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Published on: May 22, 2017
[Preparation and in vitro targeting of follicle stimulating hormone polypeptide modified nanoparticles]
Xiao-yan Zhang1, Jun Chen, Xiao-ling Gao
1Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
Objective:
To prepare follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) polypeptide modified nanoparticles (NP) in order to achieve specific ovarian tumor targeting.
Methods:
Expression of FSH receptor protein in human liver cancer and ovarian cancer cell lines BEL-7402, SKOV-3 and Caov-3 was detected by immunocytochemistry. The polypeptide fragment of FSH beta 81-95 amino acids (FSHL81-95) was synthesized and covalently coupled to NP. The specific binding of FSHL81-95 and FSHL81-95-NP was examined by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
Results:
BEL-7402 and SKOV-3 cells were negative for FSH receptor staining, while Caov-3 cells were positive. The diameters of NP were about 100 nm, with a Zeta potential of -25 mV or so. Caov-3 cells showed a more specific interaction with FSHL81-95-NP than SKOV-3 cells (4.17 +/- 0.86 and 2.30 +/- 0.21; P < 0.05). The uptake of FSHL81-95-NP was more than NP in Caov-3 cells (4.17 +/- 0.86 and 0.41 +/- 0.32; P < 0.05). FSHL81-95-NP showed a selective targeting at Caov-3 cells compared with control NP.
Conclusion:
FSH polypeptide modified NP could selectively target ovarian cancer cells expressing FSH receptor, which might contribute to specific endocytosis mediated by FSH receptor.
Insights
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) modified nanoparticles selectively target ovarian cancer cells expressing the FSH receptor. This targeted approach may enhance drug delivery and treatment efficacy for ovarian tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Context:
- Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge with limited targeted treatment options.
- Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) is overexpressed in certain ovarian cancer subtypes.
- Developing targeted delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose:
- To synthesize and characterize follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) polypeptide-modified nanoparticles (NP) for targeted ovarian cancer therapy.
- To evaluate the specific binding and uptake of these modified nanoparticles in ovarian cancer cells expressing FSH receptors.
Summary:
- Immunocytochemistry confirmed FSH receptor expression in Caov-3 ovarian cancer cells but not in BEL-7402 or SKOV-3 cells.
- FSH polypeptide fragment (FSHL81-95) was synthesized and conjugated to approximately 100 nm nanoparticles.
- FSHL81-95-modified nanoparticles demonstrated significantly higher specific binding and cellular uptake in FSH receptor-positive Caov-3 cells compared to unmodified nanoparticles and FSH receptor-negative cells.
Impact:
- FSH polypeptide-modified nanoparticles show potential for selective targeting of ovarian cancer cells expressing FSH receptors.
- This targeted delivery system may facilitate receptor-mediated endocytosis, improving drug delivery efficiency.
- Further research could lead to novel targeted therapies for ovarian cancer, potentially reducing off-target effects.

