Fig. 1
From: SapC-DOPS – a Phosphatidylserine-targeted Nanovesicle for selective Cancer therapy
Schematic figure depicting the mechanism of action of SapC-DOPS. Externalization of PS to the surface of cancer cells occurs through several pathways including oxidative stress, irradiation and chemotherapy. SapC-DOPS targets PS-rich membrane surfaces and induces cancer cell death by activating acid sphingomyelinase and increasing ceramide levels in the cell. This increase in ceramide levels induces cell death by (1) inducing lysosome membrane permeability and (2) inducing cytosolic release of Smac and Cyt C leading to caspase 9 cleavage and apoptosis