Evidence mapPaperPMID 41933429Full record

ArticleBMC pharmacology & toxicology2026

iRGD-functionalized PLGA nanocomplex co-loaded with paclitaxel and Trametes robiniophila Murr for targeted inhibition of chemoresistant and metastatic signaling gene PDCD4 in colon cancer.

Li Li, Ying Liu, Xiao Wei, Rui Li, Wang Shuan, Mei Yan, Qun Zhang

Abstract read
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Article in BMC pharmacology & toxicology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Li Li *The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China. dor.lily@outlook.com.
Ying Liu *The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
Xiao Wei *Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
Rui LiCollege of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
Wang ShuanDepartment of Nutrition, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
Mei YanDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China. 18724026094@163.com.
Qun ZhangThe Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China. icy520316@126.com.

Funding

Aid Project of Jiangsu Ningai Medical Development & Medical Aid Foundation Funding Number: NDYGN2024026Project of Institute of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University Funding Number: ICM2024010
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMetastasis and chemoresistance remain key challenges in colon tumor management. Integrating transcriptomic screening with molecular modeling may reveal actionable therapeutic targets for rational nanocomplex design.

methodsTranscriptomic datasets GSE44076 (n = 98) and GSE253699 (n = 6) were analyzed using limma (adjusted p < 0.05, |log₂FC| > 1). Differentially expressed genes were intersected with curated metastasis and chemoresistance panels which resulted in 18 overlapping targets. Hub genes were identified via STRING and Cytoscape-BiNGO, and prognostic analysis using KMplotter highlighted PDCD4 and CCND1 as favorable markers. A PTX-TP@PLGA-iRGD nanocomplex was designed by co-encapsulating paclitaxel and Trametes robiniophila Murr-derived metabolites within a PLGA matrix functionalized with iRGD. Nanocomplexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and HPLC for size, stability, and drug encapsulation. Functional validation included docking, 50 ns MD simulations, in vitro cytotoxicity uptake, and target engagement assays.

resultsPDCD4 and CCND1 emerged as convergence nodes, with PDCD4 showing stage-wise downregulation (p = 0.014) and positive correlation with immune infiltration. The nanocomplex exhibited a uniform particle size (~ 165 nm, PDI 0.12), and encapsulation efficiency > 75%. In vitro, PTX-TP@PLGA-iRGD demonstrated superior cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ ≈ 4.5 nM in HCT116; 6.5 nM in HT-29) compared to PTX-TP@PLGA and free PTX. Cellular uptake increased ~ 2.8-2.9× with iRGD modification, confirming receptor-mediated endocytosis. Clonogenic assays showed the lowest surviving fraction (~ 22-28%), and PDCD4 expression was upregulated (~ 2.2-fold HCT116; ~1.9-fold HT-29) following treatment. Docking revealed strong PDCD4-ligand affinities (- 6.0 to - 9.6 kcal/mol), and MD trajectories were stable (RMSD 4-6.5 Å; Rg 25-26.5 Å).

conclusionThe study identifies PDCD4 as a key therapeutic target and demonstrates that the PTX-TP@PLGA-iRGD nanocomplex enhances drug potency, selectivity and molecular engagement. This study offers a promising strategy to overcome metastasis and chemoresistance in colon cancer. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Antineoplastic Agents, PhytogenicApoptosis Regulatory ProteinsColonic NeoplasmsPaclitaxelRNA-Binding ProteinsCell Line, TumorCyclin D1Drug Resistance, NeoplasmHumansNanoparticlesOligopeptidesPolylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid CopolymerAntineoplastic Agents, PhytogenicApoptosis Regulatory ProteinsCCND1 protein, humanCyclin D1N-end cysteine peptide tumor-homing peptideOligopeptidesPaclitaxelPDCD4 protein, humanPolylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid CopolymerRNA-Binding ProteinsCCND1Colon tumorMolecular dockingPDCD4PTX–TP@PLGA–iRGD nanocomplexTranscriptomic integration

Identifiers

PMID41933429
PMCPMC13173983

What Socratic holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.