Nanoparticle-mediated diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer.

By virtue of their advanced physicochemical properties, nanoparticles have attracted significant attention from researchers for application in diverse fields of medical science. Breast cancer, presenting a high risk of morbidity and mortality, frequently occurs in women and is considered a malignant tumor. Globally, breast cancer is considered the second leading cause of death.

Lapachol inhibits glycolysis in cancer cells by targeting pyruvate kinase M2.

Reliance on aerobic glycolysis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Although pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key mediator of glycolysis in cancer cells, lack of selective agents that target PKM2 remains a challenge in exploiting metabolic pathways for cancer therapy. We report that unlike its structural analog shikonin, a known inhibitor of PKM2, lapachol failed to induce non-apoptotic cell death ferroxitosis in hypoxia.

Protein functionalization of ZnO nanostructure exhibits selective and enhanced toxicity to breast cancer cells through oxidative stress-based cell death mechanism.

Zinc oxide nanostructure (ZnONS) was chemically synthesized and functionalized (FZnONS) with a small protein bovine α-lactalbumin (BLA) by chemical cross-linking methods. Both nano-structures were characterized using various techniques such as electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, photo-luminescence and X-ray diffraction. Electron microscopy and DLS analysis revealed their (ZnONS and FZnONS) average size of 200nm and 450nm, respectively.

Stable Self-Assembly of Bovine α-Lactalbumin Exhibits Target-Specific Antiproliferative Activity in Multiple Cancer Cells.

Self-assembly of a protein is a natural phenomenon; however, the process can be performed under a suitable condition in vitro. Since proteins are nontoxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible in nature, they are used in various industrial applications such as biocatalyst, therapeutic agent, and drug carriers. Moreover, their flexible structural state and specific activity are being used as sensors and immensely attract many new applications.

Bovine α-lactalbumin functionalized graphene oxide nano-sheet exhibits enhanced biocompatibility: A rational strategy for graphene-based targeted cancer therapy.

Graphene oxide nanosheet (GOns) with sharp edges was synthesized using controlled pyrolysis of citric acid. Scanning electron, as well as atomic force microscopy of the sample confirmed the formation of multilayered GOns with an average sheet length of 150 nm. X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectra also confirmed the formation of GOns.

Stable self-assembled nanostructured hen egg white lysozyme exhibits strong anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells.

Chemotherapy side effects have long been a matter of great concern. Here we describe a structurally stable self-assembled nanostructured lysozyme (snLYZ) synthesized using a simple desolvation technique that exhibited anticancer activity, as well as excellent hemocompatibility. Field emission scanning electron microscopy; atomic force microscopy and dynamic particle size analyzer were used for analyzing the synthesized snLYZ.

Association of heat-shock proteins in various neurodegenerative disorders: is it a master key to open the therapeutic door?

A number of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders are caused due to misfolding and aggregation of many intra- and extracellular proteins. Protein misfolding and aggregation processes in cells are strongly regulated by cellular molecular chaperones known as heat-shock proteins (Hsps) that include Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp40, and Hsp90. Recent studies have shown the evidences that Hsps are colocalized in protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Polyglutamine disease (PGD), Prion disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

In silico design of small peptide-based Hsp90 inhibitor: a novel anticancer agent.

Background: Breast cancer is a common disease found among women and has been a serious issue for last two decades. Although various kinds of heat shock proteins (Hsp's) have strong implications in cancer, heat shock protein 90 alpha (Hsp90α) has attracted highest attention for the cause and therapy of breast cancer. It regulates approximately 200 numbers of proteins known as client proteins including large number of oncoproteins found to be upregulated in many cancer cells.

Design of novel Geldanamycin analogue hsp90 alpha-inhibitor in silico for breast cancer therapy.

Background: Geldanamycin, which is one of the most potent and effective hsp90 alpha inhibitor until date, is normally used to target breast cancer. Inhibition of hsp90 alpha leads to the degradation of client proteins involved in the initiation and progress of breast cancer pathogenesis. Hence, Geldanamycin has been widely pursued as a treatment option for breast cancer.