# Development of multimodal agents from natural spider peptides for prostate cancer via sodium-channel NaV1.7

> **NIH NIH K99** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 2021 · $100,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
Due to a lack of tools and new alternatives, the identification of molecular hallmarks of prostate cancer is
limited to biopsy detection, usually motivated by high expression of prostate-specific antigen. However, sodium
channels appear to present an alternative medium through which prostate cancer can be tracked. In the
current research, I plan to interrogate models of prostate cancer, use a venom peptide to investigate NaV1.7
and develop a deep understanding of prostate tumor biology. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to acquire
the necessary skills to launch a competitive, independent research career in the field of molecular
fluorescence/PDT imaging and treatment, specializing in prostate cancer research. My long-term career goal is
to lead a team of researchers (that includes underrepresented students) primarily interested in using synthetic
methodologies and developing sensor- driven technologies to identify prostate cancer — approaches that once
developed will apply to other diseases. Building on my background in synthetic chemistry and my extensive
experience developing fluorescent/PET probe platforms, the research plan centers on the development of a
multi-modal theranostic agent comprised of a bio-active venom peptide, a light-driven system that has the
potential to target sodium channel NaV1.7 to track prostate cancer cells. Taken together, the next subsequent
steps are to use the newly developed theranostic agent in fluorescent imaging and photodynamic therapy of
prostate cancer tumors in vivo. Once I develop these technologies with a novel probe platform, I will be
uniquely suited to perform in vivo fluorescent/PDT experiments with prostate cancer. The proposal will test my
hypothesis that natural venom peptides combined to a sensor can inform a fantastic approach and a reliable
theranostic agent to aid in the identification of prostate cancer in vivo via the tracking of sodium channels.
Necessary to the success of the K99 phase is the guidance and mentoring of world-class leaders: Dr. Thomas
Reiner, leader in the development of nuclear imaging probes and strategies to investigate lung and brain
cancers and recently the peripheral nervous system, and Dr. Glenn King, an internationally renowned expert in
venom elucidation with a focus on chronic pain, epilepsy and brain stroke. The proposed project will
undoubtedly expand to other physiochemically active peptides applicable to other clinically relevant conditions,
such as sports injuries, domestic assaults, cancer survivors and blast injuries in warfighters.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10283831
- **Project number:** 1K99GM145587-01
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** Junior Arturo Gonzales-Arevalo
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $100,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10283831

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10283831, Development of multimodal agents from natural spider peptides for prostate cancer via sodium-channel NaV1.7 (1K99GM145587-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10283831. Licensed CC0.

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