Pro-apoptotic and size-reducing effects of protein corona-modulating nano-architectures enclosing platinum prodrug in <i>in vivo</i> oral carcinoma
Ana Katrina Mapanao, Patrizia Sarogni, Melissa Santi, Michele Menicagli, Alessandra Gonnelli, Agata Zamborlin, Maria Laura Ermini, Valerio Voliani
Abstract
models of oral carcinoma. The peptide binds to transferrin and modulates the protein corona formation on NAs-cisPt-Tf2, supporting the identification of its receptor. Optimized chorioallantoic membrane cancer models (CAMs) enabled a thorough assessment of the tumor-suppressing effect of NAs-cisPt-Tf2 as well as the quantitative evaluation of angiogenesis and cell cycle associated mechanisms. The treatment strategy resulted in a significant tumor volume reduction coupled with anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects inferred from the downregulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and increased expression of cleaved caspase-3. Overall, this study provides a potentially effective tumor-targeted approach for a non-invasive management of oral carcinoma.