Targeted Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Novel Bioactive Molecules to Pancreatic Cancer Cells

J Med Chem. 2016 Jun 9;59(11):5209-20. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01571. Epub 2016 May 26.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new, safe, and targeted therapeutics for effective treatment of late as well as early stage disease. Plectin-1 (Plec-1) was recently identified as specific biomarker for detecting PDAC at an early stage. We envisioned that multivalent attachment of nanocarriers incorporating certain drugs to Plec-1-derived peptide would increase specific binding affinity and impart high specificity for PDAC cells. Previously, we discovered a novel class of compounds (e.g., quinazolinediones, QDs) that exert their cytotoxic effects by modulating ROS-mediated cell signaling. Herein, we prepared novel QD242-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with a peptide to selectively bind to Plec-1. Similarly, we prepared QD-based NPs densely decorated with an isatoic anhydride derivative. Furthermore, we evaluated their impact on ligand binding and antiproliferative activity against PDAC cells. The targeted NPs were more potent than the nontargeted constructs in PDAC cells warranting further development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / pathology
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Quinazolinones / chemical synthesis
  • Quinazolinones / chemistry
  • Quinazolinones / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • QD242 compound
  • Quinazolinones