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Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
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The Possibility of Plasma Membrane Transporters as Drug Targets in Oral Cancers

Chiharu Sogawa1,2, Katsumitsu Shimada3, Keisuke Nakano4

  • 1Department of Food and Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Hiroshima Institute of Technology, 2-1-1 Miyake, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima 731-5193, Japan.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Plasma membrane transporters, including ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) families, are key targets for oral cancer therapy. Understanding their roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) metabolism and drug resistance can guide precision oncology strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Plasma membrane transporters are critical for cellular functions and are increasingly recognized as therapeutic targets in oral cancer.
  • ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are known for their role in drug efflux and chemoresistance.
  • Solute carrier (SLC) transporters influence nutrient uptake, metabolism, and drug sensitivity in cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the expression and function of ABC and SLC transporters in oral cancer.
  • To discuss the potential of these transporters as therapeutic targets for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To highlight the role of transporters in cancer metabolism, drug resistance, and the tumor microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on ABC and SLC transporters in oral cancer.
  • Analysis of transporter roles in cancer cell metabolism, drug resistance, and tumor microenvironment.
  • Synthesis of information regarding transporter expression profiles and therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • Both ABC and SLC transporters are implicated in the development and progression of oral cancer.
  • ABC transporters contribute to chemoresistance through drug efflux.
  • SLC transporters are involved in nutrient transport, proliferation, and chemosensitivity, offering potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma membrane transporters represent promising targets for novel oral cancer therapies.
  • Targeting ABC and SLC transporters could enhance treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance in OSCC.
  • Further research into transporter roles may facilitate precision oncology approaches for oral cancer.
Keywords:
ABC transporterSLC transporteroral canceroral squamous cell carcinoma

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