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Sophorolipids as anticancer agents: progress and challenges
Salam Bhopen Singh1, Kanupriya Kuniyal2, Ananya Rawat1
1School of Biological Sciences, Doon University, Dehradun, 248012, Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract:
Sophorolipids (SLs) are considered effective biosurfactant for cancer treatment, which can efficiently inhibit the viability of various cancer types including breast, lung, liver, cervical and colon cancers. Their mechanism of action targets apoptosis and operates at the level of caspase enzymes, upregulation and downregulation of the B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-family proteins, and changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability. The binding of SLs to the cancer cell receptors modulates the expression of Bax, APAF1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-x, and triggers the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol which further activates caspase-3/9 pathways leading to apoptosis. SLs also increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in cancer cells that activates pro-apoptotic JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways and induce apoptosis through the activation of caspase (3, 6 and 7) pathways. Recently, the integration of anticancer drugs like doxorubicin hydrochloride into SL based nanoparticles (SLNPs) enhanced stability, biocompatibility, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy. Besides, doxorubicin and resveratrol conjugated NPs induced apoptosis in resistant breast cancer cells by down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2, NF-kB and efflux transporters. However, several challenges exist regarding the stability of SLs under physiological conditions, targeting specific cancer cells, and their clinical applications. This study provides updated concepts on the formulations and properties of different types of SLs, their mechanism of anticancer action and applications in nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery system.
Insights
Sophorolipids (SLs) show potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in various cancer cells. Nanoparticle formulations enhance their delivery and efficacy, overcoming challenges for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Sophorolipids (SLs) are effective biosurfactants with demonstrated anticancer activity against breast, lung, liver, cervical, and colon cancers.
- SLs function by targeting apoptosis through caspase enzymes, modulating Bcl-family proteins, and altering mitochondrial membrane permeability.
- SLs enhance intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, activating pro-apoptotic JNK and p38 MAPK pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated concepts on Sophorolipid (SL) formulations, properties, and anticancer mechanisms.
- To explore the application of SLs in nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery systems.
- To review recent advancements in integrating anticancer drugs with SL-based nanoparticles (SLNPs).
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on Sophorolipid (SL) formulations and their anticancer mechanisms.
- Analysis of SLs' impact on apoptosis-related pathways, including caspase activation and mitochondrial integrity.
- Examination of SL-based nanoparticles (SLNPs) for enhanced drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- SLs induce apoptosis by modulating Bax, APAF1, Bcl-2, and Bcl-x expression, leading to cytochrome c release and caspase-3/9 activation.
- SLs increase ROS levels, activating JNK and p38 MAPK, further inducing apoptosis via caspase (3, 6, 7) pathways.
- SLNPs enhance the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs like doxorubicin, showing promise in resistant cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Sophorolipids (SLs) are promising anticancer agents with multifaceted mechanisms of action.
- Nanotechnology-based delivery systems, such as SLNPs, significantly improve SL efficacy and drug delivery.
- Further research is needed to address challenges in SL stability, cancer cell targeting, and clinical translation.
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