Angiogenesis is critical and indispensable for tumor
progression. Since VEGF is known to play a central role
in angiogenesis, the disruption of VEGF-VEGF receptor
system is a promising target for anti-cancer
therapy. Previously, we reported that a hexapeptide
(RRKRRR, RK6) blocked the growth and metastasis of
tumor by inhibiting VEGF binding to its receptors. In
addition, dRK6, the D-form derivative of RK6, retained
its biological activity with improved serum stability. In
the present study, we developed a serum-stable
branched dimeric peptide (MAP2-dRK6) with enhanced
anti-VEGF and anti-tumor activity. MAP2-dRK6
is more effective than dRK6 in many respects: inhibition
of VEGF binding to its receptors, VEGF- and
tumor conditioned medium-induced proliferation and
ERK signaling of endothelial cells, and VEGF-induced
migration and tube formation of endothelial cells.
Moreover, MAP2-dRK6 blocks in vivo growth of
VEGF-secreting colorectal cancer cells by the suppression
of angiogenesis and the subsequent induction
of tumor cell apoptosis. Our observations suggest
that MAP2-dRK6 can be a prospective therapeutic
molecule or lead compound for the development of
drugs for various VEGF-related angiogenic diseases. |