Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2025
10:24
Generation of Heterogeneous Drug Gradients Across Cancer Populations on a Microfluidic Evolution Accelerator for Real-Time Observation
Published on: September 19, 2019
6.3K
Vault Particles in Cancer Progression, Multidrug Resistance, and Drug Delivery: Current Insights and Future
Alexandros Maniatis1, Dimitra Rizopoulou1, Athanasios-Nasir Shaukat1,2
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Vault particles (VPs) are eukaryotic ribonucleoprotein complexes. This review highlights their role in cancer progression, multidrug resistance, and potential as drug delivery platforms.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vault particles (VPs) are conserved eukaryotic ribonucleoprotein complexes.
- Their roles in cellular processes, particularly cancer progression and multidrug resistance (MDR), are extensively studied.
- VPs comprise major vault protein (MVP), vault RNAs (vtRNAs), and associated proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on VPs in cancer.
- To highlight VP involvement in tumor survival, proliferation, metastasis, and MDR.
- To explore VP applications in drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of data from PubMed and Scopus.
- Search conducted up to December 2024.
- Compilation and synthesis of existing research.
Main Results:
- MVP is linked to aggressive tumor phenotypes; vtRNAs regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
- VPs contribute to MDR by sequestering drugs and altering cellular transport.
- VP-derived fragments are involved in gene silencing and intercellular communication.
Conclusions:
- VPs are crucial in cancer development and progression.
- VPs play a significant role in mediating multidrug resistance.
- VPs offer a promising platform for targeted cancer drug delivery and overcoming resistance.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.2K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.2K
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.0K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.0K
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
1.9K
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
1.9K
02:30Metastasis
5.5K
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
5.5K
01:06Carrier-Mediated Transport
229
Carrier-mediated transport is a pivotal process in drug absorption, particularly for lipid-insoluble drugs, and encompasses facilitated diffusion and active transport. Facilitated diffusion allows drugs to move along their concentration gradient without energy expenditure, while active transport utilizes ATP to drive drug movement against this gradient.
Active transport involves two types of membrane-spanning transporters: uptake and efflux. Uptake transporters are expressed in the small...
Active transport involves two types of membrane-spanning transporters: uptake and efflux. Uptake transporters are expressed in the small...
229
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
5.7K
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
5.7K