1.NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science,Bangalore,India;2.Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit,Indian Institute of Science,Bangalore,India;3.Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science,Bangalore,India;4.Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, & Experimental Therapeutics,Medical University of South Carolina,Charleston,USA;5.Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute,Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research,Frederick,USA;6.Biotechnology Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology,Bangalore,India
Abstract:
We introduce a self-assembling polypeptide-based nanotube system having the ability to specifically target cancer cells. The nanotubes target the cancer cell surface through integrin engagement with the help of multiple RGD units present along their surface. While the nanotubes are non-toxic towards cells in general, they can be loaded with suitable drugs to be released in a sustained manner in cancer cells. In addition, the nanotubes can be utilized for cellular imaging using any covalently tagged fluorescent dye. They are stable over a wide range of temperature due to intermolecular disulphide bonds formed during the self-assembly process. At the same time, presence of disulphide bonds provides a redox molecular switch for their degradation. Taken together this system provides a unique avenue for multimodal formulation in cancer therapy.
