Nutrient-transporter driven cytotoxic potential: an emerging nanotherapeutic approach

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Metabolism

Background:

• Malignant cells exhibit metabolic rewiring crucial for growth and survival.
• This altered metabolism is influenced by genetic mutations, c-Myc, and Akt signaling, involving enhanced glycolytic flux and transporter overexpression.
• Current transporter inhibitors face limitations due to poor specificity and pharmacokinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in transporter-targeted nanotherapeutics for cancer management.
• To highlight the potential of nanomedicines in overcoming the limitations of conventional inhibitors.
• To explore the application of nanosystems in targeting metabolic alterations in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in silico and in vitro studies on cancer metabolism and transporter inhibitors.
• Analysis of research on the application of nanomedicines for targeting metabolic pathways.
• Synthesis of information on recent advances in nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment.

Main Results:

• Metabolic rewiring is a hallmark of cancer, driven by specific signaling pathways and characterized by altered transporter activity.
• Nanosystems demonstrate versatility in drug delivery and targeting, showing promise for cancer therapy.
• Transporter-targeted nanomedicines represent a developing strategy to address metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Targeting cancer cell metabolism, particularly transporter activity, is a viable therapeutic strategy.
• Nanosystems offer a promising platform for developing specific and effective nanomedicines against cancer.
• Further research into transporter-targeted nanotherapeutics is essential for advancing cancer management.