Vitamin D3 and K2-loaded keratin nanoparticles inhibit breast cancer cell growth via MCM-7 downregulation and ROS induction.

The overexpression of the MCM-7 gene, a key player in the minichromosomal maintenance complex critical for DNA replication initiation, is linked to various aggressive cancers. Despite MCM-7's importance in cancer therapy, its amino acid structure has only recently been elucidated, and no clinical trials with small molecular antagonists have been pursued. The present study highlights the anticancer potential of vitamins D2, D3, and K2-loaded keratin nanoparticles, exploring a novel approach to cancer treatment. We found that NPD3 and NPK2 have more anti-proliferative effects than NPD2 through rigorous in-vitro assays utilizing the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, known for MCM-7 overexpression. Mechanistically, NPD3 exerts its anticancer effect by downregulating MCM-7 protein expression, while NPK2 induces intracellular ROS generation. The study involves a nanocarrier system derived from human hair keratin, enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of these vitamins. These nanocarriers not only improve the anti-proliferative effects of the vitamins but also demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility and controlled drug release in response to pH changes. These findings propose a novel, commercially viable delivery system for water-insoluble vitamins, offering a promising therapeutic avenue against cancers with MCM-7 overexpression.