Targeting NANOG and FAK via Cx26-derived Cell-penetrating Peptides in Triple-negative Breast Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most lethal and treatment-resistant breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. We previously identified a protein complex unique to TNBC composed of the gap junction protein connexin 26 (Cx26), the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We sought to determine whether a peptide mimetic of the interaction region of Cx26 attenuated tumor growth in preclinical models. We designed peptides based on Cx26 juxtamembrane domains and performed binding experiments with NANOG and FAK using surface plasmon resonance. Binding studies revealed that the Cx26 C-terminal tail and intracellular loop bound to NANOG and FAK with submicromolar-to-micromolar affinity and that a 5-amino acid sequence in the C-termina

SUBMITTER: Mulkearns-Hubert EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10840808 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature