Anticancer Peptides Derived from the Venom of Scorpions Inhabiting Various Biotopes

Abstract

Despite advances in surgical techniques and adjuvant therapies, the relative prevalence rate of all cancers has risen sharply over the last three decades. Consequently, research into novel biological agents that can be used alone or in conjunction with existing FDA-approved medications is essential for effectively treating complex cancer disorders. Humans have utilized drugs derived from venom for hundreds of years; however, anticancer drugs derived from venom are still uncommon in the market. This scarcity is largely due to the poorly understood mechanisms of action for many venom-derived drugs, including peptides from scorpion venom. Scorpion venom contains a wealth of bioactive compounds, and several peptides isolated from it have demonstrated promising medicinal potential, thanks to advancements in peptide isolation, characterization, and biotechnological methods. As a result, scorpion peptides have emerged as a promising and potentially effective therapeutic resource for cancer treatment. Overall, this article highlights the anticancer mechanisms of certain venom peptides isolated from various scorpions inhabiting diverse biotopes.