LAT1-Acridine Drug Targeting In Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Faculty Mentor
Rebecca Kocerha
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biology
Abstract
LAT1-Acridine Drug Targeting in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Pancreatic cancer cells have high metabolic demands and commonly overexpress the L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1), which increases nutrient uptake to support rapid growth. Because LAT1 expression is increased across cancer types, it represents a potential target for selective drug delivery. In this study, acridine, a compound with well established cytotoxic and fluorescent properties, will be modified into a LAT1-transported drug. A pancreatic cancer cell line that represents an aggressive and metastatic form of the primary tumor, will be treated with conjugates and the impact on cell viability will be quantified with a commercially available colorimetric assay . Drug uptake and intracellular localization will be evaluated with confocal microscopy imaging. The LAT1-drugs are expected to demonstrate increased uptake and enhanced cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells compared to cells treated with an inactive derivative of the drug as well in cells of a non-cancerous origin , supporting the use of LAT1 as a strategy for selective therapeutic delivery.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Harris, Adelyn I., "LAT1-Acridine Drug Targeting In Pancreatic Cancer Cells" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 157.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/157
LAT1-Acridine Drug Targeting In Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Russell Union Ballroom
LAT1-Acridine Drug Targeting in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Pancreatic cancer cells have high metabolic demands and commonly overexpress the L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1), which increases nutrient uptake to support rapid growth. Because LAT1 expression is increased across cancer types, it represents a potential target for selective drug delivery. In this study, acridine, a compound with well established cytotoxic and fluorescent properties, will be modified into a LAT1-transported drug. A pancreatic cancer cell line that represents an aggressive and metastatic form of the primary tumor, will be treated with conjugates and the impact on cell viability will be quantified with a commercially available colorimetric assay . Drug uptake and intracellular localization will be evaluated with confocal microscopy imaging. The LAT1-drugs are expected to demonstrate increased uptake and enhanced cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells compared to cells treated with an inactive derivative of the drug as well in cells of a non-cancerous origin , supporting the use of LAT1 as a strategy for selective therapeutic delivery.
