Venom peptides in cancer therapy: An updated review on cellular and molecular aspects. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirzaei, Sepideh; Fekri, Hojjat Samareh; Hashemi, Farid; Hushmandi, Kiavash; Mohammadinejad, Reza; Ashrafizadeh, Milad; Zarrabi, Ali; Garg, Manoj
• Is Part Of: Pharmacological research. Volume 164(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: WHO World Health Organization -- FDA Food and Drug Administration -- I/R ischemic/reperfusion -- L2 lebetin 2 -- PLA2 phospholipase A2 -- STAT3 signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 -- AD Alzheimer's disease -- Th T helper -- Aα amyloid-α -- SVHPR scorpion venom heat-resistant peptide -- MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinase -- NMDARs N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors -- BBB blood-brain barrier -- apoE apoliprotein E -- RCD regulated cell death -- cyt C cytochrome C -- CTX III cardiotoxin III -- ER endoplasmic reticulum -- P1 Pantinine-1 -- lncRNA long non-coding RNA -- AMPK AMP-activated protein kinase -- ECM extracellular matrix -- TRP transient receptor potential -- COX-2 cyclooxygenase-2 -- EMT epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition -- PTX3 pentraxin 3 -- Aa Andoctonus astralis -- PE-BBI pelophylax esculentus Bowman-Birk inhibitor -- KLK kallikrein related peptidase -- CP cisplatin -- TRAIL TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand -- NPs nanoparticles -- GBM glioblastoma -- MMP matrix metalloproteinase -- CIC-3 chloride-3 -- MPI mastoparan I -- F-PEI fluorinated polyethylenimine -- ATVPs anti-tumor venom peptides -- Lys lysine -- DMMA dimethyl maleimide -- ncRNAs non-coding RNAs -- miRs microRNAs -- ERK extracellular signal-regulated kinase -- PI3K phosphoinositide 3-kinase -- Akt protein kinase-B -- NF-kB nuclear factor-kappaB -- CCL C-C motif chemokine ligand 22 -- mTOR mammalian target of rapamycin -- mTORC1 mTOR complex 1 -- PDK1 pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 -- EGF epidermal growth factor -- EGFR EGF receptor -- HGF hepatocyte growth factor; Venom -- Peptide -- Cancer therapy -- Regulated cell death -- Nanoparticle -- Chemotherapy; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Médicaments -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6618

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cancer, its therapy remains one of the most vital challenges in the field of medicine. Consequently, enhancing the efficacy of currently applied treatments and finding novel strategies are of great importance for cancer treatment. Venoms are important sources of a variety of bioactive compounds including salts, small molecules, macromolecules, proteins, and peptides that are defined as toxins. They can exhibit different pharmacological effects, and in recent years, their anti-tumor activities have gained significant attention. Several different compounds are responsible for the anti-tumor activity of venoms, and peptides are one of them. In the present review, we discuss the possible anti-tumor activities of venom peptides by highlighting molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these molecules can act effectively. Venom peptides can induce cell death in cancer cells and can substantially enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, the venom peptides can mitigate the migration of cancer cells via suppression of angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notably, nanoparticles have been applied in enhancing the bioavailability of venom peptides and providing targeted delivery, thereby leading to their elevated anti-tumor activity and potential application for cancer therapy.