Targeting the Melanocortin 1 Receptor in Melanoma: Biological Activity of α-MSH-Peptide Conjugates.

ABSTRACT: Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive and resistant tumor types, with high metastatic properties. Because of the lack of suitable chemotherapeutic agents for treatment, the 5-year survival rate of melanoma patients with regional and distant metastases is lower than 10%. Targeted tumor therapy that provides several promising results might be a good option for the treatment of malignant melanomas. Our goal was to develop novel melanoma-specific peptide-drug conjugates for targeted tumor therapy. Melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) is a cell surface receptor responsible for melanogenesis and it is overexpressed on the surface of melanoma cells, providing a good target. Its native ligand, α-MSH (α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) peptide, or its derivatives, might be potential homing devi

SUBMITTER: Szabo I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10816934 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature