# Tweaking Polybia-MP1: How a Lysine-Histidine Swap Redefines Its Surface Properties

## TL;DR

A modified version of the peptide Polybia-MP1 shows pH-sensitive behavior, making it a promising candidate for targeted cancer therapies.

## Contribution

Introducing a lysine-to-histidine substitution to create a pH-responsive analog of Polybia-MP1 with improved selectivity.

## Key findings

- HMP1 exhibits pH-dependent activity between pH 5.5 and 7.5, altering lipid domain morphology without reducing condensed phase area.
- HMP1 interacts preferentially with cholesterol-enriched membranes and shows lower cytotoxicity and non-hemolytic properties compared to MP1.
- Ionic strength modulates HMP1's effects, with distinct behaviors observed at low and physiological saline conditions.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Polybia-MP1 (MP1) exhibits antimicrobial and anticancer properties. To improve selectivity toward acidic tumor microenvironments, we designed HMP1, a histidine-substituted analog of MP1, aiming to introduce pH-responsive behavior within physiological and pathological pH ranges. Methods: HMP1 was synthesized by replacing all lysine residues in MP1 with histidines. We characterized its surfactant properties and interactions with lipid monolayers composed of DPPC under varying pH and ionic strength conditions. Langmuir monolayer experiments were used to evaluate peptide-induced morphological changes and lipid packing effects at physiologically relevant lateral pressures. Results: HMP1 displayed pH-dependent activity between pH 5.5 and 7.5, inducing significant morphological reorganization of lipid domains without reducing the condensed phase area. Ionic strength modulated these effects, with distinct behaviors observed at low and physiological saline conditions. HMP1 preferentially interacted with cholesterol-enriched membranes, while MP1 did not induce comparable effects under the same conditions, as previously reported, at physiological lateral pressures. HMP1 also exhibited non-hemolytic properties and lower cytotoxicity compared to MP1. Conclusions: The lysine-to-histidine substitution conferred pH sensitivity to HMP1, enabling selective modulation of membrane organization based on lipid composition, packing, pH, and ionic environment. These findings highlight HMP1’s potential in targeted therapeutics and pH-responsive drug delivery systems.