Peptide A

Peptide A is a novel heptapeptide identified through phage display library screening for its high affinity toward platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. Developed by researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre and IIT Bombay, the peptide specifically targets chemoresistant populations, including high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). In silico docking and functional studies suggest that Peptide A interacts with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), specifically the Endothelin Type A and Type B receptors (ETAR/ETBR). While it does not induce direct cytotoxicity or alter the cell cycle, Peptide A significantly reduces the adhesion and invasion of resistant cells and has demonstrated the ability to impede secondary metastasis in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. It is being explored as a targeting scaffold for imaging agents or as a component of therapeutic conjugates for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.