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Title: Targeting endocytosis to sensitize cancer cells to programmed cell death
Evading programmed cell death (PCD) is a hallmark of cancer that allows tumor cells to survive and proliferate unchecked. Endocytosis, the process by which cells internalize extracellular materials, has emerged as a key regulator of cell death pathways in cancer. Many tumor types exhibit dysregulated endocytic dynamics that fuel their metabolic demands, promote resistance to cytotoxic therapies, and facilitate immune evasion. This review examines the roles of endocytosis in apoptotic resistance and immune escape mechanisms utilized by cancer cells. We highlight how inhibiting endocytosis can sensitize malignant cells to therapeutic agents and restore susceptibility to PCD. Strategies to modulate endocytosis for enhanced cancer treatment are discussed, including targeting endocytic regulatory proteins, altering membrane biophysical properties, and inhibiting Rho-associated kinases. While promising, challenges remain regarding the specificity and selectivity of endocytosis-targeting agents. Nonetheless, harnessing endocytic pathways represents an attractive approach to overcome apoptotic resistance and could yield more effective therapies by rendering cancer cells vulnerable to PCD. Understanding the interplay between endocytosis and PCD regulation is crucial for developing novel anticancer strategies that selectively induce tumor cell death.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1751113
PAR ID:
10570653
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
Portland Press
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Biochemical Society Transactions
Volume:
52
Issue:
4
ISSN:
0300-5127
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1703 to 1713
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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