Dual-action potential of cationic cryptides against infections and cancers.

Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides embedded latently in their parent proteins and have multiple biological functions. Cationic cryptides could be used as modern drugs in both infectious diseases and cancers because their mechanism of action is less likely to be affected by genetic mutations in the treated cells, therefore addressing a current unmet need in these two areas of medicine. In this review, we present the current understanding of cryptides, methods to mine them sustainably using available online databases and prediction tools, with a particular focus on their antimicrobial and anticancer potential, and their potential applicability in a clinical setting.

Novel cationic cryptides in Penaeus vannamei demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities.

Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides that exist in all living organisms. They are latently encrypted in their parent sequences and exhibit a wide range of biological activities when decrypted via in vivo or in vitro proteases. Cationic cryptides tend to be drawn to the negatively charged membranes of microbial and cancer cells, causing cell death through various mechanisms.

Alpha-Mangostin Activates MOAP-1 Tumor Suppressor and Mitochondrial Signaling in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells.

-Mangostin, one of the major constituents of , has been reported to possess several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of apoptosis. However, the cellular signaling pathway mediated by -mangostin has not been firmly established. To investigate the cellular activities of -mangostin, human cancer cells, MCF-7 and MCF-7-CR cells, were treated with -mangostin to measure the cellular responses, including cytotoxicity, protein-protein interaction, and protein expression.