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Updated: May 18, 2026
Long-term Live-cell Imaging to Assess Cell Fate in Response to Paclitaxel
Published on: May 14, 2018
Effects of paclitaxel on EGFR endocytic trafficking revealed using quantum dot tracking in single cells
Hui Li1, Zhao-Wen Duan, Ping Xie
1Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapeutic drug, affects microtubule dynamics and influences endocytic trafficking. However, the mechanism and the dynamics of altered endocytic trafficking by paclitaxel treatment in single living cells still remain elusive. By labeling quantum dots (QDs) to the epidermal growth factor (EGF), we continuously tracked the endocytosis and post-endocytic trafficking of EGF receptors (EGFRs) in A549 cells for a long time interval. A single-cell analysis method was introduced to quantitatively study the dynamics of endocytic trafficking. Compared with the control cells, the velocity of directed motion was reduced by 30% due to the suppression of high speed movements of EGF-QDs along the microtubules in PTX-treated cells. The endocytic trafficking in PTX-treated cells was mainly via super-diffusive mode of motion, whereas in control cells, it was mostly via sub-diffusive mode of motion. Moreover, PTX shortened endosomal trafficking and prevented EGF-QDs from moving to the perinuclear area via the rapid delivery of EGF-QDs into the peripheral lysosomes. The present study may shed light on the mechanism of the effect of PTX on the treatment of lung cancer.
Insights
Paclitaxel (PTX) alters how lung cancer cells internalize growth factors, slowing their movement and directing them to peripheral lysosomes. This study reveals PTX
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapy drug impacting microtubule dynamics and endocytic trafficking.
- The specific mechanisms and dynamics of PTX-induced endocytic trafficking alterations in single cells are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively investigate the dynamics of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) endocytosis and trafficking in A549 cells treated with PTX.
- To elucidate the single-cell level mechanisms by which PTX affects endocytic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quantum dots (QDs) labeled to EGF to track EGFR endocytosis and post-endocytic trafficking in real-time within single living A549 cells.
- Employed a single-cell analysis method for quantitative assessment of endocytic trafficking dynamics over extended periods.
Main Results:
- PTX treatment significantly reduced the velocity of directed motion (by 30%) by suppressing high-speed movements along microtubules.
- Endocytic trafficking in PTX-treated cells exhibited super-diffusive motion, contrasting with the sub-diffusive motion observed in control cells.
- PTX shortened endosomal trafficking, leading to peripheral lysosomal delivery and preventing perinuclear accumulation of EGF-QDs.
Conclusions:
- Paclitaxel alters intracellular trafficking dynamics of EGFR, shifting from sub-diffusive to super-diffusive motion.
- PTX promotes peripheral lysosomal degradation of internalized EGF, potentially contributing to its efficacy in lung cancer treatment.
