Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
11:31
Targeting Drugs to Larval Zebrafish Macrophages by Injecting Drug-Loaded Liposomes
Published on: February 18, 2020
Liposomes for drug delivery to mitochondria
Sarathi V Boddapati1, Gerard G M D'Souza, Volkmar Weissig
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|January 15, 2010
Summary
Targeted drug delivery using triphenylphosphonium liposomes enhances the efficacy of drugs acting on intracellular targets, particularly mitochondria. This approach improves therapeutic outcomes by delivering medications directly to their site of action.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Mitochondrial Medicine
Background:
- Intracellular drug targets offer therapeutic potential but require effective delivery mechanisms.
- Mitochondria are crucial organelles involved in various cellular processes and disease states.
- Current drug delivery methods often lack specificity for subcellular compartments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of triphenylphosphonium cations for subcellular drug targeting.
- To develop liposomes capable of efficient drug delivery to mitochondria.
- To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by targeting mitochondria.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of liposomes functionalized with triphenylphosphonium cations.
- In vitro and in vivo studies to assess liposome uptake and drug release.
- Evaluation of therapeutic effects of mitochondrially delivered drugs.
Main Results:
- Triphenylphosphonium-targeted liposomes demonstrated efficient accumulation in mitochondria.
- Enhanced intracellular drug concentrations were observed in targeted cells.
- Significant improvement in therapeutic efficacy was noted for mitochondrially delivered drugs.
Conclusions:
- Triphenylphosphonium-based liposomes represent a promising strategy for mitochondria-targeted drug delivery.
- This approach can significantly enhance the efficacy of drugs acting on intracellular targets.
- Subcellular targeting offers a pathway to optimize drug therapy for various diseases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
01:19Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria
Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
01:39Mitochondrial Protein Sorting
Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles of the eukaryotes involved in cellular metabolism, signaling, ATP synthesis, and programmed cell death. Each of these processes requires specific proteins and enzymes that must be correctly sorted to the right mitochondrial subcompartment for the proper functioning of the organelle.
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...
01:34Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursors are imported to the inner membrane in a multistep process involving two separate translocons, TIM22 and TIM23. TIM23 is a cation-selective pore that remains closed by the N terminal segment of the protein. Negative charges on the TIM23 act as a receptor for the incoming precursor, pulling the positively charged matrix-targeting sequence for peptide insertion and translocation.
Transport of mitochondrial precursors across the TIM23 channel is driven by...
Transport of mitochondrial precursors across the TIM23 channel is driven by...