Work

Targeting F2R/PAR1 with ligand decorated lipid nanocarriers for enhanced drug delivery into ovarian cancer cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ovarian cancer treatment by chemotherapy is often complicated by severe systemic toxicity, highlighting the need for targeted delivery techniques that can improve drug efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Our previous research identified the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), coagulation factor II thrombin receptor/protease activated receptor 1 (F2R/PAR1), as a potential therapeutic target in metastatic ovarian cancer tissues. Here we report the design of an engineered lipid nanoparticle (LNP), conjugated with a synthetic short peptide agonist that mimics the F2R-activating tethered ligand. Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded LNPs (LNP-DOX), were physically characterized to assess the drug encapsulation efficacy, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and release kinetics. In vitro investigation demonstrated that the peptide-conjugated LNPs had significantly increased cellular uptake and cytotoxicity compared to their non-conjugated equivalents in an established ovarian cancer cell line. The results underscore the therapeutic potential of ligand-directed nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery into ovarian cancer cells and further validates F2R as a promising cell surface target.

Source: Frontiers in Drug Delivery

DOI: 10.3389/fddev.2025.1727958