INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have determined a use for a modified form of Tf in the specific delivery of anti-cancer therapies to cancer cells. From mathematical modeling, it is predicted that lowering the rate of iron release from Tf will result in a longer association with TfR and thus increase the efficiency of drug delivery.

Researchers used a modified Tf in which the synergistic carbonate anion is replaced with oxalate. This modification greatly reduced the iron release rate without significantly affecting Tf's binding affinity for TfR. The modified Tf was demonstrated to have longer cell association periods in vitro. Importantly, when modified Tf was conjugated to the cytotoxic diphtheria toxin (DT), cellular growth was significantly inhibited when compared with the native Tf conjugate. Animal experiments demonstrating the in vivo efficacy of modified Tf drug delivery are planned for the near future.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Use of modified Tf as a carrier for anti-cancer drugs.

ADVANTAGES

• Tf and its modified version deliver anti-cancer drugs specifically to cancer cells, thereby reducing the chances of side effects for any particular drug.
• Modified Tf more effectively delivers drugs, thereby potentially reducing the dosage and cost of treatment.
• A variety of anti-cancer drugs can be delivered using modified Tf.

Related Papers (Selected)

• Inhibition of transferrin iron release increases in vitro drug carrier efficacy. J of Controlled Release 2007, Vol 117(9):903-912 more...