainable sourcing than synthetic alternatives, though further assessment is needed.
- Applications:
- Healthcare (Cancer Therapy): Primarily for treating cancers with IL6Rα overexpression, including triple-negative breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Biotechnology (Drug Development): Potential for designing SSTP1 derivatives as new drugs and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Research Opportunities: Requires further research, including clinical trials, combination therapies, and optimization for broader applications and improved delivery.
- Case Studies:
- MDA-MB-231 Cells: Demonstrated 91% growth inhibition in triple-negative breast cancer cells (IC50 of 4.5 µM) with minimal hemolytic activity and no adverse effect on human leukocytes, showcasing targeted action and safety.
- HSC-4 Oral Cancer Cells: Induced apoptosis (IC50 of 10.22 µM) through the mitochondrial pathway, involving active cleavage of Caspases 3, 7, and 9, and PARP, confirming effectiveness and mechanism across different cancer types.
- IP Status:
- Intellectual Property: Filled Indian patent vide application number
202041016382 dated April 15, 2020 and US patent application no.
17/919,130 dated October 14, 2022.
- Support Offered:
- Licensing Options: Exclusive, non-exclusive licensing options are available.
- Technical Support: Experimental protocols and optimization guidance will be provided.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Co‑development of therapeutic applications, Research collaborations and Industry partnerships.
- Contact Information:
Contact Person: : Dr. Tessy Thomas Maliekal, Scientist, BRIC-RGCB
Email Address: tessy@rgcb.res.in,techventures@rgcb.res.in
Phone Number: +91-471-2529-510