Publisher: College of Chemistry and Materials Science  

Date: March 14, 2025  

Professors Ma Li and Chen Caifeng from the College of Chemistry and Materials Science at Jinan University have published significant findings in the journal Cell Biomaterials. Their study, titled Selenium electrophysiological center shuttles active electrons to boost mitochondrial electron leakage, introduces a novel approach for targeted tumor therapy by utilizing selenium electrophilic centers to selectively target tumor cells.

(Screenshot of the paper)

 Key Findings

Chemotherapy remains a primary treatment for malignant tumors; however, its efficacy is often compromised due to poor selectivity and associated side effects. In their research, the team has pioneered a strategy that intelligently responds to varying concentrations of active electrons within tumor and normal cells. By constructing selenium electrophilic centers, the method aims to enhance the selective killing of tumor cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

The research highlights the possibility of utilizing the high level of redox homeostasis resulting from the continuous proliferation of cancer cells as an opportunity for developing chemotherapeutic agents. Instead of simply mimicking the oxidative stress mechanism through Fenton reaction-like catalysts or inhibiting intracellular antioxidant systems, this study explores a different strategy: mimicking electron leakage in mitochondria to convert common antioxidant molecules—such as NADH and GSH—into reactive oxygen species (ROS).

 Innovative Approach

For the first time, the researchers employed strongly polarized selenium and sulfur atoms to create an electrophilic center capable of efficiently shuttling active electrons. This novel construction facilitates the rapid transfer of electrons through a radical intermediate, resulting in a sudden increase in electron leakage. Notably, the efficiency of this electron transfer is amplified by enhancing the polarization properties of the electrophilic center.

This innovative strategy not only offers a fresh perspective for the design of highly effective chemotherapy drugs but also provides theoretical guidance for chemists and drug developers in related structural designs. It holds the promise of advancing clinical treatment options for tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes significantly.

 Support and Collaborators

The research has received significant backing from various grants, including the National Outstanding Youth Project, National General Project, Postdoctoral Innovation Talent Support Program, and the Wang Kuancheng Education Fund. Co-first authors of the paper include doctoral students Wang Junping and Chen Mingkai from Jinan University.

Read the full paper: [Cell Biomaterials]

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050562325000017)