Cytotoxic effects of venom and its HPLC fractions on lung cancer cells.

Background: Several studies have pointed out that certain snake venoms contain compounds presenting cytotoxic activities that selectively interfere with cancer cell metabolism. In this study, venom and its fractions were investigated for their anticancer potential on lung cancer cells.

Methods: Lung cancer cells (A549) and normal fibroblast cells (Hu02) were treated with the venom and its HPLC fractions and the cell cytotoxic effects were analyzed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase release assays.

Targeting enteroviral 2A protease by a 16-mer synthetic peptide: inhibition of 2Apro-induced apoptosis in a stable Tet-on HeLa cell line.

Enteroviridae such as coxsackievirus are important infectious agents causing viral heart diseases. Viral protease 2A (2Apro) initiates the virus life cycle, and is an excellent target for developing antiviral drugs. Here, to evaluate the validity of the 2Apro as a proper therapeutic target, and based on the existing information and molecular dynamics, a 16-mer peptide was designed to specifically target the active site of protease 2Apro in order to block the activity of CVB3 2Apro.