Work

Mechanisms of photodynamic priming to overcome multidrug resistance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significance Efforts to combat cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) using small-molecule inhibitors of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporters have faced limited success in clinical settings, primarily due to systemic toxicities. Photodynamic priming (PDP) has emerged as a promising strategy to inhibit ABC transporters, such as ABCB1 and ABCG2, without damaging normal tissues. Approach Utilizing the verteporfin photosensitizer and a 690-nm laser, PDP has demonstrated the ability to reduce the function of ABCB1 and ABCG2 in membrane vesicle models, cancer cells, and tumors Results Mechanistic studies indicate that verteporfin binds to and directly induces photodamage of ABCB1 and ABCG2. PDP can also indirectly suppress ABCB1 function by affecting cellular respiration and reducing intracellular ATP levels. Conclusions This work advances our understanding of PDP and its potential use to overcome MDR in cancer patients.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104921

Authors: Huang Chiao Huang, Idrisa Rahman, Barry Liang, Andaleeb Sajid, Suresh Ambudkar

Institutions: University of Maryland, College Park, National Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Drug Transport and Resistance Mechanisms

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610