Library Screening to Identify Highly-Effective Autophagy Inhibitors for Improving Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Autophagy inhibition enhances photothermal cancer therapy.
• Identifying effective autophagy inhibitors is crucial for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen compounds for enhanced autophagy inhibition in photothermal therapy.
• To evaluate daurisoline as a potent autophagy inhibitor for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Screened a library of 20 compounds for autophagy inhibition.
• Assessed the efficacy of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, dauricine, and daurisoline.
• Investigated the effect of daurisoline on cancer cell viability and tumor growth.
• Utilized nanodrugs loaded with daurisoline and indocyanine green for combination therapy.

Main Results:

• Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, dauricine, and daurisoline were identified as effective autophagy inhibitors.
• Daurisolne significantly reduced cancer cell viability from 86.27% to 32.92% under photothermal therapy.
• Combination therapy with daurisoline-loaded nanodrugs and indocyanine green resulted in complete tumor growth inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Autophagosome formation and fusion are promising targets for enhancing cancer therapy.
• Daurisolne is a highly efficient autophagy inhibitor for photothermal cancer therapy.
• Combination therapy offers a superior strategy for cancer treatment, inspiring new therapeutic approaches.