Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Palbociclib-derived multifunctional molecules for lysosomal targeting and diagnostic-therapeutic integration
Haili Yang1, Xiaoyang Zhang2, Letian Xu1
1State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023P. R. China.
Researchers developed a novel molecule, Pal-FITC, for real-time lysosomal pH monitoring in cancer. This tool integrates diagnostics and therapy, offering new strategies for tumor imaging and personalized cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lysosomal pH is crucial in tumor progression and drug resistance.
- Current methods for monitoring lysosomal pH in cancer therapy are insufficient.
- Targeted monitoring of lysosomal pH is needed for effective cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a novel molecule for real-time lysosomal pH monitoring.
- To integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functions for cancer therapy.
- To create a tool for tumor-targeted imaging and personalized treatment.
Main Methods:
- Covalent linkage of the anticancer drug palbociclib and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC).
- Design and development of a palbociclib-derived multifunctional molecule (Pal-FITC).
- Evaluation of Pal-FITC's fluorescence properties and pH response, and its effect on cell cycle.
Main Results:
- Pal-FITC exhibits a 20-fold increase in fluorescence compared to FITC.
- Pal-FITC demonstrates a linear fluorescence response across a pH range of 4.0-8.2 (R² = 0.9901).
- Pal-FITC effectively inhibits cell cycle progression by blocking cells in the G1 phase via the Cyclin D-CDK4/6-Rb pathway.
Conclusions:
- The developed Pal-FITC molecule offers enhanced fluorescence for lysosomal pH monitoring.
- Pal-FITC shows potential for dual diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer.
- This study presents a novel strategy for tumor-targeted imaging and personalized cancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

