Photosensitization of pancreatic cancer cells by cationic alkyl-porphyrins in free form or engrafted into POPC liposomes: The relationship between delivery mode and mechanism of cell death

Chitosan-modified dihydromyricetin liposomes promote the repair of liver injury in mice suffering from diabetes mellitus

Liver injury caused by type-II diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public-health concern worldwide. We used chitosan (CS) to modify dihydromyricetin (DHM)-loaded liposomes (DL) through charge interaction. The effect of CS-modified DL (CDL) on liver injury in mice suffering from DM was investigated in vivo and in vitro. CDL exhibited superior antioxidant capacity and stability. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed a 3.23- and 1.92-fold increase in the drug concentration-time curve (953.60 ± 122.55 ng/mL/h) in the CDL-treated group as opposed to the DHM-treated group (295.15 ± 25.53 ng/mL/h) and DL-treated group (495.31 ± 65.21 ng/mL/h). The maximum drug concentration in blood (Tmax) of the CDL group saw a 2.26- and 1.21-fold increase compared with that in DHM and DL groups. We observed a 1.49- and 1.31-fold increase in the maximum drug concentration in blood (Cmax) in the CDL group compared with that in DHM and DL groups. Western blotting suggested that CDL could alleviate liver injury in mice suffering from DM by modulating inflammatory factors and the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, modification of liposomes using CS is a viable approach to address the limitations of conventional liposomes and insoluble drugs.

Cationic nanocarriers: A potential approach for targeting negatively charged cancer cell

Cancer, a widespread and lethal disease, necessitates precise therapeutic interventions to mitigate its devastating impact. While conventional chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer treatment, its lack of specificity towards cancer cells results in collateral damage to healthy tissues, leading to adverse effects. Thus, the quest for targeted strategies has emerged as a critical focus in cancer research. This review explores the development of innovative targeting methods utilizing novel drug delivery systems tailored to recognize and effectively engage cancer cells. Cancer cells exhibit morphological and metabolic traits, including irregular morphology, unchecked proliferation, metabolic shifts, genetic instability, and a higher negative charge, which serve as effective targeting cues. Central to these strategies is the exploitation of the unique negative charge characteristic of cancer cells, attributed to alterations in phospholipid composition and the Warburg effect. Leveraging this distinct feature, researchers have devised cationic carrier systems capable of enhancing the specificity of therapeutic agents towards cancer cells. The review delineates the underlying causes of the negative charge in cancer cells and elucidates various targeting approaches employing cationic compounds for drug delivery systems. Furthermore, it delves into the methods employed for the preparation of these systems. Beyond cancer treatment, the review also underscores the multifaceted applications of cationic carrier systems, encompassing protein and peptide delivery, imaging, photodynamic therapy, gene delivery, and antimicrobial applications. This comprehensive exploration underscores the potential of cationic carrier systems as versatile tools in the fight against cancer and beyond.

Suppression of the KRAS-NRF2 axis shifts arginine into the phosphocreatine energy system in pancreatic cancer cells

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), the KRASG12D-NRF2 axis controls cellular functions such as redox homeostasis and metabolism. Disruption of this axis through suppression of NRF2 leads to profound reprogramming of metabolism. Unbiased transcriptome and metabolome analyses showed that PDAC cells with disrupted KRASG12D-NRF2 signaling (NRF2-/- cells) shift from aerobic glycolysis to metabolic pathways fed by amino acids. Metabolome, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses revealed a blockade of the urea cycle, making NRF2-/- cells dependent on exogenous arginine for survival. Arginine is channeled into anabolic pathways, including the synthesis of phosphocreatine, which generates an energy buffer essential for cell growth. A similar switch was observed in tumor clones that had survived FOLFIRINOX therapy or blockade of KRAS signaling. Inhibition of the creatine pathway with cyclocreatine reduced both ATP and invasion rate in 3D spheroids from NRF2-deficient PDAC cells. Our study provides basis for the rational development of combination therapies for pancreatic cancer.

Design, synthesis and membrane anchoring strength of lipidated polyaza crown ether DNA-conjugates (LiNAs) studied by DNA-controlled assembly of liposomes

Hybridization-controlled assays for assembly or fusion of liposomes are versatile for detection of both DNA and RNA targets and useful for the evaluation of membrane anchoring strength of LiNAs with applications in the context of liposome assembly, liposome fusion and lipid nanoparticle formulation of therapeutic LiNAs. Herein, we report the synthesis of lipid phosphoramidite building blocks for automated LiNA synthesis and a study on design requirements for efficient lipid membrane anchoring and liposome assembly dependent on lipid membrane anchor length (C₁₀-C₂₀) and structure, the effect of internal linkers and locked nucleic acids (LNA) building blocks on the lipid membrane anchoring strength of LiNAs.