Zhang QW, Baig MMFA, Zhang TQ, Zhai TT, Qin X, Xia XH. Liposomal valinomycin mediated cellular K
+ leak promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells.
J Control Release 2021;
337:317-328. [PMID:
34311027 DOI:
10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.07.037]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Most cancer therapies are suffering from side effects to varying degrees, which might compromise the body functions and long-term health of patients. Balancing treatment efficacy and side effects has become a priority. Inspired by the concept that cellular ion homeostasis can lead to apoptosis, we developed a novel therapeutic strategy by incorporating the K+ transporter valinomycin into liposomes (Lipo-VM). Valinomycin is a naturally occurring polypeptide showing good biodegradation in vivo with reduced long-term side effects. Lipo-VM facilitates the K+ efflux of cells and triggers a caspase-dependent pathway of apoptosis by causing the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. With the help of a liposome-based nano-delivery system, Lipo-VM shows enhanced cell uptake and accumulation at the tumor site, which results in significant inhibition of tumor growth in a liver cancer model. The proposed valinomycin-anchored liposome provides an efficient and safe approach for cancer therapy.
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