Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens for Mitochondria-Targeted Cancer Therapy
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Published on: December 1, 2016
Yanyan Huang1,2, Guanxin Zhang1,2, Rui Zhao1,2
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratories of Organic Solids and Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
Abstract:
The importance of mitochondria in tumorigenesis makes these organelles an ideal target for cancer therapy. In recent years, luminogens with the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect have been developed for mitochondrial targeting and cancer treatment. The induction of mitochondrial dysfunction can be an effective pathway of chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy against cancer. This review focuses on recent progress in the field of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) for cancer theranostics based on mitochondrial targeting and dysfunction. AIEgens for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy, are summarized herein. Molecular design efforts toward mitochondrial targeting and mitochondria-damaging mechanisms are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of development for AIEgens in mitochondria-targeted cancer treatment.
Insights
Mitochondria are key in cancer, making them a therapeutic target. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) show promise for targeted cancer treatment by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Mitochondria play a crucial role in cancer development (tumorigenesis).
- Targeting mitochondria offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
- Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have emerged for mitochondrial targeting and cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in AIEgens for cancer theranostics.
- To explore AIEgens targeting mitochondria and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction for cancer treatment.
- To discuss molecular design and mechanisms of AIEgens in mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of AIEgens in cancer theranostics.
- Analysis of molecular design strategies for mitochondrial targeting.
- Discussion of mitochondria-damaging mechanisms induced by AIEgens.
Main Results:
- AIEgens are effective in chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy against cancer.
- Specific molecular designs enhance mitochondrial targeting and damage.
- AIEgens demonstrate significant potential in cancer treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- AIEgens are a promising class of molecules for mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy.
- Further research into molecular design and therapeutic mechanisms is warranted.
- AIEgens hold potential for future cancer theranostics.
