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Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
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Targeting autophagy in gastrointestinal malignancy by using nanomaterials as drug delivery systems

G Seeta Rama Raju1, E Pavitra2, Neha Merchant3

  • 1Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.

Cancer Letters
|January 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Autophagy, a cellular process, is crucial for homeostasis and disease. Nanomaterials can trigger autophagy, offering potential in cancer treatment, especially for gastrointestinal cancers where research is limited.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Autophagy is a fundamental cellular degradation process vital for maintaining homeostasis.
  • It is activated by various stimuli including stress, nutrient deprivation, and pathogen invasion.
  • Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in numerous physiological processes and human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of autophagy in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
  • To explore the current research on nanoparticle-induced autophagy in GI malignancies.
  • To highlight the potential of nanomaterials in cancer therapy through autophagy modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on autophagy and nanomaterials.
  • Analysis of research focusing on autophagy in GI cancers.
  • Synthesis of findings regarding nanoparticle-mediated autophagy induction.

Main Results:

  • Autophagy plays a significant role in the development and progression of GI cancers.
  • Engineered nanomaterials show promise in triggering autophagy for cancer treatment.
  • Current research on nanoparticle-induced autophagy is predominantly focused on non-GI cancers, with limited data on GI malignancies.

Conclusions:

  • Autophagy is a critical factor in GI cancer.
  • Nanoparticle-induced autophagy presents a novel therapeutic avenue for GI cancers.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and exploit nanoparticle-autophagy interactions in GI oncology.
Keywords:
AutophagyGastric cancerLiver cancerNanomaterialPancreatic cancer

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