Poster Presentation NSW State Cancer Conference 2023

Elucidating the Potential of DPR2b Aza BODIPY: A Novel Photosensitizer for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer (#142)

RAJSHREE RAJINDRAN NAIR 1 2 , Dhiraj Dutta 3 , Pranjal Gogoi 3 , S ASHA NAIR 1
  1. RAJIV GANDHI CENTRE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, India
  2. MAHE - Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal , Karnataka , India
  3. Chemistry , CSIR – North East Institute Of Science And Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India

Background:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an evolving area in cancer research that utilizes photosensitizers (PS) as prodrugs. When exposed to light of a specific wavelength, these pro-drugs cause reactive oxygen species (ROS) to be produced, which ultimately results in cell death. However, creating effective sensitizers for therapeutic purposes continues to be a serious difficulty. In this collaborative study with Dr. Pranjal Gogoi of CSIR NEIST Jorhat, we aimed to elucidate new, efficient PSs based on Aza BODIPY bio conjugate (DPR2b) with a biotin moiety for PDT and multimodal detection of cancer.

Study Aim:

The objective of this study was to evaluate in-vitro DPR2b, a biotin conjugate of Aza-BODIPY, as an efficient photosensitizer in breast cancer due to its competent photophysical properties.

Method:

To assess DPR2b's photocytotoxicity in breast cancer cell lines, we employed nuclear condensation, TMRM, Annexin V apoptotic, and CM-H2DCFDA tests. DAVID Bioinformatics aided in investigating the molecular mechanisms of DPR2b in PDT, using a proteomic approach to identify altered proteins and associated pathways.

Results:

Our preliminary study into the IC50 value of DPR2b in breast cancer cell lines MDA MB 231 (6µM) and MCF7 (7µM) supports the potential of these sensitizers for use in PDT therapies. Treatment with DPR2b resulted in typical chromatin condensation and diminished mitochondrial potential, indicating cellular death. Further verification of apoptosis was performed using Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometric analysis.

Proteome analysis revealed the induction of molecular pathways such as the response to unfolded protein, ribosome biogenesis, cell redox homeostasis, regulation of programmed cell death, and actin cytoskeletal organization. Venn diagrams and STRING network analysis were used to examine additional interactions. Oxidative stress-mediated cell death pathways were found to play a significant role in the cell death caused by PDT.

Discussion: 

Our study suggests DPR2b Aza BODIPY as a potential photosensitizer for PDT in cancer therapy. Its competent photophysical properties, supported by IC50 values and cellular changes, make it a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment. However, further validation and clinical investigations are required to fully establish DPR2b's potential.

Conclusion:

DPR2b Aza BODIPY shows promise as a photosensitizer for PDT in cancer therapy. Its competent photophysical properties and observed cellular changes in breast cancer cell lines indicate its potential efficacy. Future research and validation efforts are needed to fully explore DPR2b as a viable photosensitizer for breast cancer therapy.

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