Abstract

AbstractAurora kinase B (AURKB) is an attractive and potential molecular target for cervical cancer therapy. To date, a variety of AURKB inhibitors are developed to suppress cervical tumors. Nevertheless, direct use of these small molecule inhibitors may cause severe side effects to patients, limiting their further clinical applications. Herein, a rationally designed hydrogelator Nap‐Phe‐Phe‐Arg‐Arg‐Lys‐Ser‐OH (S) is employed to co‐assemble AZD1152‐HQPA (AZD, an AURKB inhibitor) to develop an AURKB‐responsive hydrogel Gel S/AZD for enhanced cervical tumor suppression. Upon AURKB activation, hydrogelator S in Gel S/AZD evolves into its hydrophilic phosphate Nap‐Phe‐Phe‐Arg‐Arg‐Lys‐Ser(H2PO3)‐OH (Sp), triggering the disassembly of Gel S/AZD to release AZD in a sustained manner. Cell assays reveal that AURKB‐responsive release of AZD from Gel S/AZD potently induces the growth arrest and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the expression level of AURKB downstream protein phospho‐histone H3 (pH3). In vivo studies demonstrate that compared with free AZD, Gel S/AZD shows a superior tumor suppressive effect in orthotropic cervical tumor models. It is envisioned that the Gel S/AZD might be applied in clinic cervical cancer treatment in the near future.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.