Cell membrane functionalized nanocarriers for targeted treatment of neuroblastoma

• Grant number: 24/10573-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Grantee: Guilherme Coury Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Neuroblastoma, a primary tumor of the central nervous system that affects over 80% of cases in children under 5 years old, poses a significant challenge due to its rapid progression and resistance to conventional therapies such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal treatments. Telomerase, a crucial enzyme in maintaining the chromosomal ends called telomeres, has emerged as a promising target for treatment, as its inhibition can lead to the mortality of cancer cells by shortening telomeres to the point of exposing and damaging the genetic material, leading to dysfunctional telomere-induced foci, senescence, or apoptosis. This project aims at the development of an innovative therapy for neuroblastoma using nanoparticles loaded with a nucleoside analogue, 6-thioguanine (6-TG), which has demonstrated significant efficacy in shortening telomeres of cancer cells, inducing their demise. The use of nanoparticles offers significant benefits, including targeted drug delivery, minimizing side effects, and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. To overcome potential pharmacological resistances and target the affected region, polymeric nanoparticles modified with neuroblastoma cell membrane will be developed using simple emulsion method. This project may contribute to the development of new therapies for neuroblastoma targeting telomere instability in telomerase-positive cancer cells, with the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.