Cover Feature: A Biotinylated and Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Targeted Glutathione‐Responsive Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy (Chem. Asian J. 22/2018). Issue 22 (26th October 2018) - Yu, Ligang
Abstract : A biotinylated and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeted glutathione (GSH)‐responsive zinc(II) phthalocyanine was developed for targeted photodynamic therapy. With a quenching moiety, the fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation of the phthalocyanine are quenched in its intact state. Upon exposure to a high concentration of GSH, its photosensitizing properties could be restored in phosphate‐buffered saline and inside tumor cells. In addition, the conjugate exhibited higher cellular uptake in biotin receptor‐positive cancer cells and induced potent cytotoxicity upon irradiation. It could cause ER stress after light irradiation, as reflected by the increased level of intracellular Ca 2+, GRP78, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) protein markers. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Wing‐Ping Fong, Pui‐Chi Lo et al. onpage 3509 in Issue 22, 2018 (DOI:10.1002/asia.201800852 ).