An Innovative Strategy for the Redox Balance in Breast Cancer with Wool Keratin-Stabilized Copper Nanozyme

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited therapeutic options.
• Existing treatments for TNBC often face limitations such as drug resistance and systemic toxicity.
• Targeting tumor-specific redox imbalances offers a potential strategy to overcome these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel nanozyme for targeting redox balance in breast cancer.
• To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a WK peptide-guided copper-based nanozyme in TNBC models.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying nanozyme-induced cancer cell death and tumor suppression.

Main Methods:

• Development of a WK peptide-guided copper-based nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity.
• In vitro assays to assess nanozyme's effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glutathione depletion in cancer cells.
• In vivo studies in tumor-bearing models to evaluate tumor suppression and apoptosis induction.
• Analysis of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway modulation.

Main Results:

• The nanozyme demonstrated significant peroxidase-like activity, generating cytotoxic radicals and depleting glutathione.
• Nanozyme treatment led to a substantial ROS burst in breast cancer cells, disrupting redox homeostasis.
• Inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and induction of apoptosis were observed.
• Significant tumor suppression was achieved in vivo, indicating therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanozyme represents a promising therapeutic strategy for overcoming treatment resistance in breast cancer.
• Targeting redox balance via nanozyme technology offers a novel approach for TNBC treatment.
• Further research into nanozyme-based therapies could lead to improved clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients.