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Transferrin: Biology and Use in Receptor-Targeted Nanotherapy of Gliomas
Tejaswi Koneru1,2, Eva McCord1,3, Shreya Pawar1,4
1Use-Inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.
Abstract:
Gliomas constitute 80% of malignant brain tumors. The survival rate of patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas is only 34.4%, as seen in both adults as well as children. The biggest challenge in treatment of gliomas is the impenetrable blood-brain barrier. With the availability of only a very few choices of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of gliomas, it is imperative that a novel strategy to effectively deliver drugs into the brain is researched and applied. The most popular strategy that is gaining importance is the receptor-mediated uptake of targeted nanoparticles comprising of ligands specific to the receptors. This review discusses briefly one such receptor called the transferrin receptor that is highly expressed in the brain and can be applied effectively for targeted nanoparticle delivery systems in gliomas.
Insights
Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor survival rates. This review explores targeted nanoparticle delivery via transferrin receptors to overcome the blood-brain barrier and improve glioma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Gliomas represent 80% of malignant brain tumors, affecting both adults and children.
- Malignant gliomas have a low survival rate of 34.4%.
- The blood-brain barrier presents a significant challenge for effective glioma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel strategies for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier for glioma treatment.
- To highlight receptor-mediated nanoparticle uptake as a promising therapeutic approach.
- To discuss the potential of the transferrin receptor for targeted glioma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on glioma treatment and drug delivery systems.
- Focus on receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanisms.
- Exploration of transferrin receptor as a target for nanoparticle delivery.
Main Results:
- Targeted nanoparticles offer a strategy to overcome the blood-brain barrier.
- Receptor-mediated uptake enhances drug delivery to brain tumors.
- The transferrin receptor is highly expressed in the brain, making it a viable target.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanoparticle delivery systems show potential for improving glioma treatment outcomes.
- Utilizing the transferrin receptor can facilitate enhanced drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
- Further research into transferrin receptor-mediated systems is crucial for developing novel glioma therapies.
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