Engineering a modular FAP-targeting ferritin-based drug nanocarrier for enhanced glioblastoma theranostics.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor marked by diffuse infiltration, a complex microenvironment, and poor drug delivery due to the blood-brain barrier. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), widely expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), emerges as a promising yet underexploited target for drug delivery. Methods: Here, a modular ferritin-based drug carrier (FDC) functionalized with an optimized FAP-targeting ligand using site-specific sortase A-mediated ligation was developed. This approach ensures precise surface modification while preserving ferritin's structure and drug-loading capacity. Monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), a potent cytotoxin, is stably encapsulated to create a dual-targeting nanocarrier aimed at FAP and transferrin rec

SUBMITTER: Tseng YH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12905753 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature