Lactoferrin conjugated radicicol nanoparticles enhanced drug delivery and cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1 (PDK1) plays a crucial role in cancer cell metabolism by regulating the glycolytic pathway. Although, inhibitors targeting PDK1 have been effective in inhibiting glycolysis in multiple cancers, their lack of selectivity leading to off-target effects limit their therapeutic benefit. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory potential of six PDK1 inhibitors on cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion of androgen-sensitive LNCaP and androgen-negative PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Of the six PDK1 inhibitors, radicicol and dicumarol significantly inhibited cellular proliferation and exhibited lower metabolic activity in both LNCaP and PC-3 metastatic prostate cancer cells. Radicicol was highly effective at lower concentration. Moreover, radicicol significantly inhibited migration and invasion in PC-3 cells. We then developed a lactoferrin nanoparticle (LF-NP) encapsulated with Radicicol (Ra-LF-NP), using a rotary evaporation method. Spheroid assays confirmed the higher inhibitory potential of Ra-LF-NP with a reduction in spheroid area by 80%, and invasiveness compared to radicicol alone. Lactoferrin receptors are overexpressed on the surface of many cancer cells, including prostate cancer. Conjugating radicicol with lactoferrin nanoparticles, potentially enhanced the specific uptake of the drug by prostate cancer cells while minimizing the off-target effects on healthy cells. This targeted therapy approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects. Our study demonstrated the potential of radicicol delivery by lactoferrin-conjugated nanoparticle as an efficient drug delivery strategy for prostate cancer treatment.