The application of photo-excited
dyes for treatment is known as
photodynamic therapy (
PDT).
PDT is known to target
GTPase proteins in cells, which are the key
proteins of diverse signalling cascades which ultimately modulate cell proliferation and death.
Cytoskeletal proteins play critical roles in maintaining cell integrity and cell division. Whereas, it was also observed that in neuronal cells
PDT modulated actin and
tubulin resulting in increased neurite growth and filopodia. Recent studies supported the role of
PDT in dissolving the extracellular
amyloid beta aggregates and intracellular Tau aggregates, which indicated the potential role of
PDT in neurodegeneration. The advancement in the field of
PDT led to its clinical approval in treatment of
cancers, brain tumour, and dermatological
acne. Although several question need to be answered for application of
PDT in neuronal cells, but the primary studies gave a hint that it can emerge as potential
therapy in neural cells.