Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 4, 2026
11:56
Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
14.8K
Nanoparticle approaches to combating drug resistance
Jae Hyon Moon1, James W Moxley1, Pengcheng Zhang1
1Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, & Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Future Medicinal Chemistry
|September 4, 2015
Summary
Nanomedicine offers new ways to fight cancer multidrug resistance (MDR). Nanoparticles can overcome MDR at both the tumor and cellular levels, improving chemotherapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells significantly limits chemotherapy efficacy.
- Conventional treatments struggle to overcome MDR, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of nanomedicine in overcoming cancer multidrug resistance (MDR).
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which nanoparticles can circumvent MDR at various biological levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of nanomedicine strategies targeting MDR.
- Analysis of nanoparticle-based approaches for enhanced drug delivery and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles enhance intratumoral drug accumulation via enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) and neovascular targeting.
- Externally triggered drug release from nanoparticles improves localized chemotherapy.
- Nanoparticles facilitate increased intracellular drug concentration and drug-target engagement.
- Nanoparticles can interfere with intrinsic MDR mechanisms within cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Nanomedicine presents a promising approach to overcome MDR in cancer treatment.
- Nanoparticle-based strategies offer multi-level solutions to combat MDR, from tissue to subcellular levels.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.9K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
112
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.
112
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
113
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
113
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
111
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and...
111
01:26Targets for Drug Action: Overview
11.4K
Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...
11.4K
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
7.5K
Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...
Such synergistic combinations...
7.5K