Cell-selective mitochondrial targeting: A new approach for cancer therapy

Many distinct differences in mitochondrial structure and function between normal cells and cancer cells offer the potential for the clinical use of mitochondria as targets for novel and site-specific anti-cancer agents. Mitochondrial targeting can be made possible if the bioactive molecule is selectively delivered to the mitochondria of correct cell type, using cell specific ligands and mitochondriotropic molecules. Attempts have been made to enhance the selective tumor cell killing by using folic acid as a ligand to target tumor cells over expressing folate receptors. In the present study folic acid is conjugated at the surface of DQAsomes. Antitumor activity of folic acid conjugated DQAsomes was studied using HeLa cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed for the investigation of selective mitochondrial targeting using folic acid conjugated system. In the present study paclitaxel is used as a model drug since it induces apoptosis by targeting mitochondria upstream of caspase activation. It was found that folic acid conjugated DQAsomes show better antitumor activity as compared to plain DQAsomes, folic acid conjugated liposomes and paclitaxel solution.