Platinum(iv) oxaliplatin–peptide conjugates targeting memHsp70+ phenotype in colorectal cancer cells

Abstract

Novel Pt(IV) tumour penetrating peptide (TPP) conjugates are reported. They are the first example of metallodrugs to target a membrane bound heat shock protein 70 positive (memHSP70+) phenotype in cancer cells. The conjugates exhibit superior cytotoxicity as compared to oxaliplatin alone in Pt resistant colorectal cancer cells with relatively high memHSP70+ expression. Substitution of TPP in Pt(IV) peptide conjugates with scrambled peptide (ScP) essentially abolishes the observed cytotoxicity.