Targeted delivery of doxorubicin through CD44 aptamer to cancer cells

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Targeted drug delivery aims to improve cancer treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
• CD44 is a cell surface receptor overexpressed in many breast cancer cells, making it a potential target for therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate CD44 aptamer-doxorubicin (Apt-Dox) conjugates for targeted delivery of doxorubicin to human breast cancer cells.
• To assess the selective accumulation, internalization, and cytotoxicity of Apt-Dox conjugates in CD44-overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• CD44 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates were synthesized using varying molar ratios.
• Cytotoxicity assays were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the conjugates.
• Selective intracellular accumulation and uptake studies were conducted using CD44-overexpressing cells and control cells.

Main Results:

• Efficient conjugation of doxorubicin with CD44 aptamer was achieved at a 1:2 aptamer-doxorubicin molar ratio.
• Apt-Dox conjugates demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation in CD44-overexpressing breast cancer cells.
• Selective internalization and accumulation of Apt-Dox conjugates were observed in CD44-positive cells, with minimal effect on control cells.

Conclusions:

• CD44 aptamer-doxorubicin conjugates enable targeted delivery of doxorubicin to CD44-expressing breast cancer cells.
• This targeted approach enhances selective cell proliferation inhibition and holds promise for improved cancer therapy.
• The Apt-Dox conjugate represents a potential strategy for enhancing the efficacy of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy.