Cervix Cancer HeLa Cells Research Articles

Knockdown of death receptor 5 antisense long noncoding RNA and cisplatin treatment modulate similar macromolecular and metabolic changes in HeLa cells.

Despite great progress in complex gene regulatory mechanisms in the dynamic tumor microenvironment, the potential contribution of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to cancer cell metabolism is poorly understood. Death receptor 5 antisense (DR5-AS) is a cisplatin inducible lncRNA whose knockdown modulates cell morphology. However, its effect on cell metabolism is unknown. The aim of this study is to examine metabolic changes modulated by cisplatin and DR5-AS lncRNA in HeLa cells. We used cisplatin as a universal cancer therapeutic drug to modulate metabolic changes in HeLa cervix cancer cells. We then examined the extent of metabolic changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We also performed transcriptomics analyses by generating new RNA-seq data with total RNAs isolated from cisplatin-treated HeLa cells. Then, we compared cisplatin-mediated transcriptomics and macromolecular changes with those mediated by DR5-AS knockdown. Cisplatin treatment caused changes in the unsaturated fatty acid and lipid-to-protein ratios and the glycogen content. These observations in altered cellular metabolism were supported by transcriptomics analyses. FTIR spectroscopy analyses have revealed that DR5-AS knockdown causes a 20.9% elevation in the lipid/protein ratio and a 76.6% decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, we detected a 3.42% increase in the chain length of the aliphatic lipids, a higher content of RNA, and a lower amount of glycogen indicating relatively lower metabolic activity in the DR5-AS knockdown HeLa cells. Interestingly, we observed a similar gene expression pattern under cisplatin treatment and DR5-AS knockdown HeLa cells. These results suggest that DR5-AS lncRNA appears to account for a fraction of cisplatin-mediated macromolecular and metabolic changes in HeLa cervix cancer cells.

Apoptosis induction in HeLa cervical cancer cell line by steroidal 16,17-seco-16,17a-dinitriles

Steroids are good candidates for drug development, thanks to their low general toxicity and possibility for structure modifications connected with change of their activity. Several 16,17-secoandrost-4-ene-16,17a-dinitrile compounds were synthesized and screened for anticancer effect previously, including 6-oxo and 6-hydroxyimino compounds. This research is continued with the attempts for different synthetic strategy and evaluation of anticancer effect mechanism. Synthesis of 3-hydroxyimino compounds was successful, but inseparable mix of isomers was excluded from biological tests. Tested secodinitriles expressed cytotoxic effect on HeLa cervix cancer cells as a model system, with submicromolar to molar IC50 values, where 6-substituted derivatives were more effective. After 72 h treatment with equitoxic concentrations equal IC50 values of test compounds the mechanism of this effect was studied using flow cytometry and specific fluorescent dyes. Modest change in both G0/G1 and G2/M resting phases and change in mitochondrial membrane potential were noticed, while the most pronounced effect was apoptosis induction. Total apoptosis was in range 50.72?58.31 % in all cell samples treated with secodinitriles, compared to 7.44 % in control samples. Total percent of dead cells, including both apoptotic and necrotic, ranged from 55.24 to 65.34 %, compared to 10.68 % in control. Selectivity towards cancer cells is very important feature of these compounds indicating their potential use as lead compounds in the drug development for the treatment of cancers of steroid hormone-dependent tissues.

Evaluation of Achillea millefolium essential oil compounds and biological effects on cervix cancer HeLa cell line

Abstract Yarrow essential oil is used in complementary and alternative therapy for several diseases. Biological effects of essential oils span various cells and microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of the essential oil obtained from the yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) on HeLa (CCL-2) cells. The components of the essential oil were studied by means of GC-MS analysis. Out of 10 determined compounds in the essential oil; 1,8-Cineole, Camphor, Beta-eudesmol and Camphene were found to be higher than others; and their biological effects were depicted with Ingeniuty Pathway Analysis (IPA) analysis. Moreover, cell cycle and proliferation tests were conducted on HeLa cells where yarrow plant’s essential oil was used. When extracted yarrow oil applied on HeLA Cells, apoptotic effects had been determined, furthermore proliferation of these cells decreased. In addition, activation of cell cycle control points was observed . Essential oil components could arrest the development of HeLa cells due to induction of cellular damage control mechanisms. In conclusion, we propose that the essential oil had a more repressive effect on HeLa cells, decreases their proliferation and prevented the increase in the number of cells.

