Selective eradication of cancer cells through intracellular ion concentration regulation without damaging healthy cells

NRF-supported achievement demonstrates YU research team’s world-class bio-technology capabilities

Research findings published in the prestigious international journal Nature Communications 

[January 22, 2025]

<From left: NGUYEN Bao Loc, researcher at the College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University; Professor KIM Jong-oh; and Professor KIM Jeong-hwan.>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professors KIM Jong-oh and KIM Jeong-hwan of the College of Pharmacy has developed an innovative nanotechnology-based immuno-oncological therapeutic strategy that selectively eliminates cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.

The research team focused on disrupting mechanisms related to calcium ion homeostasis, which plays a critical role in cell survival, to induce cancer cell death.Previous studies demonstrated that elevating sodium ion concentrations in conjunction with calcium ions could effectively trigger cancer cell apoptosis; however, the high solubility of sodium ions posed significant limitations in developing clinically injectable therapeutic agents.

To overcome these challenges, the team designed a novel nanoparticle platform that responds exclusively within the tumor microenvironment, enabling the simultaneous release of calcium and sodium ions while minimizing effects on normal tissues following systemic administration. Once the nanoparticles circulate through the bloodstream and selectively activate within tumor tissue, they induce intracellular ionic imbalance in cancer cells, triggering self-directed cancer cell death.

 Notably, the newly developed technology extends beyond direct cancer cell eradication by activating the body’s immune system, thereby amplifying anti-cancer efficacy. The researchers confirmed that the localized delivery of calcium and sodium ions within tumors enhances the anti-tumor activity of immune cells, presenting a new strategy to improve the effectiveness of existing immuno-oncological therapies.

 The research team stated, “This study demonstrates that a novel ion-regulation approach can simultaneously enhance the selectivity and safety of cancer treatment,” adding, “It holds strong potential for development into a next-generation nano-based anticancer therapy in combination with immunotherapy.”

 This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under the Basic Science Research Program, including grants for Global Leader Research, Biomedical Technology Development, Outstanding Young Researchers, and Leading Research Center programs.The findings were published in the latest online issue of the globally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications under the title “Binary mineral nanoparticles enable intravascular delivery of metal ions to tumors for metalloimmunotherapy.”