Gramicidin A-based unimolecular channel: cancer cell-targeting behavior and ion transport-induced apoptosis

Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 Feb 2;57(9):1097-1100. doi: 10.1039/d0cc08073j.

Abstract

A series of glycoside-peptide conjugates were prepared by engineering at the N-terminus of the natural peptide gramicidin A. The conjugate containing galactose moiety formed a unimolecular transmembrane channel and mediated ion transport to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. More importantly, it exhibited liver cancer cell-targeting behavior due to the galactose-asialoglycoprotein receptor recognition.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gramicidin / chemistry*
  • Gramicidin / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels
  • Ion Transport / drug effects*
  • Ion Transport / physiology
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ion Channels
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Peptides
  • Gramicidin