Peptide modulators of cell migration: Overview, applications and future development

Jasmin Gattringer; Christian W Gruber; Roland Hellinger

doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103554

Peptide modulators of cell migration: Overview, applications and future development

Drug Discov Today. 2023 May;28(5):103554. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103554. Epub 2023 Mar 13.

Authors

Jasmin Gattringer¹, Christian W Gruber¹, Roland Hellinger²

Affiliations

¹ Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
² Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: roland.hellinger@meduniwien.ac.at.

PMID: 36921670
DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103554

Abstract

Cell migration is a key physiological process in the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms; errors in this complex system can trigger the development of cancer or inflammatory disorders. Therefore, modulating cell migration provides opportunities for drug discovery. Peptides are gaining importance on the global therapeutics market, given their unique properties compared with established small-molecule drugs or biologics. In this review, we identified over 470 peptides modulating cell migration and analyzed their characteristics. Over 95% of these peptides are in the discovery or preclinical stage, because the transition of peptide hits into drug leads often results in a bottleneck in the development process. We summarize chemical strategies in (pre-)clinical development to enhance drug-like properties of bioactive peptides.

Keywords: cell migration; cyclotide; molecular grafting; nature-derived peptides; peptide therapeutics; stabilized peptide scaffolds.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cell Movement
Humans
Neoplasms*
Peptides* / chemistry
Peptides* / pharmacology
Peptides* / therapeutic use

Substances

Peptides