Liposomal Thiostrepton Formulation and Its Effect on Breast Cancer Growth Inhibition

Sudtirak Wongkhieo1, Katawut Numdee2, Eric W F Lam3

  • 1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.

Insights

Liposome-encapsulated thiostrepton (TSLP) enhances breast cancer treatment by effectively inhibiting Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and inducing cancer cell death. This nanodelivery system improves thiostrepton

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a key regulator in breast cancer progression.
  • FOXM1 inhibition is a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
  • Thiostrepton is a potent inhibitor of FOXM1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a liposome-encapsulated thiostrepton (TSLP) nanodelivery system.
  • To evaluate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of TSLP.
  • To assess TSLP's efficacy in inhibiting breast cancer cells and reducing toxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Liposome encapsulation of thiostrepton.
  • Characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering.
  • Biological evaluation including cellular internalization, MTT assay, spheroid formation assay, and RT-PCR.

Main Results:

  • TSLP nanoparticles measured 152 ± 2 nm with a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.23 ± 0.02 and zeta potential of -20.2 ± 0.1 mV.
  • TSLP demonstrated superior reduction of FOXM1 levels in MCF-7 cells compared to free thiostrepton.
  • TSLP significantly enhanced the specific inhibition of MCF-7 cell viability and induced cell death in both 2D and 3D cultures, with minimal effect on fibroblast (HDFn) cells.

Conclusions:

  • TSLP represents a potential advancement in nanodelivery systems for cancer therapy.
  • The TSLP system improves the efficacy and specificity of thiostrepton for breast cancer inhibition.
  • TSLP effectively induces cancer cell death while decreasing non-specific toxicity.