His-Apo-R13

His-Apo-R13 is a recombinant chimeric fusion protein designed for the targeted treatment of malignant melanoma. The molecule is composed of three functional domains: a polyhistidine (His) tag for purification, the viral protein apoptin (derived from Chicken Anemia Virus), and a specific RGD-containing peptide sequence (R13). The R13 domain acts as a targeting ligand that binds with high affinity to αVβ3 integrins, which are significantly upregulated on the surface of malignant melanocytes. This binding facilitates receptor-mediated endocytosis, allowing the protein to enter the cell. Once internalized, the apoptin component selectively induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in tumor cells by translocating to the nucleus, while remaining non-toxic to healthy keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that His-Apo-R13 effectively decreases the viability of MeWo human melanoma cells through the induction of apoptosis.

Other names

RGD-apoptinHis-Apoptin-RGD