The biological performance of purified supercoiled p53 plasmid DNA in different cancer cell lines

Abstract Tumor suppressor p53 remains one of the most interesting therapeutic targets in cancer gene therapy due to its consistent mutation in numerous cancers. Thus, the reinstatement of the p53 expression and function can be seen as an effective alternative for cancer treatment, motivating research in this field. In this study, l -methionine matrix was used to purify the supercoiled topoisoform of a plasmid DNA encoding the p53 protein. This pure biopharmaceutical was conjugated with liposomes to comprehensively analyze its in vitro performance and therapeutic potential in different cancer cell lines, including the lung and cervix models. A different profile of cellular responses was attained after the transfection of these cancer cell lines with the p53-pDNA. Actually, the in vitro transfection with pure sc p53-pDNA resulted in a higher expression of the tumor suppressor protein in cancer cells when compared with the native pDNA samples (oc + sc topoisoforms). Also, wild-type p53 expression following transfection was significantly higher in HeLa cervix cancer cells compared to that obtained in A549 lung cancer cells. Overall, our findings emphasize the potential of sc pDNA gene-based therapy, also raising awareness of the need to adjust the therapeutics, considering the feature of high heterogeneity of cancer cells.

CXCL5, the upregulated chemokine in patients with uterine cervix cancer, in vivo and in vitro contributes to oncogenic potential of Hela uterine cervix cancer cells

CXCL5 is showed a surprisingly elevated profile and implicated in tumorigenesis in several tumors. However, the expression and function of CXCL5 in uterine cervix cancer (UCC) remain largely unknown. The current study aimed to elucidate the expression pattern of CXCL5 in human UCC tissues and Hela cervix cancer cell, as well as its functions in Hela cells. Our data showed that CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2 were expressed by Hela uterine cervix cancer cells. CXCL5 was upregulated in UCC tissues, and its overexpression was positively correlated with age, but did not correlate with clinical stages and tumor infiltration. Exogenous administration of CXCL5 and CXCL5 overexpression contributed to proliferation and migration activities of Hela cells in vitro, consistent with this, CXCL5 overexpression also promoted growth of Hela cells in a nude mouse xenograft model. At the gene level, CXCL5 overexpression regulated the expression of tumor-related genes including ERK, p-ERK, AKT, p-AKT, DIABOL, NUMB, NDRG3 and CXCR2. Taken together, CXCL5 may contribute to a dominant role in UCC progression and sever as a potential molecular therapeutic target for UCC.

Induction of Apoptotic Cell Death on Human Cervix Cancer HeLa cells by Extract from Loranthus yadoriki

Loranthus yadoriki, one of the Korean mistletoe species, has been already known for anti-viral effects, but the molecular basis that it caused apoptosis in cancer cells was not definitely revealed yet. The aim of this study was to estimate the mechanisms of apoptotic cell death of the extract from Loranthus yadoriki (named as ELY) in human cervix HeLa cells. We identified that ELY prevented the proliferation of HeLa cells between 50 and 300 μg/mL which did not affect non-cancerous HaCaT cells. In addition, ELY induced a morphological change and nucleus disruption as well as an accumulation of sub-G1 phase in HeLa cells. The mechanism study, by using western blot analysis, showed that the phosphorylation of Fas-associated death domain (FADD), Bim and Bak was up-regulated by ELY treatment. Furthermore, the expression of cytochrome c and Apaf-1 was increased by ELY treatment. In immunofluorescence staining, the increased intensity of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP was also observed under ELY treatment. Sequentially, the caspase cascade was activated by ELY from caspase-8 to caspase-3 and from caspase-9 to caspase-3, in both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. The results of this study demonstrate that ELY has anti-cancer effects on human cervix cancer HeLa cells via caspase cascade in apoptotic signaling pathways.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Caesalpinia sappan L. Enhances Cisplatin’s Cytotoxicity on HeLa Cells via G1 and S Arrest through p53 Expression

