Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
10:46

A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer

Published on: September 13, 2022

Targeted delivery of daunorubicin to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by aptamer

Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi1, Khalil Abnous, Fatemeh Mosaffa

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Journal of Drug Targeting
|December 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study developed an aptamer-drug complex for targeted delivery of daunorubicin to leukemia cells. The sgc8-daunorubicin complex effectively targeted protein tyrosine kinase-7 positive cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment specificity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Daunorubicin is a chemotherapy drug used for leukemia but has cardiotoxicity side effects.
  • Targeted drug delivery can minimize chemotherapy-induced toxicity.
  • Protein tyrosine kinase-7 (PTK7) is a target for specific cancer cell delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a targeted drug delivery system using an aptamer for daunorubicin.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and specificity of the sgc8-daunorubicin complex in delivering daunorubicin to leukemia cells.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of an aptamer-drug complex using sgc8 aptamer and daunorubicin.
  • Flow cytometry to assess cellular uptake in PTK7-positive (Molt-4) and PTK7-negative (U266) cells.
  • Cytotoxicity assays to compare the efficacy of the complex versus free drug.

Main Results:

  • The sgc8-daunorubicin complex showed effective internalization into Molt-4 cells (PTK7(+)).
  • Minimal uptake and reduced cytotoxicity were observed in U266 cells (PTK7(-)).
  • No significant difference in viability was noted between the complex and free daunorubicin in Molt-4 cells, indicating targeted delivery without compromising efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • The sgc8-daunorubicin complex represents a simple and efficient system for targeted drug delivery.
  • This approach specifically targets acute lymphoblastic leukemia T cells expressing PTK7.
  • The targeted delivery system holds potential for reducing daunorubicin's side effects in leukemia treatment.

More Related Videos

Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery09:09

Synthesis of Aptamer-PEI-g-PEG Modified Gold Nanoparticles Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery

Published on: June 23, 2020

Development of Cell-type specific anti-HIV gp120 aptamers for siRNA delivery13:47

Development of Cell-type specific anti-HIV gp120 aptamers for siRNA delivery

Published on: June 23, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.