LyP-1, Peptide 1

Product Name: LyP-1, Peptide 1

Sequence One Letter Code: CGNKRTRGC (S-S Bonded)

Sequence Three Letter Code: H-Cys-Gly-Asn-Lys-Arg-Thr-Arg-Gly-Cys-OH (S-S Bonded)

Chemical Formula:C36H65N17O12S2

Molecular Weight: 992.2

Purity: 95%

Form: Lyophilized

Storage Conditions: - 20 °C

Research Area: Cancer Disease Research

Conjugation: Unconjugated

Code Nacres: NA.26

Application: LyP-1 is a cyclic 9-amino-acid peptide that selectively targets tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and specific tumor cells while sparing normal lymphatic tissue. It has demonstrated homing capability in models of breast carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and prostate cancer, accumulating in tumor regions expressing lymphatic endothelial markers. Notably, LyP-1 localizes to the nuclei of tumor and associated lymphatic cells, suggesting unique intracellular trafficking properties. This peptide is widely used in cancer research to study tumor lymphangiogenesis, tumor microenvironment targeting, and selective delivery strategies. LyP-1 also serves as a targeting moiety for conjugated imaging agents or therapeutics in experimental models investigating tumor-specific accumulation mechanisms.

Current Research: LyP-1 is a cyclic 9–amino acid tumor-homing peptide (sequence: CGNKRTRGC) identified through in vivo phage display screening for selective targeting of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and tumor cells. The disulfide bond between the two cysteine residues confers conformational constraint, enhancing receptor selectivity and stability. LyP-1 exhibits preferential accumulation in tumor tissues while sparing normal lymphatic vasculature, distinguishing it from broadly distributed vascular-targeting peptides. Functionally, LyP-1 targets components of the tumor microenvironment associated with lymphangiogenesis and malignant progression. It has demonstrated homing capability in experimental models of breast carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and prostate cancer. Accumulation is observed in tumor regions expressing lymphatic endothelial markers and in subsets of tumor cells with high metastatic potential. This selective localization has been linked to interactions with specific cell surface receptors enriched in tumor-associated lymphatic endothelium and certain tumor cell populations. One of the distinctive properties of LyP-1 is its intracellular trafficking behavior. After binding to target cells, LyP-1 is internalized and has been reported to localize within the nucleus. This nuclear accumulation suggests receptor-mediated uptake followed by endosomal escape and directed intracellular transport. Such trafficking distinguishes LyP-1 from many extracellularly retained targeting peptides and supports its utility in delivering cargos that require intracellular or nuclear access. Mechanistically, LyP-1 targeting has been associated with receptors implicated in tumor progression and lymphatic remodeling. Engagement of these receptors facilitates selective uptake in malignant tissues while minimizing interaction with normal lymphatic structures. This specificity makes LyP-1 a valuable tool for dissecting molecular differences between tumor-associated lymphatics and their normal counterparts. In cancer research, LyP-1 is widely used to investigate tumor lymphangiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment. By labeling LyP-1 with fluorescent probes or radiotracers, researchers can visualize tumor-specific lymphatic networks and assess patterns of metastatic dissemination. Its tumor-homing capability supports studies aimed at understanding how lymphatic vessels contribute to tumor growth, immune cell trafficking, and metastatic spread. LyP-1 also serves as a targeting moiety in conjugated delivery systems. The peptide can be linked to imaging agents, nanoparticles, cytotoxic drugs, or pro-apoptotic sequences to enhance tumor-selective accumulation. Such conjugates are evaluated for improved tumor penetration, reduced off-target distribution, and enhanced therapeutic index. Because of its ability to internalize and localize to intracellular compartments, LyP-1 is particularly attractive for delivering bioactive cargos that require cytosolic or nuclear access. In experimental models, applications include in vivo imaging of tumor lymphatics, assessment of targeted therapeutic delivery, and evaluation of tumor-selective apoptosis induction when coupled to cytotoxic domains. These studies contribute to the broader goal of improving specificity in anticancer targeting strategies. Overall, LyP-1 is a cyclic tumor-homing peptide with selective affinity for tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and specific tumor cell populations. Its capacity for targeted accumulation and intracellular trafficking makes it a versatile tool for studying tumor lymphangiogenesis, microenvironment-specific targeting mechanisms, and development of tumor-selective imaging and therapeutic delivery systems.