Vinod Labhasetwar
Lerner Research Institute, USA
Title: Biophysics of cell membrane lipids in cancer drug resistance: Drug transport and drug delivery with nanoparticles
Biography
Biography: Vinod Labhasetwar
Abstract
Recent advances in membrane lipid research show the varied roles of lipids in regulating membrane P-glycoprotein function, membrane trafficking, apoptotic pathways, drug transport, and endocytic functions, particularly endocytosis, the primary mechanism of cellular uptake of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Since acquired drug resistance alters lipid biosynthesis, understanding the role of lipids in cell membrane biophysics and its effect on drug transport is critical for developing effective therapeutic and drug delivery approaches to overcoming drug resistance. We show that epigenetic changes are responsible for altered lipid biosynthesis in acquired drug resistance, making the membrane compact and rigid, thus hindering the drug transport process. Two different novel strategies are being investigated to overcome drug resistance: (a) modulating the biophysical properties of membrane lipid of resistant cells using epigenetic drugs to facilitate drug transport and regain endocytic function and (b) developing effective nanoparticles based on their biophysical interactions with membrane lipids to enhance drug delivery to overcome drug resistance.