Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a groundbreaking technology that harnesses light to eliminate drug-resistant cancer cells. This innovative approach, led by Professors Tae-Hyuk Kwon and Duyoung Min from UNIST’s Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with Professor Taiho Park from POSTECH, involves a photoreactive compound designed to target and suppress autophagy in cancer cells—a critical mechanism that contributes to resistance against traditional anticancer therapies.
Published in the journal Advanced Science, this research addresses the adaptive nature of cancer cells, which often evade treatment through mechanisms like autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular process in which cells break down and recycle waste materials, enabling cancer cells to expel drugs and acquire energy for survival. To counteract this process, the research team created a photoreactive compound combining morpholine and iridium. Morpholine specifically targets cell lysosomes, where autophagy occurs, while iridium activates under light exposure to induce oxidative damage.
In preclinical studies involving mice with drug-resistant pancreatic cancer, the photoreactive compound was administered followed by exposure to infrared light. The results were remarkable, with significant reduction and complete eradication of resistant pancreatic cancer tumors observed within just seven days. Upon light activation, the compound disrupted the lysosomal membrane and inhibited its fusion with autophagosomes, which are responsible for encapsulating cellular waste. Further investigations are planned to explore additional proteins involved in this oxidative damage process.
Lead researcher Mingyu Park from the Department of Chemistry, along with O2Medi Co., Ltd., assessed the toxicity and anticancer efficacy using an animal model. Professor Kwon highlighted the potential of this approach in enhancing treatment options for drug-resistant cancers, emphasizing ongoing investigations into combination therapies with existing anticancer agents like gemcitabine.
The study, titled “Rational Design of Biocompatible Ir(III) Photosensitizer to Overcome Drug‐Resistant Cancer via Oxidative Autophagy Inhibition,” is a significant step towards overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. This innovative technology offers hope for improving outcomes in challenging cases of drug-resistant cancer, paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.
For more information on this research, refer to the Advanced Science journal article by Mingyu Park et al., DOI: 10.1002/advs.202407236. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, a leading institution in scientific innovation and discovery.
