Harnessing Oxidative Stress and Target Protein Modulation to Overcome Photodynamic Therapy Resistance
발표자
양은별 (울산과학기술원)
연구책임자
권태혁 (울산과학기술원)
공동저자
양은별 (울산과학기술원), 이채규 (울산과학기술원), 권태혁 (울산과학기술원)
초록
내용
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can effectively kill cancer cells via oxidative stress but also drive resistance by re-inducing a resistance-linked protein and downstream signaling, especially with repeated treatment. We developed an Iridium photosensitizer, Ir-Lock, that binds this protein to block its re-expression. A non-targeting control (Ir-Free), lacking the binding moiety, was used to distinguish the effects of specific targeting from non-specific oxidative stress.
In vitro and in vivo studies, Ir-Free increased the target protein and related signaling, whereas Ir-Lock suppressed the target protein and associated interactome components. In repeated-PDT models, Ir-Lock removed re-expressed target protein, prevented resistance, and maintained efficacy across cycles. Preliminary in vivo results suggested immune activation, indicating potential synergy with immunotherapy. Overall, this strategy mitigates oxidative stress-driven resistance and supports sustained cancer control.