Domestic researchers have developed a new NANO therapy technique that accurately targets and removes cancer cells.
Professor Kim Won-jong of the Pohang University of Science and Technology's Department of Chemistry and Graduate School of Convergence noted on the 28th that his research team successfully applied 'targeted protein degradation (TPD)' technology, which removes only the key proteins of cancer cells, to nanoparticles. The results of this research were published in the international journal ACS Nano.
Existing anticancer drugs temporarily inhibit the functions of proteins needed by cancer cells to suppress the disease. However, over time, cancer cells can develop resistance to the drugs or relapse through other pathways, which is a limitation. Consequently, the TPD technology, which removes problematic proteins entirely from within the cells, is gaining attention.
However, existing TPD therapies have low solubility in water and quickly disappear within the body, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy and frequently causing side effects by affecting normal cells rather than cancer cells.
To address these issues, the research team developed small spherical NANO particles by combining polymers with hydrophobic properties (disliking water) and hydrophilic properties (liking water). These nanoparticles were designed to remain stable in the bloodstream and to activate only in specific environments around tumor cells.
These nanoparticles employ two mechanisms simultaneously to eliminate proteins from cancer cells. One mechanism breaks down proteins directly, while the other utilizes the cell's own ability to organize unnecessary components. By operating together, these two mechanisms can more effectively remove key proteins within cancer cells.
Experiments conducted on animals with prostate cancer confirmed its efficacy. The NANO particles effectively gathered at cancer cells, breaking down target proteins and demonstrating powerful anticancer effects, while causing minimal impact on normal cells, thus minimizing side effects.
Professor Kim Won-jong explained, "By changing only the part that binds to the target protein, it can be utilized for the treatment of various cancers and diseases, including prostate cancer," adding, "This will become a new platform for developing patient-customized therapies."
References
ACS Nano (2025), DOI : https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c12747