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Alterations in Cellular Processes Involving Vesicular Trafficking and Implications in Drug Delivery
Silvia Muro1,2,3
1Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research and Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA. smuro@ibecbarcelona.eu.
Abstract:
Endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are cellular processes that regulate numerous functions required to sustain life. From a translational perspective, they offer avenues to improve the access of therapeutic drugs across cellular barriers that separate body compartments and into diseased cells. However, the fact that many factors have the potential to alter these routes, impacting our ability to effectively exploit them, is often overlooked. Altered vesicular transport may arise from the molecular defects underlying the pathological syndrome which we aim to treat, the activity of the drugs being used, or side effects derived from the drug carriers employed. In addition, most cellular models currently available do not properly reflect key physiological parameters of the biological environment in the body, hindering translational progress. This article offers a critical overview of these topics, discussing current achievements, limitations and future perspectives on the use of vesicular transport for drug delivery applications.
Insights
Endocytosis and vesicular transport are key for drug delivery, but factors like disease, drugs, and poor models can hinder their effectiveness. Optimizing these cellular routes is crucial for therapeutic success.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are fundamental cellular processes essential for life.
- These processes are critical targets for improving therapeutic drug delivery across biological barriers and into diseased cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the use of endocytosis and vesicular transport for drug delivery.
- To discuss current achievements, limitations, and future perspectives in this field.
- To highlight the impact of various factors on the efficacy of vesicular transport for drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of endocytosis and vesicular transport mechanisms in drug delivery.
- Analysis of factors affecting vesicular transport, including disease pathology, drug activity, and drug carriers.
- Evaluation of current cellular models and their physiological relevance.
Main Results:
- Vesicular transport offers significant translational potential for drug delivery.
- Numerous factors, often overlooked, can alter vesicular transport routes, impacting drug efficacy.
- Existing cellular models frequently lack physiological relevance, impeding translational progress.
Conclusions:
- Altered vesicular transport, due to disease, drugs, or carriers, presents a major challenge.
- Improved cellular models reflecting physiological parameters are needed for advancing drug delivery.
- Further research is essential to overcome limitations and harness the full potential of vesicular transport in therapeutics.
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