G4Redox · ‘Development of hypoxia-activated quadruplex DNA binders as potential cancer therapeutics’

‘Development of hypoxia-activated quadruplex DNA binders as potential cancer therapeutics’

Cancer is a major health concern and second leading cause of death worldwide. While significant progress has been made in treating cancer over the past few decades, there's still a critical need for better therapies that minimize side effects. Traditional cancer treatments target the DNA of cancer cells which often harms healthy cells too, leading to unwanted side effects. To address this challenge, ‘G4Redox’ focuses on developing "smart" compounds specifically targeting a unique structure in DNA called G-quadruplexes (G4), which are found in cancer cells during their growth process. Unlike normal DNA, these structures are more common in cancer cells. These compounds only become active in the hypoxic (having low oxygen) environments found in tumors, sparing healthy tissues. Once activated, these compounds not only attack the cancer cells by targeting their unique DNA structures but also release additional drugs that target other specific molecular targets that plays crucial role in cancer progression. This combination approach aims to create a more effective treatment, potentially overcoming the problem of cancer cells becoming resistant to one single drugs. This research is crucial for society because it aims to address the pressing need for more effective and targeted cancer therapies. By developing compounds that specifically target G4 DNA in tumor environments, the project seeks to minimize harm to healthy tissues while maximizing the efficacy of treatment. The overall objectives of the project include: • Designing hypoxia and redox-activated compounds capable of selectively binding to G4 DNA structures in cancer cells. • Evaluating the affinities towards different forms of DNA structures and topologies. • Evaluating the efficacy and specificity of these compounds against different forms of cancer to assess their potential as anticancer agents. Investigating the mechanisms underlying the activation and targeting of G4 DNA by the designed compounds. • Assessing the synergistic effects of combining G-quadruplex-targeting compounds with other cancer therapeutics to enhance treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this project aims to contribute to the development of novel cancer therapies that are more effective and less toxic. By harnessing the unique properties of G4 DNA and utilizing hypoxia and redox activation mechanisms, the research endeavors to advance the field of cancer treatment.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union