K1.1d protein (K1.1d)

The K1.1d protein is a truncated, proprietary protein encoded by the K1.1d mRNA, a therapeutic candidate developed by Sunshine Biopharma for the treatment of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It functions as a potent inhibitor of the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), which is a master regulator of the cellular antioxidant response and is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells to promote survival and resistance to chemotherapy. By suppressing Nrf2 activity, the K1.1d protein downregulates the expression of genes involved in detoxification and drug efflux, such as MDR1, thereby increasing the vulnerability of tumor cells to oxidative stress and chemotherapeutic agents. Preclinical studies in mouse models have demonstrated that K1.1d mRNA, delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), effectively reduces tumor growth and is well-tolerated, showing little to no cytotoxic effects on normal human cells. This approach represents a novel mRNA-based strategy to target the Nrf2 pathway, which has historically been difficult to inhibit with small molecules.

Other names

K1.1 mRNA-encoded proteinK1.1d truncated proteinNrf2 inhibitor protein (Sunshine Biopharma)Antineoplastic mRNA K1.1 product

The K1.1d mRNA is delivered to cells via lipid nanoparticles and translated into the K1.1d protein, which binds to and inhibits the Nrf2 transcription factor, thereby suppressing the expression of antioxidant and multidrug resistance genes.