Aptamers as targeting ligands and therapeutic molecules for overcoming drug resistance in cancers
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Traditional anticancer therapies are often unable to completely eradicate the tumor bulk due to multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancers. A number of mechanisms such as micro-environmental stress and overexpression of drug efflux pumps are involved in the MDR process. Hence, therapeutic strategies for overcoming MDR are urgently needed to improve cancer treatment efficacy. Aptamers are short single-stranded oligonucleotides or peptides exhibiting unique three-dimensional structures and possess several unique advantages over conventional antibodies such as low immunogenicity and stronger tissue-penetration capacity. Aptamers targeting cancer-associated receptors have been explored to selectively deliver a therapeutic cargo (anticancer drugs, siRNAs, miRNAs and drug-carriers) to the intratumoral compartment where they can exert better tumor-killing effects. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the multiple regulatory mechanisms of MDR, with a particular emphasis on aptamer-mediated novel therapeutic agents and strategies that seek to reversing MDR. The challenges associated with aptamer-based agents and approaches are also discussed.
Journal
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
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Volume
134
ISBN/ISSN
1872-8294
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Pages Count
15
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Publisher
Elsevier
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EISSN
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DOI
10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.005