The Polymer Society of Korea

박내학 (가톨릭대학교 약학대학)

강한창 (가톨릭대학교 약학대학)

 Choline is an essential bioactive molecule that controls cell proliferation and homeostasis, acting as a precursor for phosphatidylcholine and betaine. Cancer cells require more choline, leading to increased expression of choline transporters to support their rapid growth. This study introduces a strategy to block these transporters with choline-decorated nanoparticles (CholPCL-NPs). Inhibiting choline uptake decreases phospholipid and betaine production, halting proliferation and DNA methylation, destabilizing epigenetic regulation, and ultimately causing cancer cell death. Additionally, doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles (DOX@CholPCL-NPs) work together to kill cancer cells more effectively and inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, these results indicate that CholPCL-NPs are a promising nanomedicine platform for targeted cancer treatment.