Cisplatin (cisp) is the first line chemotherapeutic agent for several cancer diseases which can cause significant side effects and cellular resistance. Combination-chemotherapy treatment (co-chemotherapy) was reported to be able to reduce cisp effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxic activity of ethyl acetate fraction of C. sappan (EFC) in combination with cisp by observing apoptosis induction and cell cycle profile. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were performed using flow cytometry and p53 expression was analyzed using immunocytochemistry. EFC performed cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells by showing morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, rounding and decreasing of cells viability in concentration dependent manner, giving IC50 value of 65 μg/mL. Combination of EFC and cisp in low concentration decreased cell viability into 36.86%. Further assay indicated that this combination caused redistribution of cell cycle arrest in G1 and S phases through p53 stabilization in nucleus. However, that mechanism was not followed by apoptosis. These results provide evidence to support EFC development as the enhancer of cisp effect, by improving its cytotoxicity on HeLa cells. EFC increases HeLa cells sensitivity to cisp through G1 and S cells’ arrest depending on p53 expression. Key words: co-chemotherapy, EFC, cervix cancer HeLa cells, p53, G1 and S arrest.

Anti-tumor effects of Abnormal Savda Munziq on the transplanted cervical cancer (U27) mouse model.

BackgroundAbnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional uyghur medicine, has shown anti-tumour properties in vitro. it was showed that total flavonoids of ASMq could inhibit the proliferation and enhance the antioxidant ability of human cervix cancer HeLa cell. This study attempts to confirm these effects on the transplanted cervical cancer (U27) mouse model in vivo.MethodsForty eight Kunming mice were randomly divided in to six groups: normal control group (Control group), U27 tumor model group (Model group), cyclophosphamide administration group (CTX group),low-dose ASMq group (ASMq.L group), medium-dose ASMq group (ASMq.M group), and high-dose ASMq group (ASMq.H group). The five groups except normal control group transplanted with cervical cancer (U27) cells. We observed mice tumor inhibition rate and conducted the histopathological analysisUsing the western blot assay, the expression of TGF-β1 and TNF-α protein in transplanted cervical cancer U27 tumor tissue were detected.ResultsThe tumor inhibition rates of CTX group, ASMq.L group, ASMq.M group, and ASMq.H group were 72.21, 31.27, 60.53 and 51.94% respectively, has obvious antitumor effect. ASMq significantly promote the spleen tlymphocyte proliferation of transplanted cervical cancer U27 mice. Invasive growth and diffusion rate in tumor tissue were accelerate in the transplanted cervical cancer U27 model group. Tumor tissue necrosis of tumor cells are smaller in the medium, high dosage group. Compared with the U27 model group, the expression levels of TGF-β1 protein and TNF-α protein expression exhibited statistically significant decreased in the mice tumor tissues in the CTX administration group and the ASMq administration group.ConclusionsASMq has some antitumor effects on U27 model mice in vivo, The effects are achieved not only by improving the immune function of U27 model mice, but also by inhibiting the expression levels of TGF-β1 protein while promoting the expression levels of TNF-α protein.

Bag-1L is a stress-withstand molecule prevents the downregulation of Mcl-1 and c-Raf under control of heat shock proteins in cisplatin treated HeLa cervix cancer cells.

Cisplatin, a DNA damaging agent, induces apoptosis through increasing DNA fragmentation. However, identification of intrinsic resistance molecules against Cisplatin is vital to estimate the success of therapy. Bag-1 (Bcl-2-associated anthanogene) is one anti-apoptotic protein involved in drug resistance impacting on therapeutic efficiency. Elevated levels of this protein are related with increase cell proliferation rates, motility and also cancer development. For this reason, we aimed to understand the role of Bag-1 expression in Cisplatin- induced apoptosis in HeLa cervix cancer cells. Cisplatin decreased cell viability in time- and dose-dependent manner in wt and Bag-1L+HeLa cells. Although, 10 μM Cisplatin treatment induced cell death within 24h by activating caspases in wt cells, Bag-1L stable transfection protected cells against Cisplatin treatment. To assess the potential protective role of Bag-1, we first checked the expression profile of interacting anti-apoptotic partners of Bag-1. We found that forced Bag-1L expression prevented Cisplatin-induced apoptosis through acting on Mcl-1 expression, which was reduced after Cisplatin treatment in wt HeLa cells. This mechanism was also supported by the regulation of heat shock protein (Hsp) family members, Hsp90 and Hsp40, which were involved in the regulation Bag-1 interactome including several anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and c-Raf.

