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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Ion Channels in Cancer: Characterization and Potential Treatment Approaches
Published on: June 16, 2023
Light-Sensitive Ion Channel Delivery System for Ion-Interference Tumor Therapy
Yueyue Lu1, Yuxin Wu1, Canhong Zhu1
1Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Key Laboratory ofOrganosilicon Material Technology, College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Artificial ion channels have shown great potential applications in tumor treatment by disrupting ion homeostasis across cancer cell membranes. Herein, we report a de novo-designed ion channel delivery system (ICDS) based on light-sensitive nanocapsules that can induce cell apoptosis via interfering with ion homeostasis of subcellular membranes of tumors. The nanocapsules were self-assembled by the host-guest complex of azobenzene-modified quinoline helix (an artificial proton channel) and α-cyclodextrin, which can easily enter tumor cells by an endocytic effect and release proton channels under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The artificial proton channels further neutralize the acidic organelles (such as lysosomes), deplete the mitochondrial membrane potential, elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and eventually induce the apoptosis of cancer cells. As far as we know, this is the first example of an ion-interference antitumor strategy by an ion channel delivery system that may offer novel therapeutic directions for artificial ion channels.
Insights
This study introduces a novel light-sensitive nanocapsule system that delivers artificial proton channels to cancer cells. This system disrupts tumor cell ion balance, leading to apoptosis and offering a new cancer treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Artificial ion channels show promise for cancer therapy by disrupting cellular ion balance.
- Targeting cancer cell membranes with artificial ion channels is a developing therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a de novo-designed ion channel delivery system (ICDS) for cancer treatment.
- To investigate the potential of light-sensitive nanocapsules to induce apoptosis in tumor cells via ion homeostasis disruption.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of nanocapsules using host-guest complexation of azobenzene-modified quinoline helix (artificial proton channel) and α-cyclodextrin.
- Endocytosis of nanocapsules into tumor cells, followed by ultraviolet (UV) light-induced release of proton channels.
- Assessment of ion channel effects on subcellular membranes, including organelle neutralization, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
Main Results:
- Nanocapsules successfully delivered artificial proton channels into tumor cells.
- UV light triggered the release of proton channels, which disrupted intracellular ion homeostasis.
- Disruption led to organelle dysfunction, elevated ROS, and ultimately induced cancer cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- The developed ion channel delivery system (ICDS) effectively induces cancer cell apoptosis through ion interference.
- This represents a novel antitumor strategy utilizing artificial ion channels and light-sensitive nanocarriers.
- The findings suggest new therapeutic avenues for artificial ion channels in oncology.
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