Composition and Method for Increasing Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

Abstract

Disclosed are cell permeable peptides and peptide agents that inhibit anti-apoptotic processes in cancer cells to promote tumor cell death, as well as a method for providing therapeutic treatment for cancer. The composition may be delivered in conjunction with a conventional chemotherapeutic agent to provide a synergistic effect that significantly increases the effectiveness of the chemotherapeutic agent to destroy cancer cells. The invention also provides kits or systems for cancer therapy, comprising at least one peptide agent for inhibiting the anti-apoptotic effects of NF-kB and at least one chemotherapeutic agent for stimulating the cellular apoptotic pathway.

1 . A method comprising administering to a cell an effective amount of a peptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or a combination thereof, to inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation in the cell. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cell is a cancer cell and inhibiting NF-kB nuclear translocation induces apoptosis of the cancer cell. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cell is a cancer cell and inhibiting NF-kB nuclear translocation sensitizes the cell to at least one chemotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cell is a cancer cell and inhibiting NF-kB nuclear translocation sensitizes the cell to at least one radiotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the cell is an androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell.