Lysosomal and mitochondrial permeabilization mediates zinc(II) cationic phthalocyanine phototoxicity

- We studied the mechanism of antitumor action of the cationic phthalocyanine Pc13.
- Pc13 induced ROS production and the early permeabilization of lysosomal membrane.
- Lysosome disruption was followed by activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
- A caspase-dependent apoptotic response was triggered downstream mitochondria damage.
- A model of Pc13-induced apoptotic pathway in KB cells is proposed.