Platinum (IV) coiled coil nanotubes selectively kill human glioblastoma cells

Malignant glioma are often fatal and pose a significant therapeutic challenge. Here we have employed α-helical right handed coiled coils (RHCC) which self-assemble into tetrameric nanotubes that stably associate with platinum (Pt) (IV) compound. This Pt(IV)-RHCC complex showed superior in vitro and in vivo toxicity in human malignant glioma cells at up to 5 fold lower platinum concentrations when compared to free Pt(IV). Pt(IV)-RHCC nanotubes activated multiple cell death pathways in GB cells without affecting astrocytes in vitro or causing damage to normal mouse brain. This Pt(IV)-RHCC nanotubes may serve as a promising new therapeutic tool for low dose Pt(IV) prodrug application for highly efficient and selective treatment of human brain tumors.

The prognosis of malignant glioma remains poor despite medical advances. Platinum, one of the chemotherapeutic agents used, has significant systemic side effects. In this article, the authors employed α-helical right handed coiled coil (RHCC) protein nanotubes as a carrier for cisplatin. It was shown that the new compound achieved higher tumor kill rate but lower toxicity to normal cells and thus may hold promise to be a highly efficient treatment for the future.