Leberagin C from Macrovipera lebetina Venom

Aggressive cancers, such as Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), Glioblastoma (GBM), and Colorectal Cancer (CRC), pose significant treatment challenges due to their rapid progression and high metastatic potential. Current therapies often cause severe side effects, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. The venom of the Tunisian viper, Macrovipera lebetina, has emerged as a promising source of bioactive molecules with potential anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Leberagin C, a novel protein derived from M. lebetina venom. Materials and Methods: A bio-guided purification approach was employed to isolate Leberagin C from M. lebetina venom. Its pharmacological effects were evaluated using three cancer cell lines: U251 (glioblastoma), Caco-2 (colorectal cancer), and SUM 149 (inflammatory breast cancer). Functional assays assessed the impact of Leberagin C on cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Results: Leberagin C demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in all tested cell lines. It effectively inhibited cancer cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation, suggesting its potential role in disrupting tumor progression. Conclusion: Leberagin C holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for aggressive cancers, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with existing therapies. Further studies are needed to explore its mechanism of action and clinical applications.