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Vitamin D3 and K2-loaded keratin nanoparticles inhibit breast cancer cell growth via MCM-7 downregulation and ROS

Sunny Mukherjee1, Kumari Bhavya2, Siddhartha Dan3

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, 144008, India; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Telangana, 502284, India.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|May 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vitamins D2, D3, and K2 loaded into keratin nanoparticles show anticancer effects against MCM-7 overexpressing cancers. NPD3 downregulates MCM-7, while NPK2 generates ROS, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MCM-7 gene overexpression is linked to aggressive cancers.
  • MCM-7 is crucial for DNA replication initiation.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies targeting MCM-7 are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer potential of vitamin D2, D3, and K2 loaded keratin nanoparticles (NPD2, NPD3, NPK2).
  • To explore a novel nanocarrier system for water-insoluble vitamins.
  • To evaluate the efficacy against MCM-7 overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Main Methods:

  • In-vitro assays using MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.
  • Keratin-based nanocarrier system development for vitamin delivery.
  • Assessment of anti-proliferative effects, MCM-7 protein expression, and intracellular ROS generation.

Main Results:

  • NPD3 and NPK2 demonstrated superior anti-proliferative effects compared to NPD2.
  • NPD3 downregulated MCM-7 protein expression.
  • NPK2 induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
  • Keratin nanoparticles enhanced vitamin bioavailability and exhibited pH-responsive controlled release.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin-loaded keratin nanoparticles offer a promising therapeutic approach for MCM-7 overexpressing cancers.
  • The developed nanocarrier system is biocompatible and commercially viable.
  • This study presents a novel delivery system for water-insoluble vitamins in cancer therapy.
Keywords:
Breast CancerKeratinMCM-7NanomedicineVitamin therapy

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