Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin Through CD44 Aptamer to Cancer Cells
Jagadish Natesh, Chetan Chandola, Syed Musthapa Meeran, Muniasamy Neerathilingam
Abstract
Aim: The current investigation is focused on the targeted delivery of doxorubicin through CD44 aptamer-mediated active targeting to the human breast cancer cells. Methods: CD44 aptamer-doxorubicin (Apt-Dox) conjugates were developed by incubating different molar ratios of aptamer and doxorubicin. Cytotoxicity, selective intracellular accumulation and uptake of the Apt–Dox conjugates were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of Apt–Dox conjugates. Results: Dox was efficiently conjugated with aptamer at 1:2 Apt–Dox molar ratios. Apt–Dox conjugate significantly inhibited the proliferation of CD44-overexpressing breast cancer cells, whereas negligible inhibition of cell proliferation was found in the control cells. Apt–Dox conjugate selectively internalized and accumulated in CD44-overexpressing cells. Conclusion: Apt–Dox conjugate selectively delivers doxorubicin to CD44-expressing cancer cells, thereby inhibiting selective cell proliferation and enhancing the targeted therapy.