Glutathione-sensitive nanoplatform for monitored intracellular delivery and controlled release of Camptothecin

We report the design, synthesis, characterization and in vitro testing of a novel nanodrug based on a covalent linking model that allows intracellular controlled release of the pharmaceutical payload. A new synthetic strategy is implemented by direct coupling of as-synthesized (pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)alkyl carbonate derivatives of camptothecin (CPT) with thiol groups of silica hybrid nanoparticles containing a non-porous core and a mesoporous shell. Upon reaction with thiols in physiological conditions, disulfide bridge cleavage occurs, releasing the naked drug after an intramolecular cyclization mechanism. Additional incorporation of a fluorophore into particles core facilitates imaging at the subcellular level for the monitoring of uptake and delivery. Confocal microscopy experiments in HeLa cervix cancer cells confirms that nanoparticles enter the cells by endocytosis but are able to escape from endo-lysosomes and enter the cytosolic compartment to release their cargo. The incorporation to cells of L-buthionine-sulfoximine, a glutathione inhibitor allows concluding that the intracellular releasing mechanism is mainly driven by the reducing activity of this tripeptide. This camptothecin nanoplatform shows the same cytotoxic activity than the free drug and is clearly superior to those release systems depending on enzymatic hydrolysis (as determined by calculation of the IC50 ratios).

Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of <i>N</i><sup>3</sup>,<i>N</i><sup>11</sup>-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-14-aryl-14<i>H</i>-dibenzo[<i>a</i>,<i>j</i>]xanthenes-3,11-dicarboxamide

A series of novel N(3),N(11)-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes-3,11-dicarboxamide, three N(3),N(11)-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthene-3,11-dimethanamine derivatives and their intermediates 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes-3,11-dicarboxylic acid, were synthesized, and the structures of which were characterized by (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR, high resolution (HR)-MS, and IR spectra. The antitumor activities of these molecules were evaluated on five cancer cell lines. The results of in vitro assay against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (SK-HEP-1 and HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells), acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells and uterine cervix cancer HeLa cells, show several compounds to be endowed with cytotoxicity in micromolar to submicromolar range. The carboxamide derivatives 6c and 6e exhibitted good inhibition on NB4 cancer cells, and the IC(50) values of which were 0.82 µM and 0.96 µM, respectively, much lower than 5.01 µM of the positive control As(2)O(3). Flow cytometric analysis results revealed that compounds 6e and 6f may induce tumor cell apoptosis.

Steroidal saponins from Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk

Five new steroidal saponins, Pallidifloside D (1), Pallidifloside E (2), Pallidifloside G (5), Pallidifloside H (6) and Pallidifloside I (7), together with seven other steroidal saponins (3, 4, 8–12) were isolated from the dry bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk. Their structures were established by spectroscopic techniques (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR) and chemical means. The isolated steroidal saponins were evaluated for cyotoxic activity against human C6 brain gliomas and Hela cervix cancer cell lines using MTT assays. Compounds 1, 10, 11, 12 showed cytotoxicity against C6 and Hela cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 5.1–75.8μM.

Geometrical confinement of quantum dots in porous nanobeads with ultraefficient fluorescence for cell-specific targeting and bioimaging

In this study, a new imaging mesoporous nanoparticle is reported with exceptionally efficient and stable fluorescence emission, which was constructed by embedding and stabilizing quantum dots (QDs) of different sizes into porous nanobeads, following a lipid-PEG2000-COOH coating which was further encoded with cRGD targeting peptide through biotin–streptavidin bridges. The mesopores had ∼10 nm diameter, were chemically modified, and facilitated internalization and stabilization of the QDs within the nanobeads upon the preparation protocol. Their outstanding optical contrasts render the highly fluorescent QDs as ideal fluorophores for wavelength-and-intensity multiplex color coding. The QDs tagged nanobeads showed optically strong and chemically stable imaging capability, both in vitro and in vivo, indicating powerful contrast modality among other alternatives. The cRGD-encoded lipid coated QDs tagged nanobeads (cRGD-encoded LQNBs) exhibited significantly increased αvβ3-expressing cell targeting toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells over the αvβ3-low expressing in HeLa cervix cancer cells, as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. In MCF-7 xenograft nude mice, the cRGD-encoded LQNBs revealed prolonged accumulation time at the tumor site. In addition, the QNBs also demonstrated relatively high cell viability as compared to 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-functionalized QDs, indicating a successful design of highly-cytocompatible nanoparticulate platform capable of providing cell-specific targeting and nano-imaging modalities for biomedical applications.

