Targeting sub-cellular organelles for boosting precision photodynamic therapy
Gopal Singh Attar1, Manoj Kumar1, Vandana Bhalla1
1Department of chemistry UGC Sponsored-Centre for Advanced Studies-I, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005, Punjab, India. Gopal24chemistry@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Among various cancer treatment methods, photodynamic therapy has received significant attention due to its non-invasiveness and high efficiency in inhibiting tumour growth. Recently, specific organelle targeting photosensitizers have received increasing interest due to their precise accumulation and ability to trigger organelle-mediated cell death signalling pathways, which greatly reduces the drug dosage, minimizes toxicity, avoids multidrug resistance, and prevents recurrence. In this review, recent advances and representative photosensitizers used in targeted photodynamic therapy on organelles, specifically including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, nucleus, and lysosomes, have been comprehensively reviewed with a focus on organelle structure and organelle-mediated cell death signalling pathways. Furthermore, a perspective on future research and potential challenges in precision photodynamic therapy has been presented at the end.
Insights
Targeted photodynamic therapy uses specific organelle-targeting photosensitizers for precise cancer treatment. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces toxicity, and minimizes recurrence by triggering organelle-mediated cell death.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive cancer treatment.
- Organelle-specific PDT offers enhanced precision and reduced side effects.
- Targeting organelles triggers specific cell death pathways for improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in organelle-targeted photodynamic therapy.
- To highlight representative photosensitizers for specific organelle targeting.
- To discuss organelle structure and mediated cell death signaling in PDT.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of organelle-targeted PDT.
- Analysis of photosensitizers targeting endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, nucleus, and lysosomes.
- Focus on structure-activity relationships and cell death mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Organelle-specific PDT significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy.
- Targeting organelles allows for reduced drug dosage and minimized systemic toxicity.
- This approach effectively overcomes multidrug resistance and prevents tumor recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Organelle-targeted PDT represents a significant advancement in precision cancer therapy.
- Future research should focus on overcoming challenges in clinical translation.
- Optimizing photosensitizer design and understanding cell death pathways are crucial.
