Ferritin-based nanocarrier delivery of KRAS G12D inhibitor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and patient-derived organoids: A novel approach for treatment

Protein Sci. 2026 Feb;35(2):e70444. doi: 10.1002/pro.70444.

Abstract

Activating KRAS mutations, particularly G12 variants, are key drivers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and other cancers. While KRAS was historically considered undruggable, mutant-specific inhibitors, including non-covalent KRAS G12D inhibitor MRTX1133, have emerged. However, efficacy and resistance remain challenges. We utilized a stimuli-sensitive, ferritin-derived nanomedicine platform to encapsulate high concentrations of MRTX1133, aiming for targeted delivery of the drug to KRAS-mutated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. This platform, designed for enhanced biodistribution and reduced off-target effects, achieved a major efficacy over free MRTX1133 in 2D models regarding cell proliferation and KRAS inhibition pathway and, in 3D spheroid models, specifically concerning cell death. Efficacy in patient-derived organoids was comparable. This study demonstrates the potential of this nanomedicine platform for targeted delivery of KRAS mutant-specific inhibitors to human tumors.

Keywords: KRAS G12D; MRTX1133; ferritin‐based nanocarrier; pancreatic adenocarcinoma; patient‐derived organoids.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma* / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma* / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers* / chemistry
  • Ferritins* / chemistry
  • Ferritins* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Organoids* / drug effects
  • Organoids* / metabolism
  • Organoids* / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)* / metabolism

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
  • KRAS protein, human
  • Ferritins
  • Drug Carriers
  • Antineoplastic Agents