Properties of Surfactin C‐15 Nanopeptide and Its Cytotoxic Effect on Human Cervix Cancer (HeLa) Cell Line

Surfactin is one of the most powerful biosurfactants that has been known so far. It is an acidic cyclic nonribosomal lipoheptapeptide that is produced by Bacillus subtilis. In this presentation we investigated different properties of surfactin C‐15. The nanomicelle forming ability of surfactin C‐15 in different aqueous environments with various ionic strengths was studied by scanning electron microscope. Surfactin second structure was investigated by Far‐UV CD spectrum. Its hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity were measured by hemolysis and MTT assays, respectively. Surfactin formed spherical nanomicelles in distilled water (pH = 7.4) and amorphous nanomicelles in PBS buffer (pH = 7.4). The hemolysis assay results indicated that HC50 of surfactin was 47 μM. Surfactin C‐15 arrested growth of human cervix cancer HeLa cell line in a time‐ and dosage‐dependent method, so that its IC50 at 16, 24, and 48h were 86.9, 73.1, and 50.2 μM, respectively.

Denbinobin, a phenanthrene from dendrobium nobile, inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis in SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells

Dendrobium nobile is widely used as an analgesic, an antipyretic, and a tonic to nourish the stomach in traditional medicine. Mounting evidence suggests an antitumor activity of denbinobin, a major phenanthrene isolated from stems of Dendrobium nobile. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of denbinobin on the invasive ability of human cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of denbonobin was examined in several human cancer cell lines including SK-Hep-1 hepato-carcinoma cells, SNU-484 gastric cancer cells, and HeLa cervix cancer cells. Because SNU-484 cells showed the lowest IC50 value, we examined the effect of denbinobin on the invasive ability of SNU-484 cells. The present study revealed, for the first time, that denbinobin inhibits the invasive phenotype of SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were significantly decreased by denbinobin, suggesting that MMP-2/-9 may be responsible for the anti-invasive activity of denbinobin. We also provide evidence that denbinobin induces apoptosis through down-regulation of Bcl-2 and an up-regulation of Bax. Taken together, this study demonstrates that denbinobin inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis in highly invasive SNU-484 human gastric cancer cells. Given that gastric cancer has been estimated to be one of the most common causes of cancer-related death among Asians and the major cause of death from gastric cancer is the metastatic spread of the disease, our findings may provide useful information regarding the application of denbinobin as a chemopreventive agent that could prevent or alleviate metastatic gastric cancer.

Construction of recombinant adenoviruses carrying p50 and Its effect on Hela cells

Objective To construct recombinant adenovirus carrying p50PIK gene and examine the effect on cervix cancer Hela cell lines after transfection with Ad-p50PIK. Methods p50PIK cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with the template PcDNA3. 1-p50PIK, then cloned into the shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-CMV. The plasmid pAdTrackCMV-p50 was linearized by PmeI, followed by homologous recombination with bone plasmid pAdEasy-1 in BJ5183, then identified by enzyme digestion.After linearized by PacI and transfection into HEK293 cells, recombinant adenovirus Ad-p50PIK were obtained in HEK293 cells then amplified by 3 circles. The green fluorescence in HEK293 cells was observed.Ad-p50PIK was transfected into Hela cells. The phosphorylation of Akt was detected by Western blotting.Results After double restriction enzyme digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis of The Ad-p50PIK-GFP,the 1400 bp purpose band was sequenced, Results was exactly the same with the sequence GeneBank had reported,indicating that the recombinant adenovirus Ad-p50PIK-GFP were successfully constructed; Then transfected into HEK293 cells, green fluorescence shows that Ad-p50PIK-GFP in HEK293 packaging cells successfully expressed; by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was used to detect p50 on Akt phosphorylation, the Results show that high expression of p50 protein significantly increased AKT's Phosphorylated (Thr308).Conclusion Recombinant adenovirus Ad-p50PIK had been successfully constructed. Overexpression of p50PIK in Hela cell lines can promote phosphorylation of AKT. Key words: p50PIK; Recombinant adenovirus; Hela cells; p-AKT

Rhein Lysinate Induced S-Phase Arrest and Increased the Anti-Tumor Activity of 5-FU in HeLa Cells

Rhein lysinate (RHL), easily dissolved in water, is one of the anthraquinones, and has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in different human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we observed that RHL could cause vacuolar degeneration in HeLa cells, which was not observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and other cell lines (SKOV-3 and SK-BR-3). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-tumor effect of rhein lysinate on human cervix cancer HeLa cells. The results indicated that RHL could induce HeLa cell S-phase arrest and RHL (higher than 80 μM) also induced HeLa cell G2/M-phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the HeLa cells, RHL induced HUVECs G1-phase arrest at all dose levels tested in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with RHL led to a significant S or G2/M-phase arrest through promoting the expression of p53 and p21 and the phosphorylation of p53. Moreover, 80 μM RHL could increase 5-FU anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, RHL could be a novel chemotherapeutic drug candidate for the treatment of human cervix cancer in the future.

