Studies from Hunan University Provide New Data on Apoptosis (G-quadruplex-based Artificial Transmembrane Channels Induce Cancer Cell Apoptosis By Perturbing Potassium Ion Homeostasis).

A study conducted at Hunan University in Changsha, People's Republic of China, has developed G-quadruplex-based potassium-specific transmembrane channels that induce cancer cell apoptosis by perturbing potassium ion homeostasis. The channels facilitate intracellular potassium efflux, disrupting cellular ion balance and leading to cancer cell death. The study demonstrates that these channels have high transport activity and ion selectivity, and they effectively purge cancer cells through potassium efflux-mediated apoptosis. The lipophilic G-quadruplex exhibits antitumor activity without systemic toxicity, making it a promising avenue for future anticancer therapy. [Extracted from the article]