Enhancement of the Cytotoxic Effect of Anticancer Agent by Cytochrome c Functionalised Hybrid Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Cancer Cells

cell death could be an ideal solution for controlling and reducing tumor volume [8]. Numerous proteins are involved in apoptosis and thus serve as both potential targets as well as therapeutic tools in cancer treatment. A crucial event during apoptosis is the release of intra-mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins into the cytosol, which marks the point of no return in the process [9]. One of the proteins translocated from the mitochondria to the cytosol is Cytochrome c (Cyt c), a 12.7 kDa protein that is also involved in the transport of electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, shuttling electrons between respiratory complex III and IV [10]. Following an apoptotic stimuli, Cyt c released from the mitochondria facilitates the assembly of the apoptosome which comprises of apoptosis activating factor 1 (Apaf-1), pro-caspase 9 and dATP and initiates the activation of the caspase cascade [11]. This mechanism can be exploited in practice by introducing Cyt c into tumor cells which can trigger apoptosis and lead to cell death. However, the intracellular targeting of proteins exhibits significant challenges and it requires the application of specific drug delivery systems.