We report a kind of functional dendrisomes constructed by amphiphilic dendrimers, which enable to enhance cellular uptake by breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), to differentiate breast CSCs by carrying all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and to increase anticancer efficacy by carrying ATRA and docetaxel in vitro and in breast cancer-bearing mice. The study further reveals endocytosis mechanism, and uncovers differentiation mechanism by analyzing relevant signal molecules, transcription factors, and cell cycle associated signaling pathway. Hence, the present study offers a novel type of functional dendrisomes for differentiation therapy of breast CSCs, and has a significant clinical implication.
- Li-Min Mu
- Lei Liu
- Wan-Liang Lu