Peptides are emerging as powerful tools in cancer research due to their ability to bind specific cellular receptors with high precision. This project focuses on the development of short, receptor-targeting peptides for applications in molecular imaging, targeted radiotherapy, and drug delivery. Using computer-based modeling, peptide sequences predicted to bind optimally to cancer-associated targets are identified. Selected candidates are then synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), a method that allows for efficient and high-purity peptide production.
Once synthesized, these peptides will be evaluated for use in a range of cancer applications. Radiolabeled peptides can be used as imaging agents to facilitate early detection of tumors via positron emission tomography (PET). Therapeutically, peptides may be paired with radionuclides to deliver radiation to tumors. Additionally, these peptides could be used as drug delivery vehicles, transporting chemotherapeutic drugs or other agents directly to cancerous tissues. With their small size, versatility, and specificity, these peptides represent a promising platform for innovation in nuclear medicine.
