Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Development of a Group of Crystalline Framework-based Magnetic Nanocomposites as Theranostics for Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Ms. Upasana Das, S. N. Bose National Centre For Basic Sciences, West Bengal |
Timeline Start Year : | 2022 |
Timeline End Year : | 2024 |
Contact info : | udupasanadas@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Survival relies on early diagnosis and multiple therapeutic approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Metastatic breast cancer is difficult to treat due to diffused localization of secondary tumors and resistance against standard therapies. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are associated with metastasis, making early diagnosis and elimination of CSCs crucial. BCSCs were first identified by their expression of cell surface markers like CD44+ and CD24-. The interaction between CD44 and its ligand hyaluronic acid (HA) promotes tumorigenesis and activates the metastatic cascade. Inhibiting the CD44/HA interaction has been a potential strategy to prevent metastasis in breast cancer. This project proposes a strategy for simultaneous detection of BCSCs and prevention of CD44/HA interaction using anti-CD44 aptamers. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that can bind to certain proteins with high affinity. Metal and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs) are highly stable and biocompatible crystalline polymers that can be used as drug delivery vehicles. Magnetic iron nanospheres can be used as MRI contrasting agents.
The study aims to develop a group of theranostic nanocomposites with an iron core and MOFs/COFs shell for the delivery of anti-CD44 aptamers to prevent metastatic activity of CD44 and help in MR imaging of BCSCs. The composites will be characterized and evaluated in vitro as therapeutic and MRI contracting agents against CD44+ human breast cancer cells. |
Organizations involved