Nutrient-transporter driven cytotoxic potential: an emerging nanotherapeutic approach

Malignant cells adapt a metabolic rewiring to maintain their growth and survival. The metabolic landscape is driven by various attributes including genetic mutations, c-Myc and Akt signaling. Moreover, the altered metabolism includes glycolytic flux and overexpressed transporters. Considering the vital role of metabolism in tumorigenesis, distinct transport inhibitors have been identified using in silico and in vitro methods. Unfortunately, the efficacy of such inhibitors has been obscured owing to poor specificity and pharmacokinetics. Given the versatility of nanosystems, research has inclined toward utilizing nanomedicines to target metabolic alterations. This review offers a comprehensive roadmap on recent advances in transporter-targeted nanotherapeutics for cancer management.