Molecular Therapeutic Cancer Peptides: A Closer Look at Bovine Lactoferricin
Idris Zubairu Sadiq *
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Kamaluddeen Babagana
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Dauda Danlami
National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria.
Lawi Isa Abdullahi
Department of Biotechnology, Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Amir Riyaz Khan
Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, UP, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: In spite of the progress that was recorded in the development of anticancer drugs, challenges continue to rises particularly due to resistance of the cancer chemotherapies and low sensitivity of the commercially available anticancer drugs.
Methodology: collection and review of available literatures.
Results: Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is a cationic peptide with broad spectrum antimicrobial and anticancer activity. It also shows promising activity against many varieties of cancer cells including colon carcinoma cells, melanoma, fibrosarcoma, monocytic leukemic cells and neuroblastoma. It is unaffected by multidrug resistance mechanisms seen with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, and displays a higher specificity for cancer cells versus normal cells in comparison to conventional chemotherapy.
Conclusion: LfcinB exhibit strong antitumor activity effectively penetrating cell membrane, activating caspases and induce apoptosis to cancer cells.
Keywords: Bovine Lactoferricin, Disulphide Bridge, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cytotoxic activity