RRWQWR-Ahx-RWQWRWQWR

RRWQWR-Ahx-RWQWRWQWR is a synthetic, cationic hybrid peptide designed for the treatment of cervical cancer. It is constructed using a hybrid peptide formation strategy that combines two fragments derived from bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB): the hexapeptide RRWQWR and the palindromic nonapeptide RWQWRWQWR, joined by a 6-aminohexanoic acid (Ahx) spacer. The peptide's mechanism of action is based on its amphipathic nature; the arginine residues facilitate an initial electrostatic interaction with the negatively charged components of the cancer cell surface, while the tryptophan residues subsequently interact with and disrupt the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, potentially leading to internalization and apoptosis. Developed by researchers in Colombia, this peptide has demonstrated significant, rapid, and selective in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and Ca Ski, while showing lower toxicity toward healthy fibroblasts and red blood cells.

Other names

RRWQWR-Ahx-RWQWRWQWR hybrid peptide