Three Cry Toxins in Two Types fromBacillus thuringiensisStrain M019 Preferentially Kill Human Hepatocyte Cancer and Uterus Cervix Cancer Cells

Bacillus thuringiensis strain M019, non-pathogenic to lepidopteran and dipteran insects, produces a parasporal inclusion that consists of three 84-kDa Cry proteins (CPs). CP78A and CP78B, which exhibit 83.5% amino acid identity, were new variants of the previously reported HeLa cell-killing protein (parasporin-1). CP84 was a novel CP showing low-level homology, of 21.9% (56.4% similarity), with the insecticidal Cry2 toxin. In vitro solubilization with dithiothreitol at pH 10.2 and limited hydrolysis with trypsin resulted in the removal of N-terminal portions of the CPs and their activation. The 70-kDa proteins (15- and 55-kDa fragments) from CP78A and CP78B and the 73-kDa protein (14- and 59-kDa fragments) from CP84 exhibited varying degrees of cytocidal activity preferentially toward human hepatocyte cancer HepG2 cells and uterus cervix cancer HeLa cells causing cell swelling or the formation of vacuoles in the cytoplasm. These toxins appeared to attack an identical target on human cells.

Comparative efficiencies of photothermal destruction of malignant cells usingantibody-coated silica@Au nanoshells, hollow Au/Ag nanospheres and Au nanorods

Three Au-based nanomaterials (silica@Au nanoshells, hollow Au/Ag nanospheres andAu nanorods) were evaluated for their comparative photothermal efficiencies atkilling three types of malignant cells (A549 lung cancer cells, HeLa cervix cancercells and TCC bladder cancer cells) using a CW NIR laser. Photodestructiveefficiency was evaluated as a function of the number of nanoparticles required todestroy the cancer cells under 808 nm laser wavelength at fixed laser power. Ofthe three nanomaterials, silica@Au nanoshells needed the minimum number ofparticles to produce effective photodestruction, whereas Au nanorods neededthe largest number of particles. Together with the calculated photothermalconversion efficiency, the photothermal efficiency rankings are silica@Au nanoshells > hollow Au/Agnanospheres > Au nanorods. Additionally, we found that HeLa cells seem to present better heat tolerancethan the other two cancer cell lines.

Impact of roscovitine, a selective CDK inhibitor, on cancer cells: bi-functionality increases its therapeutic potential.

Increased expression and activity of proteins driving cell cycle progression as well as inactivation of endogenous inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) enhance the proliferative potential of cells. Escape of cells during malignant transformation from the proper cell cycle control rendering them independent from growth factors provides rationale for therapeutic targeting of CDKs. Exposure of rapidly growing human MCF-7 breast cancer and HeLa cervix cancer cells to roscovitine (ROSC), a selective inhibitor of CDKs, inhibits their proliferation by induction of cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. The outcome strongly depends on the intrinsic traits of the tumor cells, on their cell cycle status prior to the onset of treatment and also on ROSC concentration. At lower dose ROSC primarily inhibits the cell cycle-related CDKs resulting in a strong cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, ROSC arrests asynchronously growing cells at the G(2)/M transition irrespective of the status of their restriction checkpoint. However, the exposure of cancer cells synchronized after serum starvation in the late G(1) phase results in a transient G(1) arrest only in cells displaying the intact G(1)/S checkpoint. At higher dosage ROSC triggers apoptosis. In HeLa cells inhibition of the activity of CDK7 and, in consequence, that of RNA polymerase II is a major event that facilitates the initiation of caspase-dependent apoptosis. In contrast, in the caspase-3-deficient MCF-7 breast cancer cells ROSC induces apoptosis by a p53-dependent pathway. HIPK2-mediated activation of the p53 transcription factor by phosphorylation at Ser46 results in upregulation of p53AIP1 protein. This protein after de novo synthesis and translocation into the mitochondria promotes depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane.