Molecular switches for sensing and theranostics in cancer
Barbara ADINOLFI
(CNR-IFAC)
Abstract:
Nucleic acids play an essential role in living organisms because they store and transmit genetic information to direct the synthesis of proteins involved in cellular functions. Abnormal expression of specific mRNAs and proteins underlay onset and progression of several diseases.
Molecular switches, capable of turning on or modifying their light emission by interaction with well-defined cellular targets, such as mRNAs, receive growing interest because, often coupled to nanocarriers, they are small,specific and sensitive tools to spy on intracellular mechanisms.
Moreover, molecular switchesconjugate the ability of target-sensing with the pharmacological silencing activity, preventing the overexpression of proteins responsible of pathological conditions. In addition, in cancer research, this innovative approach coupled with effective delivery systems has emerged to address the therapy mainly towards the tumor cells minimizing the non-specific toxicity.
