Expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) shows potential for peptide derivatives to be used as biomarkers for prostate cancer. Specifically, peptides from HERV-K and HERV-H Proteins show association in prostate cancer pathogenesis.

HERV Peptides as Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer

With prostate cancer being the most common cause of death by cancer in males, there is a need to identify aggressive tumors that current diagnostic tests do not measure up to. Scientists looked toward the envelope protein of HERV family viruses, well known for its immunosuppressive properties and role in modulating transcription factors of cancer-associated pathways. LifeTein synthesized the peptide derivatives of this protein, where HERV-K and HERV-H especially showed promise as prostate cancer biomarkers.

The findings suggest these HERV peptides have capabilities for their serum autoantibodies to further investigate the expression levels of the envelope protein of HERV-K and HERV-H in biopsy samples. It remains ever exciting to watch the continuously-growing usefulness of peptides expand into more and more fields, and hopefully use as Biomarkers is far from the last.

Manca, M.A.; Solinas, T.; Simula, E.R.; Noli, M.; Ruberto, S.; Madonia, M.; Sechi, L.A. HERV-K and HERV-H Env Proteins Induce a Humoral Response in Prostate Cancer Patients. Pathogens 2022, 11, 95. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11010095

LifeTein was awarded the fastest peptide synthesis service in 2021 by New World Report, thanks to our speedy custom protein, antibody, and chemical services for biotech, pharma, academia, government customers, and diagnostics.

New World Report is an informative business news platform that covers businesses all throughout the Americas. Each year they honor the best of the best in their North America Business Elite awards, acknowledging the talent and accomplishments in businesses from any scale or field. Being recognized as the Fastest Peptide Synthesis Service is a tremendous honor for LifeTein.

LifeTein provides the fastest turnaround time and most reliable quality in the industry,
using our proprietary microwave-assisted heating technology for peptide synthesis. The
microwave can instantly heat any solvent or amino acids in solution through dipolar rotation or ionic conduction, resulting in a more efficient, more precise, and safer heating mode for peptide synthesis.

With LifeTein leading the way within this industry, you can expect us to continue the
path of innovation at the same high quality we have always given.