RWQWRWQWR-Ahx-RLLRRLLR

RWQWRWQWR-Ahx-RLLRRLLR is an experimental hybrid anticancer peptide (ACP) designed for the treatment of cervical cancer. It is composed of a core sequence derived from bovine lactoferricin (RWQWRWQWR) and a functional sequence derived from Buforin IIb (RLLRRLLR), linked by a 6-aminohexanoic acid (Ahx) spacer. Developed by researchers at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, this peptide utilizes a hybrid strategy to combine the membrane-disrupting properties of lactoferricin derivatives with the cell-penetrating and intracellular-targeting capabilities of Buforin IIb. In preclinical in vitro studies, it demonstrated significant and rapid cytotoxic activity against HeLa and Ca Ski cervical cancer cell lines, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Its mechanism involves initial electrostatic binding to the negatively charged cancer cell surface, followed by membrane permeabilization or internalization to induce apoptosis.

Other names

RWQWRWQWR-Ahx-RLLRRLLR hybrid peptide