Description

Product Description

HKPao, also known as Hunter-Killer Peptide ao, is a synthetic biologically active peptide designed for targeted apoptosis induction in tumor cells and modulation of metabolic pathways associated with obesity. It represents a novel dual-function research tool that bridges the gap between oncology and metabolic disease research.

The Hunter-Killer peptide family is characterized by sequences engineered to selectively target specific receptors or membrane components of diseased cells—such as cancer or adipose tissue—while sparing healthy cells. HKPao exhibits pro-apoptotic activity through the mitochondrial pathway, involving cytochrome c release and caspase activation, leading to programmed cell death.

In addition to its pro-apoptotic effects, HKPao has demonstrated anti-obesity properties, possibly through modulation of adipocyte metabolism, lipolysis regulation, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. By affecting the energy balance and promoting apoptosis in hypertrophic or dysfunctional adipocytes, HKPao contributes to metabolic remodeling in experimental systems.

Research Significance

• Antitumor agent: HKPao induces apoptosis selectively in cancer cells through cytochrome c release.

• Anti-obesity peptide: Regulates lipid metabolism and adipocyte turnover.

• Mitochondrial modulator: Promotes mitochondrial permeability transition and caspase cascade activation.

• Dual-function research compound: Integrates metabolic and apoptotic signaling insights for advanced biomedical research.

The dual biological activities of HKPao make it an exceptional peptide tool for investigating the intersection of mitochondrial function, cell death, and metabolic regulation, offering new perspectives for drug discovery in cancer and metabolic diseases.

Product Specifications

Mechanism of Action

HKPao exerts its biological effects primarily through mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and metabolic pathway regulation.

1. Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Release

HKPao directly interacts with mitochondrial membranes, inducing permeabilization and cytochrome c release, which subsequently triggers caspase activation (particularly caspase-9 and caspase-3), leading to programmed cell death in cancer cells.

2. Apoptotic Pathway Activation

Once cytochrome c is released into the cytosol, it binds to Apaf-1 and procaspase-9, forming the apoptosome complex, which activates downstream caspases and leads to cellular disassembly. This targeted apoptotic effect is beneficial in tumor models exhibiting mitochondrial dysregulation.

3. Selective Targeting of Diseased Cells

As a member of the “Hunter-Killer” peptide family, HKPao can selectively bind to overexpressed receptors or phosphatidylserine-rich membranes on cancer cells, ensuring tumor-specific cytotoxicity and minimized off-target toxicity.

4. Anti-Obesity Mechanism

HKPao may influence adipocyte biology through modulation of mitochondrial respiration, AMPK signaling, and lipid oxidation, promoting adipocyte apoptosis or differentiation into metabolically active beige cells. These effects collectively lead to reduced lipid accumulation and enhanced energy expenditure in experimental settings.

5. Molecular Crosstalk Between Tumor and Metabolic Pathways

Emerging research indicates that obesity and cancer share overlapping pathways involving inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and metabolic reprogramming. HKPao serves as a unique research tool to dissect this crosstalk, as it targets both tumor cells and metabolically dysregulated tissues.

Side Effects

HKPao is intended for research use only and has not been evaluated for safety in humans or animals. Based on in vitro and animal data from similar peptides, possible experimental observations may include:

• Mitochondrial stress in non-target cells at high concentrations.

• Mild cytotoxicity in highly metabolic tissues.

• Transient oxidative response following mitochondrial depolarization.

• No genotoxic or mutagenic potential observed in peptide analogs.

Proper handling with personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended during all experimental procedures.

Disclaimer

HKPao (Hunter-Killer Peptide ao) is supplied for laboratory research use only. Not intended for human consumption, medical treatment, or diagnostic applications. The data provided are for research and educational purposes only.

Keywords

Hunter-Killer Peptide ao, CAS 859216-15-2, antitumor peptide, apoptosis-inducing peptide, cytochrome c release peptide, anti-obesity peptide, mitochondrial peptide, metabolic disease research, cancer apoptosis modulator.

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