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Nano delivery of natural substances as prospective autophagy modulators in glioblastoma
Srishti Agarwal1, Toru Maekawa1
1Bio-Nano Electronics Research Center, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary New Science, Toyo University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most destructive type of malignant brain tumor in humans due to cancer relapse. Latest studies have indicated that cancer cells are more reliant on autophagy for survival than non-cancer cells. Autophagy is entitled as programmed cell death type II and studies imply that it is a comeback of cancer cells to innumerable anti-cancer therapies. To diminish the adverse consequences of chemotherapeutics, numerous herbs of natural origin have been retained in cancer treatments. Additionally, autophagy induction occurs via their tumor suppressive actions that could cause cell senescence and increase apoptosis-independent cell death. However, most of the drugs have poor solubility and thus nano drug delivery systems possess excessive potential to improve the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of encapsulated drugs. There is a pronounced need for more therapies for glioblastoma treatment and hereby, the fundamental mechanisms of natural autophagy modulators in glioblastoma are prudently reviewed in this article.
Insights
Glioblastoma cells rely on autophagy for survival, making it a target for new therapies. Natural compounds modulating autophagy show promise for glioblastoma treatment, especially when delivered via nano systems.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor characterized by frequent relapse.
- Cancer cells, including glioblastoma, exhibit a heightened dependence on autophagy for survival.
- Autophagy, a programmed cell death pathway, is implicated in cancer cell resistance to therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental mechanisms of natural autophagy modulators in glioblastoma.
- To explore the role of autophagy in glioblastoma relapse and therapy resistance.
- To highlight the potential of natural compounds and nanotechnology in glioblastoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on glioblastoma, autophagy, and natural compounds.
- Analysis of research on autophagy induction by natural products and their tumor-suppressive actions.
- Examination of nano drug delivery systems for improving drug solubility and bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Autophagy plays a critical role in glioblastoma cell survival and resistance to anti-cancer therapies.
- Natural compounds can modulate autophagy, potentially inducing cell senescence and apoptosis-independent cell death.
- Nano drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of poorly soluble drugs for glioblastoma.
Conclusions:
- Natural autophagy modulators represent a potential therapeutic avenue for glioblastoma.
- Targeting autophagy in glioblastoma may overcome treatment resistance.
- Integrating natural compounds with nanotechnology could lead to improved glioblastoma therapies.
