Tumor cell membrane disruption

"Tumor cell membrane disruption" refers to the breakdown of the plasma membrane integrity in cancer cells, leading to cell death. This effect can be caused by various therapeutic agents, particularly anticancer peptides (AMPs, ACPs), that exploit differences in cancer cell membrane composition—such as higher negative charge, lower cholesterol content, and altered microvilli structures—to selectively interact with and destabilize tumor but not normal cell membranes. Disruption occurs via pore formation, membrane destabilization, or lytic mechanisms, ultimately resulting in necrosis or apoptosis depending on the agent and mode of action. While it is a valuable anticancer strategy, it is not a canonical molecular target, but a therapeutic approach or effect.

Induction of plasma membrane permeabilization via direct interaction with the lipid bilayer (“barrel-stave”, “carpet”, and pore-forming models). Ion channel formation (permitting leakage of ions). Triggering necrotic or apoptotic cell death through loss of membrane integrity.