Scorpion and spider venoms in cancer treatment: state of the art, challenges, and perspectives.

ABSTRACT: Background and Aim: Animal venoms comprise a mix of bioactive molecules with high affinity for multiple targets in cells and tissues. Scorpion and spider venoms and purified peptides exhibit significant effects on cancer cells, encompassing four potential mechanisms: 1) induction of cell cycle arrest, growth inhibition, and apoptosis; 2) inhibition of angiogenesis; 3) inhibition of invasion and metastasis; and 4) blocking of specific transmembrane channels. Tumor biology is complex and entails many intertwined processes, as reflected in the putative hallmarks of cancer. This complexity, however, gives rise to numerous (potential) pharmacological intervention sites. Molecules that target multiple proteins or pathways, such as components of animal venoms, may therefore be effective an

SUBMITTER: Raposo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6410669 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature