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Updated: Aug 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
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Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches

Published on: June 16, 2023

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A Benzohydrazide-Based Artificial Ion Channel that Modulates Chloride Ion Concentration in Cancer Cells and Induces

Abhishek Mondal1, Shreyada N Save2, Susmita Sarkar3

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411008, Maharashtra, India.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|April 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A novel benzoylbenzohydrazide (1c) self-assembles into nanochannels, selectively transporting chloride ions to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This artificial ion channel disrupts cellular homeostasis and autophagy, sparing noncancerous cells.

Area of Science:

  • Supramolecular chemistry
  • Cell biology
  • Cancer therapeutics

Background:

  • Synthetic ion transporters can cause cytotoxicity by disrupting ionic homeostasis.
  • The role of ion transporters in modulating autophagy is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a novel benzoylbenzohydrazide (1c) as a selective chloride ion transporter for cancer therapy.
  • To explore the mechanism of 1c-induced cancer cell death, focusing on ion homeostasis and autophagy.

Main Methods:

  • Self-assembly of benzoylbenzohydrazide (1c) into supramolecular nanochannels.
  • Assessment of chloride ion transport across cell membranes.
  • Evaluation of cytotoxicity in cancer and noncancerous cells.
  • Analysis of lysosomal deacidification and autophagy disruption.

Main Results:

  • Compound 1c self-assembles into nanochannels for selective chloride ion transport.
  • 1c disrupts ionic homeostasis and induces apoptosis specifically in cancer cells.
  • 1c causes lysosomal deacidification, leading to autophagy disruption in cancer cells.
  • 1c exhibits minimal toxicity towards noncancerous cells.

Conclusions:

  • Benzoylbenzohydrazide (1c) functions as a cancer-selective artificial ion channel.
  • 1c induces apoptosis in cancer cells by disrupting ionic homeostasis and autophagy.
  • This study presents a novel strategy for cancer treatment using targeted ion transport.

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