R7-CLIC1pep

R7-CLIC1pep is a therapeutic peptide conjugate consisting of a CLIC1-binding peptide (CLIC1pep) linked to a hepta-arginine (R7) cell-penetrating peptide. Developed by researchers at Kyungpook National University, it targets Chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1), a metamorphic protein that transitions between soluble and transmembrane forms and is upregulated in various cancers, including glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. R7-CLIC1pep penetrates the cell membrane to bind cytoplasmic CLIC1, thereby inhibiting its insertion into the plasma membrane. This action leads to reduced p-ERK levels and suppresses cancer cell migration and invasion. Future development includes potential use in ProTAC-based degradation strategies.