We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Gel Encapsulation Transport System Targets Disease-Related Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Aug 2018
Print article
Image: The figure shows two views, frontal and lateral, of the image obtained by CT of the lungs of a mouse with fibrosis (grey areas) before and after receiving nano-therapy directed at senescent cells (Photo courtesy of Guillem Garaulet and Francisca Mulero, Institute for Research in Biomedicine).
Image: The figure shows two views, frontal and lateral, of the image obtained by CT of the lungs of a mouse with fibrosis (grey areas) before and after receiving nano-therapy directed at senescent cells (Photo courtesy of Guillem Garaulet and Francisca Mulero, Institute for Research in Biomedicine).
A novel therapeutic approach uses drugs encapsulated within galacto‐oligosaccharide gel capsules to target diseases that have accumulated a high percentage of senescent cells.

Senescent cells are aged or damaged cells that no longer are able to perform their normal roles. These cells interfere with the functioning of the tissue in which they accumulate, and eliminating them is considered to be a promising therapeutic approach.

Investigators at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (Barcelona, Spain) took advantage of the high lysosomal beta‐galactosidase activity of senescent cells to design a drug delivery system based on the encapsulation of drugs with galacto‐oligosaccharides and their delivery to lysosomes via endocytosis.

The investigators reported in the July 16, 2018, online edition of the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine that gal‐encapsulated fluorophores were preferentially released within senescent cells in mice. In a model of chemotherapy‐induced senescence, gal‐encapsulated cytotoxic drugs targeted senescent tumor cells and improved tumor xenograft regression in combination with the drug palbociclib.

In a model of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, gal‐encapsulated cytotoxic agents targeted senescent cells, reducing collagen deposition and restoring pulmonary function. In addition, gal‐encapsulation reduced the toxic side effects of the cytotoxic drugs. Thus, drug delivery into senescent cells opened new diagnostic and therapeutic applications for senescence‐associated disorders.

Senior author Dr. Manuel Serrano, head of the cellular plasticity and disease laboratory at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, said, "This nanocarrier may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for serious conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis or to eliminate chemotherapy-induced senescent cells."

Related Links:
Institute for Research in Biomedicine

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
ADAMTS-13 Protease Activity Test
ATS-13 Activity Assay

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.