Open AccessDesign and Evaluation of Tumor‐Specific Dendrimer Epigenetic Therapeutics
Author(s) -
Zong Hong,
Shah Dhavan,
Selwa Katherine,
Tsuchida Ryan E.,
Rattan Rahul,
Mohan Jay,
Stein Adam B.,
Otis James B.,
Goonewardena Sascha N.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemistryopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2191-1363
DOI - 10.1002/open.201402141
Subject(s) - dendrimer , vorinostat , histone deacetylase , epigenetics , cancer research , cancer , chemistry , cancer cell , histone , biology , biochemistry , genetics , dna , gene
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are promising therapeutics for cancer. HDACi alter the epigenetic state of tumors and provide a unique approach to treat cancer. Although studies with HDACi have shown promise in some cancers, variable efficacy and off‐target effects have limited their use. To overcome some of the challenges of traditional HDACi, we sought to use a tumor‐specific dendrimer scaffold to deliver HDACi directly to cancer cells. Here we report the design and evaluation of tumor‐specific dendrimer–HDACi conjugates. The HDACi was conjugated to the dendrimer using an ester linkage through its hydroxamic acid group, inactivating the HDACi until it is released from the dendrimer. Using a cancer cell model, we demonstrate the functionality of the tumor‐specific dendrimer–HDACi conjugates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that unlike traditional HDACi, dendrimer–HDACi conjugates do not affect tumor‐associated macrophages, a recently recognized mechanism through which drug resistance emerges. We anticipate that this new class of cell‐specific epigenetic therapeutics will have tremendous potential in the treatment of cancer.