Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen for Unveiling Radiosensitive and Radioresistant Genes
Published on: May 23, 2025
Inhibition of the thioredoxin system for radiosensitization therapy of cancer
Yisheng Cao1, Xiedong Zhou1, Qiuying Nie1
1School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
Abstract:
Radiotherapy (RT) stands as a cornerstone in the clinical armamentarium against various cancers due to its proven efficacy. However, the intrinsic radiation resistance exhibited by cancer cells, coupled with the adverse effects of RT on normal tissues, often compromises its therapeutic potential and leads to unwanted side effects. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate our understanding of how radiosensitizers inhibit the thioredoxin (Trx) system in cellular contexts. Notable radiosensitizers, including gold nanoparticles (GNPs), gold triethylphosphine cyanide ([Au(SCN) (PEt3)]), auranofin, ceria nanoparticles (CONPs), curcumin and its derivatives, piperlongamide, indolequinone derivatives, micheliolide, motexafin gadolinium, and ethane selenide selenidazole derivatives (SeDs), are meticulously elucidated in terms of their applications in radiotherapy. In this review, the sensitization mechanisms and the current research progress of these radiosensitizers are discussed in detail, with the overall aim of providing valuable insights for the judicious application of Trx system inhibitors in the field of cancer radiosensitization therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
The Electron Transport Chain
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...

